ISLAND'S GONE BAD

Victoria B.C.'s Shapes and Sizes have signed to Sufjan Steven's label Asthmatic Kitty. According to the label's press release, S&S sent their demo to the label where it was well received. After taking in one of S&S's live shows, Stevens et. all offered to release the album. The album is slated for a July 11th release, and from what I've heard it's pretty great. The tracklisting is as follows:

1) island's gone bad
2) weekends at a time
3) i am cold
4) northern lights
5) wilderness
6) goldenhead
7) topsy turvey
8) oh no, oh boy
9) rory's bleeding
10) boy, you shouldn't have

Sample tracks from the forthcoming self-titled album on the band's myspace.

HOME OF THE BRASH, OUTRAGEOUS AND FREE

I'm a little confused this morning, because my favourite vegetarian swore not to tour Canada this year do to the seal hunt, yet the Toronto Sun (no, I don't read that smut) has confirmed that Morrissey is playing a double-header at Massey Hall on October 14 and 15th. No ticket deeds as of yet, but let all the Toronto Moz-obsessives keep their fingers crossed. Shannon and I will be there for sure, even if we have to turn tricks for tickets (kidding...or am I???).

OUT ON THE HORSE TRACKS
I finally got a copy of The Paper Cranes Veins EP, and I have to say that Run Roc's remix of Deus Ex Machine Gun is probably the best single I have heard all year. It was like hearing Bloc Party's Banquet or Voxtrot's The Start Of Something for the first time. This is not to say the rest of the EP isn't incredible, because it is. It reminds me of early Cure. Ryan McCullagh's voice reminds me of Steve Bay's (Hot Hot Heat), but in a good, non-sucking way. As previously mentioned, the Cranes are on the Sneaky Dee's anniversary show on June 9th with The Diableros. Although that week is crazy busy with shows, I’m definitely going to hit this one. Are You Familiar (who may or may not be their manager) has Mp3's for download here.

YOUR KISSES ARE WASTER ON ME
The Pipettes debut album We Are The... is slated for release on July 17, 2006 and it's gonna be the party album of the summer. Their sound is reminiscent of the 50s girl groups but has an updated, modern feel. The music is upbeat and poppy, while the lyrics tend to be on the darker side. Perfect for summer driving and evenings on the patio with drinks.

Check out their myspace here.

Check their video for “Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me” via YouTube here.

SURPRISES ALWAYS HELP

Fresh off their headlining set on the main stage at the Ottawa Bluesfest, Metric have confirmed a show/mini-festival named DOG DAY AFTERNOON on July 15, 2006 at Fort York. The bill will be rounded out by The Fiery Furnaces, Holy Fuck, Secret Machines and Electric Six. Tickets, $40, are on sale saturday at 12pm. There is also a pre-sale through the edge which starts today at 10am. UPDATE:the presale password is SALAD.

Radiohead put more W.A.S.T.E pre-sale tickets on sale this morning for all dates on their upcoming North American tour. Their sold-out already (I snagged four during the first pre-sale).

Man Man are playing the Silver Dollar during NXNE on June 5, 2006. Tickets $10.50 (via Chromewaves).

The Stills have been added to Hillside and will be headlining friday night.

Sneaky Dee's is throwing a three year anniversary party from June 8 - 10th. The Diableros headline on the 9th (via stillepost). Advance tickets available here starting saturday and at Rotate. The Paper Cranes are also on the bill.

NO SURPRISES

Pre-sale tickets for Radiohead's small venue North American tour are available RIGHT NOW!!! A bunch of the US shows are already sold-out, but the four Canadian dates in Toronto and Montreal have tickets left. go Go GO!