If you haven’t already watched some of the Glastonbury performances, I implore you to do so! There are some incredible sets from bands like Fleet Foxes, Regina Spektor, and Bon Iver. You can stream this Glastonbury footage from the BBC website by clicking here (sorry – only available to people in the UK, I think).

Whilst in the UK, Robyn Pecknold from Fleet Foxes recorded a special cover  of Bob Dylan’s ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ for BBC 6 Music. Download link below… Enjoy!

MP3:>> Fleet Foxes – It Ain’t Me Babe (Bob Dylan Cover)

Seasons Greetings My Merry Music Lovers,

The time is here, for my albums of the year. Sorry, Christmas makes me feel like rhyming. Anyways, I have finished my schooling and can once again indulge in the things I love (music, books other than textbooks etc). After much deliberation I have come up with a list of my top albums of the year. Like my list of my favourite songs of the year, the list is simply all my listens added up to see what I listened to the most throughout the year. I’m not saying these are the “best” albums, just my favourite. I think it’s pretty obvious what my album of the year is judging by my previous two lists (EPs and songs) and the picture at the top of this post which depicts a pretty fleet looking fox, but if you haven’t already figured it out, take a look:

20. Noah & The Whale – Peaceful The World Lays Me Down

To start us off is the debut album by a talented little group of music makers from England, Noah & The Whale. I love pretty much every song on the album, and Laura Marling’s beautiful voice sparkles here and there throughout the album, making it shine ever brighter. A promising start for these guys and I hope to hear a lot more from them in the future. I had the privilege of seeing them play live in New York City and wow what a show.

19. Tyler Ramsey – A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

Next is an album that I listen to every time I have had the need to just take a step back and calm down a little while. It is by guitar extraordinaire Tyler Ramsey. Ramsey also serves as one of Band of Horses’ guitarist. A truly talented musician and a great debut album by him.

18. Laura Marling – Alas I Cannot Swim

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is by now you must be living under a rock. Her debut album is just pure beauty, and she is only 18 years old. I can’t wait to see what she will have for us next. In her spare time she has been making guest appearances on the albums of some pretty awesome bands. Mystery Jets, Noah & The Whale and Mumford & Sons have all collaborated with Marling and it seems as if everything she touches turns to gold.

17. Plants & Animals – Parc Avenue

This one is the debut album from my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I fell in love with this album over the summer while I was interning in New York City. I remember strolling down 3rd avenue on bright sunny days listening to Parc Avenue. Good times. Ok I’ll stop being cheesy now. Seriously, this album is pretty incredible and if you haven’t already, you should give it a listen.

Plants & Animals – Feedback In The Field

16. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

Number 16 on my list is by a band called Department of Eagles. If you are a fan of Grizzly Bear, then Department of Eagles is right up your alley. You see, the bands share the same lead singer, Daniel Rossen, and because of this have a similar sound. There are obviously differences between the two bands but I was really impressed with this album. “No One Does It Like You” is among my absolute favourite songs of the year.

Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You

15. Horse Feathers – House With No Home

Number 15 is just a beautiful album that I listened to to death this year by a band called Horse Feathers.

Horse Feathers – This is What

14. Vampire Weekend – Self Titled

Vampire Weekend was another one of my bands of the summer. It’s funny, when I first listened to this album I wasn’t that impressed. Maybe I just felt like it didn’t live up to the hype. Then one day I just got it and it quickly became one of my favourites of the year.

13. The Dears – Missiles

The Dears are back and better than ever on their newest LP, MISSILES. The band has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, while keeping the foundation of Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak and adding an array of talented musicians from all different places. What we are left with is a group of seriously talented musicians who have created a really great album. This may in fact be my favourite Dears record to date.

12. Ratatat – LP3

I waited for this album to come out for so long that when it did come out I was so excited that I listened to it non-stop for weeks. That being said, it is quite the album. I don’t know how it ranks among the other two Ratatat albums but it is definately a fresh new sound for them that makes this album stand apart from the other two.

11. Blitzen Trapper – Furr

This was an album that I was reluctant to listen to at first, because I wasn’t crazy about Blitzen Trapper’s first release. But after hearing a couple of songs on satellite radio I decided to give it a try. I was happy I did because this album is pretty amazing. I had the chance to see them play when I went to see Fleet Foxes opening for them awhile ago, but I left after Fleet Foxes’ performance. Looks like that was a bad decision on my part.

Blitzen Trapper – Furr

10. Dr. Dog – Fate

Number 10 on my list is Dr. Dog’s album Fate. This is just an amazing album from start to finish. The highlights on it for me would have to be “The Old Days” and “The Breeze”, but every song on this album is worth a listen. Just an all around solid album.

9. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

You won’t find too many top album lists without this album on it. Bon Iver exploded onto the scene this year. Songs like “Flume” and “Skinny Love” have been permanently on my mind as I often find myself singing or humming them to myself. You can see how much bigger they got within the year. The first time I saw them play was at a small venue in Montreal called The Cabaret. A few weeks ago I saw them play in New York City at the prestigious City Hall, one of two sold out back to back shows at the same venue. By the way, have you seen the awesome design they did for YBP?

8. The Dodos – Visiter

Even though The Dodos album cover looks like it was created by a child, the album itself is as far from childish as it gets. These songs are rife with emotion, lead by the incredible guitar playing of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber’s tribal drumming. And as good as they sound on the album, you have to see them live to fully appreciate them. I was lucky enough to do so and all I have to say is…”The Season”.

7. Born Ruffians – Red, Yellow & Blue

I’m not sure how popular this album was because I don’t know that many people who listen to Born Ruffians but I was in love with this album the second I heard it and I am still in love with it today. “Little Garcon” is probably my favourite, but the rest of the album is great as well.

Born Ruffians – Barnacle Goose

5. Man Man – Rabbit Habits

What could possibly be bad about a new Man Man album? It seems as if these guys just get better and better with time. Their first album was okay, their second was great and their newest album, Rabbit Habits is stellar. What I love about Man Man is that they always keep you guessing. For example, who expected that amazing xylaphone action in “The ballad of Butterbeans”? This is another example of a band that is great on the album and even more amazing live. If you have a chance to see these guys live you must do so.

Man Man – The Ballad of Butter Beans

4. Pinback – Autumn of the Seraphs

This was arguably my most anticipated albums of the year. Pinback has been one of my all-time favourite bands for a long time now and the idea of a new Pinback album just gets my hyped. I don’t know if this album will go down as one of my favourite Pinback albums, but it is definitely worth a whole bunch of listens.

Pinback – Bouquet

3. Pete & The Pirates – Little Death

Number 3 on my list is a wonderful little album by some awesome Brits that go by the name of Pete & The Pirates. I really became obsessed with the album for a good while this year. I’m not sure what makes these guys so likable. Their music is just exciting. They might be my favourite British band of the year. They also have two new songs on their myspace page called “Blood Gets Thin” and “Jenny” that are worth a listen, check it out.

2. The Hush Sound – Goodbye Blues

The Hush Sound at number 2. Who would have thought. Their first two albums reminded me too much of Panic at the Disco, but on their newest album, Goodbye Blues, lead singer Greta Salpeter takes the reins and is featured much more prominently then the band’s other male singer. They may be too poppy for some, but I love it and think they are well deserving of my number 2 slot.

The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

1. Fleet Foxes – Self Titled

Fleet Who? Ya right. This has been the year of the Foxes. Throughout the year we have been treated to one of the best EPs of the year, in the Sun Giant EP, as well as an amazing debut self-titled LP by Fleet Foxes. Songs like “Mykonos”, “White Winter Hymnal”, “Your Protector” and “Oliver James” have been on continuous repeat throughout the year and I was lucky enough to see them play live twice in Montreal. I’m so excited about this band and what will come from them in the future.

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes – He Doesn’t Know Why

So there you have it. Fleet Foxes sweep the series. They have produced my favourite EP, LP and song of the year. I’m so happy for these guys. Now I would like to pay tribute to a few more albums that either just missed the top 20 or were released too soon to be a part of this year’s list. Here are some albums that deserve honorable mention…

Yeasayer – All Hour Symbols

Girl Talk – Feed The Animals

Santogold – Santogold

The Tallest Man on Earth – Shallow Graves

Alaska in Winter – Holidays

The Welcome Wagon – Welcome to the Welcome Wagon

Tv On The Radio – Dear Science

Radiohead – In Rainbows

Now that you know pretty much everything that I listened to throughout the year it’s your turn! What are your top albums of the year? I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve forgotten.

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

In the second installment of my “Best of 2008″ series, I will be unveiling my top songs of the year. Just to warn you, this is a list of my most listened to songs. It’s not a list of what I think were my favourites throughout the year. Also, I only put one song by each band or artist. If I didn’t do this the list would be almost exclusively Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Other than that there aren’t really many surprises except for a few bands here and there where I thought to myself, “wow did I really listen to them that much?” Anyways, without further ado, here are my favourite 20 songs of 2008:

20. Stars – The Night Starts Here

I remember first hearing this song while in London. I was immediately addicted. It quickly became the song of the trip. By the way, have you heard Stars’ new EP called the Sad Robots EP? It was number 3 on my list of the top 5 EPs of 2008. You should really check it out.

19. Laura Marling – Cross Your Fingers

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is yet than you are really missing out on one of the top new artists of the year. She writes some of the most beautiful songs, and she is only 18 years old. Unbelievable talent.

18. Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor

This is my favourite song from Hot Chip’s new album, Made in the Dark. I don’t know if the album as a whole will stand up to their amazing previous album, The Warning, but it is nevertheless pretty damn good.

17. Chairlift – Bruises

This song is just catchy as hell. Every time I see that Itunes ad, the song stays in my head for the rest of the day. The rest of the album isn’t bad either. It’s called Does You Inspire You. Give it a listen.

Chairlift – Bruises

16. Plants & Animals – Bye Bye Bye

This one is by my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I absolutely love their debut album, Parc Avenue, which was nominated, but didn’t win the Polaris Music Prize. Have you seen their performance on Pitchfork TV’s “Don’t Look Down”? Check it out here.

15. The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

I don’t know if anybody knows about them, but I love them. Catchy tunes, singer with an outstanding voice, what more do you need?

The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

14. Horse Feathers – This is What

I became obsessed with this band for a good 2 months. Haven’t really listened much to them since then, but I still consider this one of my favourite songs of the year.

Horse Feathers – This is What

13. Dr. Dog – The Old Days

How can you not love this song? The whole album is amazing, but this was definitely my favourite and most listened to track on it. Check out this awesome performance:

12. Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

I recently got into this band. They are really poppy and catchy as hell, and I love every minute of it. This song is a cute little ditty about falling in love….and venom.

Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

11. Man Man – Top Drawer

How insane is Rabbits Habbits? Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of the year. This song is tied with “Mister Jung Stuffed” for most listened to song on the album. I was lucky enough to see them play live with Yeasayer opening. Yeasayer was just ok. Man Man was INCREDIBLE. One of the best live shows I have ever seen. If you get a chance to see these guys live, please do so. You won’t regret it.

Man Man – Top Drawer

10. Islands – Pieces of You

My favourite song on the new Islands album, Arm’s Way. Love the strings.

Islands – Pieces of You

9. The Dears – Money Babies

This song, along with “Demons” and “Lights Off” are my favourite songs from the new Dears album, MISSILES. I think it actually may be my favourite Dears album to date. Have you heard about the new Dears band members? Pretty talented company.

8. Vampire Weekend – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

I really could have picked any song from Vampire Weekend’s stellar self-titled debut album, but I think this just might be my fave. Afro-poppy goodness!

7. Tokyo Police Club – Graves

To be honest, I liked Tokyo Police Club more before they released their debut album, Elephant Shell. The album, does have some goodies though. And they’re Canadian, so they get extra points.

6. The Dodos – The Season

This song is just completely ridiculous. I was lucky enough to see the Dodos play it live at Sala Rossa in Montreal a few months ago and it completely blew me away. It is arguably the best single song I have ever seen played live. You can’t really get the same feel from watching a video, but hopefully this will give you an idea:

5. Pete & The Pirates – Bears

Awesome song by some talented Britts called Pete & the Pirates.

Pete & The Pirates – Bears

4. Pinback – How We Breathe

I love Pinback and everything they have ever done. It’s kind of weird how they are a completely different band live, but I still love them. This is the song I have listened to most off of their new album, Autumn of the Seraphs.

Pinback – How We Breathe

3. Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

I don’t know what it is but this song has a certain charm that just grabs me. By far my favourite song on Born Ruffians’ excellent debut LP, Red, Yellow & Blue.

Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

2. Bon Iver – Flume

This song could have easily been my song of the year. I got to see Bon Iver play in Montreal a few months ago and wow what a show. And lucky me, I’m seeing them play again on Thursday, this time in New York City, with the Tallest Man on Earth opening.

1. Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

But of course the best song of the year is by Fleet Foxes. So far they are 2 for 2 in my “Tops of 2008″ lists. Their Sun Giant EP is my EP of the year, and now “Mykonos” wins for song of the year. Will they sweep the board with the best album of the year? Stay tuned to find out.

Now that you know mine…what are your favourite songs of the year?

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

Well folks, the year is winding down once again. I feel like just a few months ago we were ringing in 2008, but the truth is that another year has passed us by. This will be my first post in a series of posts celebrating “The Best of 2008″. To start off the series, I’d like to talk about my favourite EPs of the year. There have been quite a few EPs released this year to keep us going while we await new full lengths from our favourite artists. Artists such as Andrew Bird, Final Fantasy, The Decemberists, Antony & the Johnsons, Animal Collective and Coldplay have all released EPs this year. Some have been better than others, but they have mostly been solid. So here is my list of the Best EPs of 2008:

5. Animal Collective – Water Curses EP

Starting out the list is Animal Collective’s Water Curses EP. The first two songs on the 4 song EP are amazing and the last two are just so so, but what makes this EP so special is the title track of the EP, “Water Curses”. This song is among my favourite all-time Animal Collective songs. They could have just put out the EP with this being the only song on it and I would still consider it a great success. I may be building this song up too much. You’re probably going to listen to it and be like…”Ok it’s not that good”. So forget what I just said. This EP is terrible. “Water Curses”? Awful, Awful song….

Animal Collective – Water Curses

Animal Collective Myspace

4. Andrew Bird – Soldier On EP

Next we have the brilliant multi-instrumentalist/whistler extraordinaire, who is back with this excellent little EP to tide us over until his next full length album, which will be entitled Noble Beasts and is slated for a January 27th, 2009 release. I have this feeling that nothing Andrew Bird puts his hands on can turn out bad. I have loved pretty much everything I have ever heard from him and this EP is no exception. “The Water Jet Cilice” is pure beauty in song. Check it out.

Andrew Bird – The Water Jet Cilice

Andrew Bird Myspace

3. Stars – Sad Robots EP

I absolutely love this EP. Stars have always brought the drama and this EP is no different. It is comprised of 5 new songs and a new live version of the Stars classic, “Going Going Gone”. I was also lucky enough to be able to see Stars perform some of the songs from this EP live in New York City a few months ago. I am really eager to hear what the next Stars album will sound like. I really hope it goes in the same direction as this excellent EP.

Stars – Undertow

Stars’ Myspace

2. The Decemberists – Always the Bridesmaid (A Singles Series) EPs

This is a series of 3 EP’s of odds and ends that obviously wouldn’t fit on the new album that the Decemberists are working on entitled Hazards of Love, which will be released in March 2009. Colin Meloy has always been a fan of the EP, releasing a number of them before this one, including his Colin Meloy SIngs series, in which he covered songs of Morrissey, Shirley Collins and Sam Cooke on three EPs. This series of EPs is quite spectacular if you ask me. I really like every song on them. My favourites would have to be “A Record Year” off of Volume 3, and the cover of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Sticking With You” off of Volume 2. Valerie Plame is also a pretty awesome song. You can find that one of the first volume.

The Decemberists – Record Year

The Decemberists Myspace

1. Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant EP

And the winner is….of course! This one’s a shoo-in. Just an amazing EP from start to finish. “Mykonos” is still arguably my favourite Fleet Foxes song period. It looks like Fleet Foxes are going to clean up this year in most of the “Best of 2008″ lists. Check in soon to see if they top the list of best song of the year, or best album of the year.

Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant

Fleet Foxes Myspace

Honorable mention goes to the Another World EP by Antony & the Johnsons, the Plays to Please EP by Final Fantasy, and the No Way Down EP by Air France.

So Fleet Foxes take best EP of the year…what a surprise. These guys are just amazing. I really hope they keep it up on whatever they decide to release next. The next thing I’m working on is my list of the top songs of the year. After that I will reveal my list of the top 20 albums of the year. It’s actually quite fun to look back and see what you really listened to a lot of during the year. You should do it too.

What are your favourite EPs of the year?

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

Is it just me or does the music you listen to sound better in the fall. What is it that makes the fall such a beautiful season? Is it the leaves? the colder weather? the grey skies? I think the reason I love fall so much is that it makes everything around you come to life. Shades of red, yellow, orange and pink colouring the world around you. Regular city streets becoming yellow brick roads right before your eyes. It’s pretty amazing when you take the time to notice. I have been looking forward to the fall for a long time now just so i could listen to all my favourite fall music. Here are 7 songs to listen to while you watch the leaves fall…

1. Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You

I just listened to this band on my latest bus trip to New York City. My first thoughts were, “wow this band sounds a lot like Grizzly Bear”. It then dawned on me that it had to be the same singer. There’s no way their voices could be so similar. Turns out it is the same singer and he goes by the name of Daniel Rossen. It also turns out that Rossen was a member of Department of Eagles before Grizzly Bear even existed. I am really loving this band right now and this song is amazing (and perfect for fall).
(Department of Eagles Myspace)

2. Midlake – Bandits

Midlake is arguably my favourite band of 2008. It just so happens that I discovered them last fall and I associate their music very much with the season. It just seems to fit. They have a new album in the works which will most likely be called The Courage of Others. Keep your eyes out for it.
(Midlake Myspace)

3. Band of Horses – Window Blues

Band of Horses are good any time of year. But they sound especially nice in the fall. Have you seen them live? Because if you haven’t you are really missing something. I wasn’t a huge fan of the band until I saw them live and heard Ben Bridwell belting out those tunes. Ever since that fateful night I have been thoroughly obsessed with them. Apparently they are also working on a new album, about which Bridwell has said that he already has 27 songs written. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to hear them.
(Band of Horses Myspace)

4. Grizzly Bear – Easier

Grizzly Bear’s album, entitled Yellow House, has been on repeat for me ever since I hear the opening bars of this song. Their music just drew me in right away. You really must check this band out, and they are perfect for fall. After you hear this song, take a listen to “Little Brother” my other favourite track on the album.
(Grizzly Bear Myspace)

5. Sea Wolf – Middle Distance Runner

Yeah…I kinda like this song. It seems there is a little trend emerging. 4 of the 5 bands I’ve mentioned so far have animals in their names. I didn’t do it on purpose I swear. It just so happens that my fall bands have animals in their names. I could have mentioned Fleet Foxes too but I think I speak about them enough. Anyways, this band is also one of my new finds that I have really been listening to a lot of over the past few months. Their first full length album, entitled Leaves in the River, was released last year and rumour has it they have a new album called A Wolf At The Table slated for a 2008 release. I’m very excited to hear it.
(Sea Wolf Myspace)

6. Birdie Busch – Old Fashioned Way

This is my favourite track off of Birdie’s first album The Ways We Try. I think it is such a sweet and beautiful song. Perfect for a lazy fall afternoon. I was lucky enough to get a chance to interview Birdie a few months ago and she is definitely someone to watch out for. And she, as well, has a brand new album in the works.
(Birdie Busch Myspace)

7. Nick Drake – Pink Moon

And last but not least…the King of Autumn, Nick Drake. My fall season doesn’t exist without him. It’s as if he wrote his songs tailor made for this season. If you aren’t familiar with his music you should really check him out.
(Nick Drake Myspace)

My question to you is…what do you like to listen to in the fall?

Again, I’d like to apologize for my lack of blogging lately. I have just finished most of my midterms and it was an arduous journey, but I finally have a little time to breathe. Hopefully this will result in more blogging.

Until next week (fingers crossed)…

-The Middle Distance Runner

5. Middle Distance Runner (no relation) – Shoot The Shit

It just so happens that we go by the same name. We didn’t come out of the same womb or anything. But I have been listening to this bands debut LP, entitled Plane in Flames, a lot lately. This song gets me hyped! These guys are definitely worth checking out. One thing we don’t have in common is musical ability. Although I have dabbled in my Mac Book’s “Garage Band”, none of those files will ever see the light of day. Consider yourself lucky.

4. Abba – “I Have A Dream”

Ok, I’ll admit it. I saw Mamma Mia last night. And yes I am aware that The Dark Night came out last night as well. I willfully saw Mamma Mia, and I am proud to say that I loved it! What are you gonna do about it? huh punk? This is the first song in the movie, sung by the lovely Amanda Seyfried. Who knew she had a voice. And a really nice voice at that. Everyone in the movie sang really well. Pierce was just okay, but everyone else was stellar. Especially Meryl Streep singing “The Winner Takes it All”.

3. Dr. Dog – “The Old Days”

This is my immediate favourite upon first listen of Dr. Dog’s new album Fate. I’m still unsure as to whether I consider myself a Dr. Dog fan or not, but they do make some catchy music. And I’ve always been a sucker for lush vocal harmonies and they can lay down some pretty sweet ones. Just listen to the song “Hang On”. Love it!

2. Crystal Castles – Untrust Us

Just getting into this band. They make some pretty nice electronicky kinda music. And not only that, they are Canadian! This song is the first song off their debut self-titled album. Some nice nintendo sounds, mixed with some random jibberish vocals, makes for a great song.

5. Fleet Foxes – “Mykonos”

I Just saw Fleet Foxes perform live in Montreal on Tuesday at Divan Orange. It was an awesome awesome awesome show! Yes 3 awesomes. It was that good. I’m pretty obsessed with this band’s Sun Giant EP, especially the song “Mykonos”. If you have a chance to see these guys play live, you must do so! Before they become too big.

Ok guys, I gotta get back to the Plains of Abraham…

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

I don’t know about you but there’s nothing I look forward to more than when the artists I love put out new albums. Often though, the intense excitement and high expectations that I have lead to disappointment when I actually do get to hear the new releases and they aren’t exactly what I was hoping for. Once I get over that initial disappointment however, I usually come to love the albums. The fact remains, new albums are exciting! Some great new releases that I have been listening to lately are Man Man’s Rabbits Habbits, Aimee Mann’s @#%&*! Smilers, Fleet Foxes’ self titled LP and Wolf Parade’s At Mount Zoomer. Now let’s take a look at what is on the horizon…try not to drool.

Ratatat: LP3 – July 8, 2008

I absolutely cannot wait to hear this new album by New York City duo Ratatat. Since first hearing about them two summers ago, I have been incessantly listening to their first two LPs, Ratatat and Classics. I only hope that their third LP, which is aptly entitled LP3, will have the same magic that made the first two as good as they are. I’m expecting something a little different this time around. While the first two albums were great, they were pretty similar sounding, so I think we can expect a little bit of variation.

Here’s a little taste of the new album: Shiller

CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy): Donkey – July 21, 2008

Unless you have been living under a rock somewhere, you have definitely heard of CSS. I remember a time when nobody knew who they were. Until a certain Apple ad changed everything. Now, CSS is everywhere… and good for them! But the pressure is on for them to follow up their debut self titled album with something worth listening to. Here’s a sample from the new album called Rat is Dead (Rage). Sounds pretty good to me!

The Stills: Oceans Will Rise – August 19, 2008

Here’s a band that i haven’t thought of for awhile. Recently signed to Arts & Crafts Records, The Stills, who hail from my Montreal hometown, will release their third studio album on August 19th. I am very eager to hear how they have changed in the last 2 years. Their second album, Without Feathers, was much different from their first, Logic WIll Break Your Heart. Is this a sign that their new album will be much different from their second? We will have to wait and see. But for now, here are some samples from the new record:

Rooiboos/Palm Wine Drinkard

Being Here

Imogen Heap: Untitled Third Album – September, 2008

I have been waiting for a new album from Imogen for a long time now. It’s been three years since her last solo album Speak For Yourself and I think it’s about time we hear some new stuff from her. Being the awesome person that she is, she has been recording video blogs for some time now documenting the creation of her new album. You can check out her latest vblog (the 24th) below. Look for her new album to drop this September!

Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping – October 7, 2008

I have been following them for many years and I consider them one of my all time favourite bands. While their last release Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? was probably one of my least favourite Of Montreal albums, I am still reaaaally excited to hear what they have in store for us this time around. The new album, which is to be entitled Skeletal Lamping, and will hit stores on October 7th, might just be the strangest thing we have heard from Kevin Barnes and his crew yet.

Here’s what Barnes had to say about it on Of Montreal’s Myspace Blog: “I wanted to make an album that was unpredictable and, at times,startling, yet always hummable and catchy. some of the transitions are intentionally awkward. I did this to keep the listener off guard and to dismantle people’s perception of how an album is supposed to be constructed. I am so bored with art that makes sense and ‘works’. I wanted to do somethings that didn’t ‘work’.”

Metric: Unknown Title – Summer 2008

According to this article a new Metric album should be hitting stores at some point this summer. I wouldn’t expect it before the fall but this is still exciting news! I don’t think Emily Haines has ever put out anything that wasn’t great. Whether it be with her band Metric or on her own with the Soft Skeleton, her music has always been amazing and I expect no less from their new LP, whenever it does come out. Here are two new songs that we can expect to hear on the album:

Give Me Sympathy (Acoustic):

Twilight:

Here are some more albums to look out for:

Holly Throsby: A Loud Call – July 12, 2008

Midlake: The Courage of Others (Tentative Title) – 2008

Final Fantasy: Heartland – Unknown Date

Well that’s all for now. It looks like it is going to be a pretty exciting summer and fall. Lots of new music for us to live our lives to. If you have any more information about future albums from these or other artists, please let me know!

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner