Ken Tizzard and Bad Intent

Ken Tizzard might still be known by many as the bass player with The Watchmen and Thornley, but he's been pumpin' out tunes of his own for a while now, and it might not be what you expect, because he's dropped some peanut butter country into his rock 'n' roll chocolate. If you're quick you can grab a free four song ep "The Goodness Of Bad Intent - Vol.1" at his website. You can also give a listen to some different beasts such as his version of the Tear for Fears tune Mad World.







Upcoming shows:

Mar 1 The Whistle Stop, Jasper
Mar 2 The Haven Social Club, Edmonton
Mar 3 The Ironwood Stage and Grill, Calgary

Wilco and Nick Lowe - Cruel to be Kind

If you've been following this blog for awhile, you may have noticed I love Wilco. You might also have noticed I love Nick Lowe. So what happens when those two do a little bit of collaboration? Wilco's iTunes Session includes a new version of Cruel to be Kind with the man himself. My head exploded. I put it back together with crazy glue, and now I want to do it to you.





Wilco's iTunes Session:

1. Dawned On Me (iTunes Session)

2. Born Alone (iTunes Session)

3. I Might (iTunes Session)

4. Black Moon (iTunes Session)

5. Whole Love (iTunes Session)

6. War On War (iTunes Session)

7. Passenger Side (iTunes Session)

8. Cruel to Be Kind (feat. Nick Lowe!!!!!)

While you're at it check out their newest albums, they are the bee's knees, no?











































HEY! If you've made it this far, feel free to leave a comment. What's your fave collaboration? Your dream get-together? Your nightmare mix-up?

Scott Nolan - Bad Liver and a Broken Heart

Heard Scott Nolan's Bad Liver and a Broken Heart the other day on Sirius XM the other day and was reminded of how great he is, especially on this trak from 2008's Receiver/Reflector. I'm pretty sure I have posted this before. Too bad, here it is again, listen up.

The Darcys Use Steely Dan for Their Own Purposes

The Darcys have covered Steely Dan's entire Aja album and would like you to have it for free. Actually, they would be quite happy if you downloaded their self-titled album free of charge as well. Try it.

Dawes - Little Bit of Everything is Scruffy's Fave of Last Year

Dawes got even better with the release of Nothing is Wrong last year, and it's beyond me why these guys haven't been on SNL or got the buzz that say, Black Keys or Black Lips gets. Maybe they should change the name to Black Dawes, but that's a tad too close to Black Crowes. Anyhow, Dawes for me brings out some Jackson Browne comparisons, a guy for whom I have never really given much time, but I like Dawes so much I might give him a real try. Dawes also reminds me of Warren Zevon, that edge and wry sense of humour that fits in rock 'n' roll like a prairie dog fits in Saskatchewan. If you make it to the bottom of this post you'll hear Dawes with Browne and Jonathan Wilson doing a Zevon classic. Go.

Royal Canoe - Extended Play

Royal Canoe is back with an EP (out Feb 21, I believe), one which makes me imagine a tour with Vampire Weekend might go over well, or heck, even a series of gigs with My Morning Jacket (Holding on to Black Metal, anyone?).


Extended Play:

1. "Hold On To The Metal"
2. "Bathtubs"
3. "Bloodrush"
4. "Caught In A Loop"









Here's some older tunes you should have caught the first time and links to hear a couple of demos.







Royal Canoe - Nightcrawlin (demo)

Royal Canoe - Today We're Believers (demo)









Shows:

2/21/12 – Regina, SK @ O’Hanlon’s
2/22/12 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo’s
2/23/12 – Calgary, AB @ Broken City
2/24/12 – Banff, AB @ Banff Centre
2/25/12 – Edmonton, AB @ Wunderbar
2/26/12 – Lethbridge, AB @ The Slice
2/27/12 – Kelowna, BC @ Habitat
2/28/12 – Victoria, BC @ Lucky Bar
3/1/12 – Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
3/8/12 – Fresno, CA @ Audie’s Olympic
3/11/12 – San Diego, CA @ Tin Can Alehouse
3/14-17/12 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/19/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Mint Gallery
3/21/12 – New York, NY @ Spike Hill
3/22-24/12 – Toronto, ON @ Canadian Music Week

The Shins Are Back, The Time Is Right

The new album from The Shins
, Port of Morrow, will be out March 20. First single Simple Song has already received the obligatory "it's too poppy/too commercial" review, but I think it's not too hot, not too cold, it's just right. The same review compared it to Phantom Limb as an example of the Shins trying too hard, and Phantom Limb is one of my favourite songs of all time, so I guess I'm too poppy too. I can live with that. Any band that can competently cover Squeeze (one of the best pop bands of all time) is on the right track. I'm hoping Simple Song can be one of those pop hits out of left field like Pumped-Up Kicks, 'cause it's the kind of song I wouldn't mind hearing in supermarkets and such.













I kinda like this cover, too.