TOTD - The Besnard Lakes - 'People of the Sticks'

Photo Credit: The Besnard Lakes

It has been three long years, but The Besnard Lakes are back with the beautiful track 'People of the Sticks.' This is the first single, from this Montreal based indie-rock band, off of their their new album "Until In Excess, Imperceptible UFO" which is released on April 2.  Their 2010 release, "The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night", is a staple with my writing, and I can't wait to hear the new album, and see them live once again.

If you like what you hear, and I am sure you will, you can check out their back catalogue here on iTunes or at TheBesnardLakes.com

Track Of The Day

TOTD - The Joy Formidable - Wolf's Law Album Trailer

For those regular followers of my blog, there is no introduction needed for this band. The Joy Formidable are one of the best bands out there today. Now, enjoy this three minute compilation of several tracks from their new album, ‘Wolf’s Law’, which is released January 21st in the U.K. and January 22nd in North America. If you would like to pre-order their new album, you can do it on their website, or like I already did, here on iTunes.

BTW If you like what you hear, you can check out a my other posts about the band here, here, here, and here.

The Joy Formidable Track Of The Day

TOTD - "Cut Me Some Slack"

Now, without mentioning "He Who Must Not Be Named", this was pretty damn cool. But in case you missed it, today's TOTD is the live performance of "Cut Me Some Slack" from the 12-12-12 Benefit Concert last night with Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear. But, the real reason I brought you here....to donate. You can bid on exclusive signed items here, pre-order the 12-12-12 concert album here, or you can donate directly to the charity here.

Track Of The Day

TOTD - Suuns - "Edie's Dream"

Today's track, "Edie's Dream", is by one of my staple bands for writing, Suuns. Though this four piece out of Montreal is difficult to categorize, I would say their music is layered rock with a side of patient electronica.

"Edie's Dream" will be available on their brand new album, Images Du Futur which is officially released on March 5, 2013. But, if you like what you hear, you can find their debut over at iTunes or check them out on tour . If you would like more info on Suuns, or want to connect socially with the band, you can also check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

As a bonus, their label, Secretly Canadian Records, has also made the tracks Arena and Up Past The Nursery available for free download. Just follow the links or head on over to their label.

Music Monday Track Of The Day

TOTD - Neil Young & Crazy Horse "Born In Ontario"

Today's "Track of the Day" was a no-brainer for this Ontario born Neil Young fan. The song, "Born In Ontario", is off of Neil Young & Crazy Horse's new album "Psychedelic Pill" which was released at the end of October. The track, which does not stray far from their classic sound,  could easily slide into the track list of their benchmark album "Ragged Glory."

If you want to buy this track, or preview more of "Psychedelic Pill", head on over to iTunes, or take a minute and follow Neil on Twitter.

Happy Birthday Neil!

Track Of The Day

TOTD - Atoms For Peace - What The Eyeballs Did

Photo Credit: Atoms For Peace

Today's 'Track Of The Day' is the b-side track "What the Eyeballs Did" by Thom Yorke's side project 'Atoms for Peace.' For those not familiar with the band, it's headline grabbing members are Thom Yorke from Radiohead, and RHCP's bassist Flea. This odd union formed back in 2009, but it is now only releasing their first full length album.

"What the Eyeballs Did" is a funky track that is full of Flea's popping base line. You will definitely be playing this track a few times this week.

If you want to purchase this track, you will have to wait until November 19. But you better be quick, as it is only being released as a limited 12" vinyl single. If that changes, I will be sure to update with links. As for the album, you will have to wait until January....

Track Of The Day

TOTD - Stereophonics - "A Moment"

Photo Credit: Stereophonics

Today's 'Track of the Day' is 'A Moment' by Welsh rockers Stereophonics. This masterfully layered track is the first single off of their forthcoming eighth album, 'Violins and Tambourines', set for release later this year.

Now to help your week get off to a roaring start, the Stereophonics are giving this track away for free. Just follow this link to their website and the single is yours.

(BTW If you want to listen to more Stereophonics, check out my previous reviews here and here.)

Track Of The Day

TOTD - The Rural Alberta Advantage - Stamp

Photo Credit: The RAA

Some tracks can keep that freshly printed vinyl smell, no matter the number of times you listen to them. Today's Track of the Day, 'Stamp', by the Canadian indie trio The Rural Alberta Advantage,  is one of those tracks. Originally released on their 2011 critically acclaimed second album 'Departing', it was as if I had just heard it for the first time today.

That is something, as this is a big song. I am not sure it is Hulk big, but it is at least the size of Thor. With a pounding drum and a ripping vocal, you will find yourself singing along to this track each time you are lucky enough to hear it.

Now, if you would like to pick up "Stamp", or any of their back catalogue, you can find it on iTunes, Saddle Creek Records (US) or at Paper Bag Records (Canada).

They are currently out on a Canadian tour supporting Dan Mangan, so be sure to check them out in a city near you. I know I am on Saturday. As well, if you would like to connect with the band socially, give them a follow on Twitter.

Have a great weekend.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Stereophonics 'Violins & Tambourines'

Photo Credit: Stereophonics

     Today's 'Track of the Day' is the first new music in two years from one of my favorite bands of all time, Stereophonics. The song, 'Violins and Tambourines', is an epic track that slowly builds as it reveals two minutes of their signature sound. 'Violins and Tambourines' is the first song off of their forthcoming eighth album, also called 'Violins and Tambourines', which is set for release later this year.
      If you would like to connect with them socially, you can find them on Twitter as well as on Facebook. For more detailed background information on the band, check out the top fansite WordGetsAround.org.
     Now, if this track leaves you wanting to hear more, check them out on iTunes or listen to their full gig they did to help open up the London 2012 Olympic Games in Hyde Park.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Neil Young - "Tonight's The Night"

Today's track of the day is a purely selfish one. It is a raw and bluesy version of one of my favorite tracks by Neil Young & Crazy Horse, "Tonight's The Night."

A review of a Neil Young song seems quite unnecessary, but the legend does have a lot to talk about this month. He is currently out on tour with Crazy Horse, which I am seeing Saturday night, as well as preparing for this years Bridge School charity concerts. He also has a new album out October 30, he just joined Twitter, and he just released his first memoir, "Wandering Journey Through The Past".

Oh, by the way, he just turned 66. Enjoy.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - I Am Kloot - "Hold Back The Night"

Photo Credit: I Am Kloot

Today's track of the day is the new single from my personal Manchester favorite, I Am Kloot. The song, "Hold Back The Night", is off of their new album 'Let It All In' which is set for release this coming January. The single for 'Hold Back The Night' will be released on limited edition 7" vinyl on November 5th, 2012.

But you can pre-order the album on iTunes and get the single 'Hold Back The Night' instantly if you have a UK iTunes account.

For the rest of us, we will have to patiently wait. Now, considering it is a long way away, why not check out their amazing back catalogue at their on-line store or via iTunes.

If you would like to connect with the band socially, you can follow them over on Twitter and Facebook. But for anything and everything I Am Kloot, follow the I Am Kloot Fan club on Twitter.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Sound Of Guns - Antarctica

Today's track of the day is "Antarctica" by Liverpool alternative rock band Sound Of Guns. This anthemic track, with its building drums and swelling vocals, will definitely appeal to those Bunnymen and Elbow fans out there.

If you would like to pick up the track, or to hear more, head on over to iTunes. If you want to keep up with their tour dates and releases, give them a follow on Twitter.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Noel Gallagher "Freaky Teeth"

For me, there is nothing like a great demo.
Nuff' said.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Daughter "Smother"

Photo Credit: Daughter

Today's track of the day is "Smother" by London trio Daughter. Lyrically a dark and dramatic track about a breakdown, the lead singer Elena Tonra beautifully meanders us through the track with passion and calm. This is a band to watch!

The band are currently finishing up their untitled debut album which is due for release in the new year. In the meantime, you can find their current EP 'The Wild Youth' here on iTunes. Their previous released EP, 'His Young Heart', can exclusively be found over at Bandcamp here.

If you want to connect with the band socially or check out where you can see them live, you can find them active on Twitter and Facebook.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Soundgarden - "King Animal"

Sometimes when new albums come out, it takes you back to a day you can't believe was so long ago. Well, today's track of the day does just that. The legendary Seattle band, Soundgarden, just released a teaser trailer for their new album "King Animal" which comes out November 13, 2012. The trailer is backed by a brooding and haunting track, only hinting at what is to come. But to add more fuel to the excitement, I have included a second preview, "Worse Dreams", that is filled with Matt Cameron's snaring magic. If you would like to pre-order the new album, you can do so here or check the band out on Twitter.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Toy - "Motoring"

Photo Credit: Toy

"Motoring" by British psych-indie band Toy, is today's Track of the Day. With the soft vocals, psychedelia and popping drums throughout, this is definitely one band to keep an eye on. For those Sonic Youth and Stereolab fans out there, you are going to eat up this track. Their self-titled debut is hitting the UK shelves on September 9th and NA on the 11th, but you can preview the entire album below before you but it over at iTunes.  

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Glen Hansard

Photo Credit: Glen Hansard

With a Van Morrison vibe throughout, today's track of the day is by someone important to many music lovers. The song, "Love Don't Leave Me Waiting," is by the multi-talented Glen Hansard. This beautiful folk track is taken from his latest release "Rhythm and Repose." This smooth song is filled with subtle keys and Glen's signature vocals,

You can purchase the track through his official shop or over at iTunes. Glen is also about to go out on tour in support of his new album, so be sure to see if there are any tickets still available in a venue near you. You will not regret it.

Track Of The Day

Track of the Day - Divine Fits - "My Love Is Real"

With the Divine Fits's lineup consisting of Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs' Dan Boeckner, New Bom Turks' Sam Brown and Spoon's Britt Daniel, today's track of the day really is a no brainer.

"My Love is Real", the first single off of their debut album "A Thing Called Divine Fits", is a familiar feeling piece of new wave indie rock. This layered synthpop track is filled with monophonic keys and a soft synth vocal. You can pick "My Love Is Real" or the entire album, which releases today from Merge Records in the UK and Europe, over at their official store or on iTunes.

If you want to connect with the band, or keep up with their latest tour news, give them a follow on Twitter.

Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - The Joy Formidable - "Wolf's Law"

Today's track of the day is the epic new song "Wolf's Law" by Manchester trio The Joy Formidable. Beginning humbly with Ritzy's vocals, the song then humbly meanders through soft keys as it takes us to it's powerful climax. Nothing short of pure artistry. But today's track comes with an added bonus, it is free. You just need to sign up for the bands mailing list here and the song is yours.

The Joy Formidable Track Of The Day

Track Of The Day - Everest - Into The Grey

Today’s song, "Into The Grey," is by the SoCal rock band Everest. This guitar heavy track meanders itself through a simple progression before being halted by a stunning guitar solo.With its haunting lyrics and dynamic vocals, I am sure this will be a track added to one of your playlists. You can purchase "Into The Grey" at Everestband.com or over at iTunes.

As a bonus to the preview, from their record label ATO Records, I have included a recent live acoustic rendition the band did for "A Trolley Show" while in San Diego.

Track Of The Day