WHY WERE MY EYES SO BLINDED?

The Decemberists' new album The Crane Wife drops October 3, 2006. It's their first album on a major(Capitol) and I really feel that this album will do for The Decemberists what Plans did for Death Cab. It's pretty incredible, classic Colin Meloy. I've conflicted as to if I'll be attending their Toronto show in November, or Hot Chip's show the same night. What to do, what to do. I'm starting to sway towards the Decemberists show only because of the strength of the album. Plus, it could possibly be the last time to see the band in a semi-smallish venue (DCFC played here, then sold out the Ricoh their next visit).

Clicky the link to download The Crane Wife 3 off the forthcoming album by the same name (minus the 3).

I KILLED MY DINNER WITH KARATE

As previously mentioned, Joanna Newsom has confirmed a Toronto show on October 4th, prior to her appearance at Pop Montreal. New album details have also surfaced (via Pitchfork). The album titled Ys will be released on November 14th on Drag City. Van Dyke Parks has arranged strings for the album. Tracklist is as follows:

1. Emily

2. Monkey and Bear

3. Sawdust & Diamonds

4. Only Skin

5. Cosmia

Follow this link to download Emily, it's gloriously excellent.

Watch the video for The Sprout and the Bean here.

WEEKLY ROUND-UP

Lots of news to get two:

According to Mike over at For The 'Records', DCFC may be playing a two night stand at Massey Hall October 30 and 31. Best venue in the city by far, even though I have seen them twice on the Plans tour, I'll hit this for sure.

Blog-darings Mew have been added to the Kasabian show at the Phoenix on September 27th. I believe Rotate is already sold out of tickets, so if your going to attend, get them now via ticketmaster. I saw Kasabian last time they were in town at Kool Haus with Shannon, and they actually put on a really great show.

Joanna Newsom has confirmed a Toronto date at Mod Club (WTF?) on October 4, 2006, the same night as the Beirut show at the Horseshoe. As much as I really want to see Beirut, I've decided to sell my tickets and go to see Newsom. She's genius and I've been waiting for 2+ years to see her live.

Sunset Rubdown have indeed cancelled their Toronto show on October 7th and haven't given a reason (via Stillepost and Chromewaves). It's okay though, cause Jenny Lewis is in town the same night at St. Paul's, so there is still something to do.

Stereogum has two live Mp3's taken from the link to download two new tracks from the forthcoming Sam's Town.

What's wrong with Janice Dickinson's chest? Their hideous!!!

MISSING IN ACTION

Yup, I've been kind of missing for the last couple weeks. I was off work, and away at the cottage for an extended amount of time, then back in the city for a job interview and funeral, then out at the cottage again. For five days, I was wayyy up north on Manatoulin Island, visiting my parents at their cottage. It's the most beautiful place I've ever been to in Ontario, the water is crystal clear, warm and it's sooo private. Didn't do much except sit in the sun reading multiple issues of The New Yorker, swim, eat and sleep. It's exactly what I needed. Check out pics from my trip below.

All pictures were taken my Mark Balson. More on his site. Haven't been to any shows in a while, I've been on a mini-break but things will be picking up in the coming weeks starting with the Indie Unlimited weekend at Harbourfront Centre. Then Sailboats Are White! in Mississauga, then Virgin Festival with Fern (if she can manage to secure tickets through work). See sidebar for complete listing of shows I'm planning on attending.

In terms of music, I've been listening to the following albums obsessively:

I'm From Barcelona - Let Me Introduce My Friends - As much as I like to hate on Pitchfork, I must give them props for reviewing this and making me pay attention to this band. The album is genius.

Shout Out Out Out Out - Not Saying/Just Saying

Beirut - Gulang Orkestar ( I'm super excited to see in October, except for the fact that Joanna Newsom is in town the same night, and she trumps Beirut cuz I've been waiting for years to see her.)

Cat Power - The Greatest (I'm passing up her Lee's show as it's the Monday of the labour day long weekend, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get back to the city on time from the cottage).

Hot Chip - The Warning (Sooo much better than their debut)

I guess that's it for now. I'm really going to attempt to not be lazy and post everyday or two.