Toronto's Pow Wows join Davie Allan & The Arrows for rippin' split single

You can get a digital download from Get Hip or grab a limited-run vinyl copy at Circus Books (866 Danforth) on Friday.

The other Kurt & Courtney preview new album with videos for "Over Everything" & "Continental Breakfast"

You can pre-order Kurt Vile & Courtney Barnett's forthcoming album Lotta Sea Lice right here.  

Hilarious House of Frightenstein gets deluxe vinyl treatment

You can pre-order four variants of the album containing music and audio clips from the 70s cult TV series right here.   

Celebrating 40 years of Iggy Pop's Lust For Life

Watch the Rolling Stones rehearsal for their 1972 Beat Club appearance

Mick, Keef and the boys run through Shake Your Hips, Tumbling Dice and mess around with Bluesberry Jam.

Listen to Clutchy Hopkins & Fat Albert Einstein's High Desert Low Tide

Clutchy Hopkins' deep, dark instrumental collabo with Fat Albert Einstein is out now on Aural Tradition.

Happy Birthday Alice Coltrane

Remembering the great composer, pianist and composer on her 80th birthday with a couple of stellar performances.

Tanika Charles @ Roy Thomson Hall patio, Wednesday

Watch Tanika's video for "Soul Run" shot on Queen St. West. Her album is out now on Record Kicks. 

Lillie Mae @ The Velvet Underground, Friday

Fearsome fiddler Lillie Mae presents songs from her Jack White-produced debut Forever and Then Some tonight.  

One For The Weekend: Les Lutins

French West Indies' Creole boogaloo documented on Disque La Rayé

Deep digger Julien Achard spent three years collecting the rare 7" singles for Born Bad's tight Disque La Rayé compilation. 

Excerpted from the liner notes of Disque La Rayé...

Boogaloo’s energy seduced young people from different backgrounds, well beyond the borders of the U.S.A., especially in the Caribbean: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominica, and all the way to the French West Indies. From Fort-de-France to Pointe-à-Pitre, old biguines and mazurkas from West Indian orchestras with a strong bloodline of virtuosos, from father to son in the likes of Siobud, Stellio, Fanfant or Coppet, became outdated by those modern beats.

When boogaloo overtook the West Indies, at the same time as other music genres with amplified keyboards and electrified guitars, this new wave knocked out hierarchy and habits. The necessity to learn how to read music to call yourself a musician became obsolete, as you only needed a good pair of ears and to be tuned on the new sounds from the international radios.

 “I was a student in Paris in the early 60s”, recalls Fred Aucagos, Guadeloupe’s first rock musician. But I didn’t go much in class, I was hanging out with Golf Drouot, with Eddy Mitchell, Johnny Halliday, Dick Rivers… When I went back home in January 1966, I brought back on the island the first reverb amplifier and the first electric guitar. I was yé-yé, I wanted to play this music home.”

Aucagos started by revisiting the standards of French and Yankee rock, but the musicians in his band, the Vikings of Guadeloupe, persuaded him to sing in Creole, to add some ka drums, hire some Latin brass… On Fred Aucagos’ “Ti Man’zelle”, we can hear a subtle mix of imports from the mainland, the U.S.A and the neighboring islands. With only one desire in the end: fire up the West Indies balls.

On the dancefloors of the most prestigious nightclubs, such as La Bananeraie in Martinique or La Cocoteraie in Guadeloupe, musicians dabbled with boogaloo coming up with rather unorthodox interpretations, and this is precisely what gives this compilation its singularity and panache. It incorporates influences from the African continent thanks to the Ryco Jazz (an adaptation of “Si Tu Bois Beaucoup” of the Congolese rumba orchestra OK Jazz).

It rubs elbows with the “Jerk Vidé” of a David Martial before he turned in a doudouiste cliché. With the cheeky humor of the Guyanese Dany Play (“Mais Tu Sais”), the perkiness of Joby Valente (“Disk La Rayé” with Camille Soprann’ on sax), we (re)discover forgotten classics published half a century ago on the two historical labels in Guadeloupe: Aux Ondes of producer Raymond Célini, and Disque Debs whose boss Henri Debs can be heard behind the mic on “Ou Pas Z’ami En Moins”.

In another style, “Ou Que Di Moin” from Monsieur X is a Creole funk pamphlet, neither Latin, nor festive, and not strictly boogaloo for that matter. The Nuyorican rhythm is a tiny fraction of what the West Indies orchestras were playing, and they would often incorporate biguine and Haitian kopi elements. This compilation allows some deviations, for the fun of it, presenting tracks where boogaloo is more of an influence.

Assisted by Jean-Baptiste Guillot of the Born Bad label, Julien Achard spent more than three years digging some records to compile the best of the Creole boogaloo. The charm of the restored sound of these old 7” vinyl records is only matched by the ardor of the interpretations. “Sauvagement sexy”, wildly sexy, as Gabby Siarras sings.     – David Commeillas

Watch the documentary 50 Years of Island Records

Happy Birthday John Lee Hooker

While census records indicate blues great John Lee Hooker was born in 1912, others believe it was 1917.  

Pere Ubu preview new album with creepy pinball-inspired video

Pere Ubu's new album 20 Years In A Montana Missile Silo is out September 29 on Cherry Red Records.

Michel Pagliaro, The Box @ CNE Bandshell, Monday

Montreal's Michel Pagliaro kicks off the summer concert series at the CNE tonight at 7:30pm.

Scott H. Biram, Gallows Bound @ The Horseshoe, Sunday

Check out "Trainwrecker" off Scott's latest Bloodshot album The Bad Testament. Mr. Biram's on at 10 pm tonight.

Nicole Atkins vs. Bobby "Blue" Bland

Nicole Atkins' Darkness Falls So Quiet seems to have been inspired by Bobby Bland's Rockin' In The Same Old Boat. 

RIP Sonny Burgess, 1931-2017

Arkansas-born rockabilly great Sonny Burgess passed away in Little Rock on Friday. He was 88. 

Blue Rodeo w/ The Sadies, Skydiggers, Oh Susanna @ Budweiser Stage, Saturday

Bassist/vocalist Bazil Donovan will be performing double duty with Blue Rodeo and Oh Susanna tonight. 

Reed Turchi @ The Dakota Tavern, Friday

One For The Weekend: The Dramatics

Here's a rare Dramatics track off the Detroit OST penned by Sidney Barnes & Andre Williams.  

Zeshan B @ Adelaide Hall, Saturday

Chicago's Zeshan Bagewadi does a decent job of updating George Perkins' deep soul gem Cryin' In The Streets.

Whaddya mean you don't know Keith Kessler

Keith cut "Don't Crowd Me" with members of The Impulses at Kearney Barton's studio in Seattle back in 1966.

Biblical releases The City That Always Sleeps on September 15

The whumpin' "Mature Themes" is off Biblical's much anticipated second album which you can pre-order here.

Margo Price opening for Chris Stapleton @ Budweiser Stage, Thursday

Check out Margo's performance of her new single "Paper Cowboy" at SXSW followed by a list of tour dates.

Margo Price on Tour
Aug 17 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON^
Aug 18 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH^
Aug 19 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI^
Aug 24 – LOCKN’ Festival – Arrington, VA
Aug 25 – Bank of NH Pavilion @ Meadowbrook – Gilford, NH^
Aug 26 – Bank of NH Pavilion @ Meadowbrook – Gilford, NH^
Sept 2 – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena – Zephyr Cove, NV+
Sept 3 – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena – Zephyr Cove, NV+
Sept 7 – Hopscotch Music Festival – Raleigh, NC
Sept 8 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ**
Sept 9 – Jones Beach Theater – Jones Beach, NY
Sept 17 – CityFolk Festival – Ottowa, CA
Oct 1 – Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival – Columbia, MO
Oct 5 – iWireless Center – Moline, IL^
Oct 6 – Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA^
Oct 7 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, MN^
Oct 26 – KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY^^
Oct 27 – Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY^^

^ = w/ Chris Stapleton and Brent Cobb 
+ = w/ Eric Church  
** = Outlaw Music Festival Tour w/ Willie Nelson & Family 
^^ = w/ Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Soul2Soul Tour

tickets and additional information right here.

Honky tonk legend Johnny Bush sticks with classic country on new album

Listen to "I Gotta Get Drunk" (with Dale Watson) off The Absolute Johnny Bush available here. 

Mali Blues screens @ Harbourfront's Studio Theatre, Sunday

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the beautifully shot documentary Mali Blues at 4:30pm for free.

Rare early ska footage from Jamaica uncovered

Check out the amazing vintage clips featuring the Blues Busters, Byron Lee & The Dragonaires and others.

Happy Birthday Jeff McDonald!

Watch Jeff and crew reprise a Redd Kross classic off Born Innocent from 1982.

RIP Glen Campbell, 1936-2017

Remembering Glen with a Brian Wilson-produced gem from 1965 and a rippin' instrumental as The Gee Cees from 1961 

JD McPherson previews forthcoming album with "Lucky Penny" video

On October 6th, JD McPherson returns with his first new album in three years, Undivided Heart & Soul on New West Records. The 11-song set was produced by McPherson and Dan Molad (Lucius, Tweedy), and was recorded at the Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, TN. The new album features collaborations with Parker Millsap, Butch Walker, and Aaron Lee Tasjan. In addition to his longtime band members (Doug Corcoran on guitar, Raynier Jacob Jacildo on keys, Jimmy Sutton on bass, and Jason Smay on drums), the album also features guest appearances by Jack Lawrence (Raconteurs, Greenhornes), Jess Wolfe & Holly Laessig of Lucius, and Nicole Atkins.  The video for "Lucky Penny" depicts McPherson and his band performing the song at RCA Studio B and was directed by George Salisbury (Flaming Lips, Nathaniel Rateliff) can be seen below.  Undivided Heart & Soul will be available digitally, as well as on compact disc and vinyl which you can now pre-order right here.

Prior to writing and recording the new album, McPherson moved his family from their longtime home of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to the burgeoning artist community of East Nashville, TN. His decision was based on opportunity and one he was reluctant to make, but notes the profound influence the city has had on his new work. “Up to this point, I thought I knew what I was doing with songwriting, that I don’t do this or that,” says McPherson. After collaborating with multiple artists in the scene, he began to experiment, exploring personal themes and injecting more of himself into his work (including a co-write on the album with his wife Mandy). Opening up his process was no easy task. “I was having nightmares every night, thinking, ‘Wow, they’re going to hate this.”

With a group of songs taking shape, McPherson and crew scheduled studio time to begin work on the album. After initial tracking began, it quickly became apparent that the sessions were not going to work, bringing his momentum to a halt. At the invitation of his friend and longtime supporter Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who was also recording at the time, McPherson, Homme, and his Queens bandmate Dean Fertita jammed together over a weekend in Los Angeles. They played around with some songs, with Homme pushing McPherson outside of his comfort zone in a no-stakes environment. McPherson calls the getaway “the most fun I’ve had since I was 15 years old” and returned to Nashville with a clear head, internal filters successfully stifled, and ready to move forward with a new co-producer in Dan Molad (also the drummer for the band Lucius). “There’s a pretty broad gap in our tastes, what we do and what we’re into,” McPherson says of Molad. Where McPherson is as likely to lean on The Cramps as he is Irma Thomas for inspiration, Molad’s left-field production suggestions influenced a new perspective on his sound. “We ended up learning a lot from each other, and he did a lot of stuff I’d have never thought to do.”

JD McPherson has also just announced his initial North American tour dates in support of Undivided Heart & Soul, launching in Wichita, Kansas and continuing throughout the fall with a Toronto show at Lee's Palace on November 10th. Check the complete list of dates after the "Lucky Penny" clip.


JD McPHERSON ON TOUR: 
AUG 8 • Barleycorn's • WICHITA, KS
AUG 11 • Okoboji Blue Water Festival • ARNOLDS PARK, IA
AUG 19 • Wildwood Revival • ATHENS, GA
AUG 25 • Wolf Trap • VIENNA, VA
AUG 31 • The Back Room at Colectivo Coffee • MILWAUKEE, WI
SEP 1 & 2 • Minnesota State Fair • ST. PAUL, MN
SEP 3 • The Villages at Copper Mountain • COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO
SEP 7 • Central Park Sessions • MADISON, WI
SEP 8 • Bell's Eccentric Cafe • KALAMAZOO, MI
SEP 22 • Medicine Stone • TAHLEQUAH, OK
SEP 23 • John T. Floore Country Store • HELOTES, TX
SEP 28 • Knuckleheads • KANSAS CITY, MO
SEP 30 • Gothic Theatre • ENGLEWOOD, CO
OCT 1 • Mesa Theater • GRAND JUNCTION, CO
OCT 2 • The State Room • SALT LAKE CITY, UT
OCT 4 • Neumos • SEATTLE, WA*
OCT 5 • Crystal Ballroom • PORTLAND, OR*
OCT 7 • The Mountain Winery • SARATOGA, CA
OCT 8 • The Independent • SAN FRANCISCO, CA*
OCT 11 • Belly Up • SOLANA BEACH, CA*
OCT 12 • Pappy & Harriet's • PIONEERTOWN, CA*
OCT 13 • The Observatory • SANTA ANA, CA*
OCT 14 • The Regent • LOS ANGELES, CA*
OCT 15 • Crescent Ballroom • PHOENIX, AZ*
OCT 18 • The Kessler • DALLAS, TX*
OCT 19 • Scoot Inn • AUSTIN, TX*
OCT 20 • Gruene Hall • NEW BRAUNFELS, TX*
OCT 21 • Continental Club • HOUSTON, TX*
OCT 22 • One Eyed Jacks • NEW ORLEANS, LA
NOV 2 • The Grey Eagle • ASHEVILLE, NC
NOV 3 • Cat's Cradle • CARRBORO, NC
NOV 5 • World Cafe Live • PHILADELPHIA, PA
NOV 7 • Music Hall of Williamsburg • BROOKLYN, NY
NOV 8 • The Hangar • TROY, NY
NOV 9 • The Haunt • ITHACA, NY
NOV 10 • Lee's Palace • TORONTO, ONTARIO
NOV 11 • Tralf Music Hall • BUFFALO, NY
NOV 14 • Magic Bag • DETROIT, MI
NOV 15 • Skully's • COLUMBUS, OH
NOV 16 • Thalia Hall • CHICAGO, IL
NOV 17 • Headliner's Music Hall • LOUISVILLE, KY
NOV 18 • The Basement East • NASHVILLE, TN
*with Nikki Lane

Watch The Roots feat. Bilal perform "It Ain't Fair" from the Detroit soundtrack

Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires @ The Garrison, Tuesday

Watch Lee Bains III take on the Trump administration with "Good Old Boy" off the new Youth Detention album.

Happy 75th birthday Caetano Veloso!

Johnny Osbourne & Sister Nancy @ Harbourfront Centre, Saturday

Here are two of Johnny Osbourne's stellar early recordings you won't likely hear him reprise on Saturday night.

METZ issues rippin' Drained Lake ahead of new album Strange Peace

METZ's forthcoming Steve Albini-recorded Strange Peace album is out Sept. 22. They're at Lee's Sept 29 and 30.

METZ on tour
09/05 Atlanta, GA - 529
09/07 Raleigh, NC - Hopscotch Festival
09/25 Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
09/29 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace *
09/30 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace *
10/02 Boston, MA - Sinclair #
10/03 Philadelphia, PA - The First Unitarian Church #
10/04 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg #
10/05 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
10/06 Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel #
10/08 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rosa

* with SUUNS
# with Uniform

RIP D.L. Menard, 1932-2017

Sadly, D.L. Menard, the Cajun Hank Williams, has passed away. Here's The Back Door performed with L'Angelus. 

Dean Wareham covers Ceremony in San Francisco

Here's Dean and company reprising a Joy Division classic at The Chapel in San Francisco the other night. 

Long-awaited new Antibalas album Where The Gods Are In Peace out September 15 on Daptone

Check out a live performance of"Gold Rush" below. Antibalas return to T.O. to play the Mod Club Sept 8.  

"The world we live in is built on stolen land, stolen resources, and borrowed time. This song is an acknowledgement of that history as well as a conversation with the present moment we live in and the new types of gold rushes that create their booms and inevitable busts. The song asks the question, "Where did we go wrong?" Perhaps we can, together, come up with a good answer."