Songs of the Week: August 12 - 18, 2024
“Cliché Town” by Sunset Rubdown
As we creep closer to the release of the new album from Sunset Rubdown, called Always Happy To Explode (their first new album in 15 years!), we’re getting another tease with the latest single, “Cliché Town”.
Subscribers to Spencer Krug’s patreon may recognise it, as the original demo was released in 2020 as part of his song-a-month project, but now the tune has been reworked & re-recorded with the full band.
“Cliché Town” explores “feelings of frustration and hopelessness that can come with being stuck in a small town, specifically the sensation of being trapped next to, or rather below, unhinged neighbors” and at six minutes long, really gives strong ‘descent into madness’ vibes.
Have a listen below, and mark September 20 on your calendars for the release of Always Happy To Explode, as well as October 10, when Sunset Rubdown kicks off their tour with a show here in Vancouver at the Rickshaw!
Kirk
“Why We Run”, “Videostore”, and “Don’t Look Away”
by Menno Versteeg
I love a good multi-single drop, and that’s exactly what we got from Menno Versteeg this week.
Three new singles from his upcoming solo album (due out December 13th), including the title track “Why We Run”.
Of the song Menno says: "I was working on a soundtrack for a kids movie with my long time friend and Hollerado collaborator Nixon Boyd and we needed a song for a scene where some bullies were chasing a kid down the hall of a school. The lyrics evolved into being about way scarier stuff like the adults who are bullies professionally. Of course the movie people didn’t wanna use it. I mean WE ARE leaving the kids a pretty gnarly set of circumstances, but hey, maybe it’s funnier if we try to make it a surprise?"
He also announced on Instagram (along with a hilariously gross story) that he’ll be doing a string of solo shows including a stop in Vancouver at The Heatley on October 3rd (and I’m just hoping I can run between that and the Rich Aucoin show that night!)
Christine
“New Low” by Meko Brain
A few months back, we got our first taste of Meko Brain, the solo project from Mike O’Brien — who you may know from Zeus, or playing with Bahamas, Jason Collett, and Dan Mangan, among many others. Now, we’re not only getting a new song, but news of his debut album, Wonderment!
The latest single is called “New Low”, and comes with smooth vocals and grungy guitars, which Mike explains; “many of my other songs have a more acoustic folk sound so I wanted to bridge the more acoustic, organic folky sounds with this slinky pop song. I love how it turned out. I ended up layering the vocal several times to get a wide yet intimate sound. It all culminates with a satisfying fuzzed-out guitar riff to bring it home! As for the lyrical idea, I started to form this idea of a guy who knows his partner is being unfaithful but doesn't want it rubbed in his face. If it's not stated out loud then he can continue to carry on the charade that he doesn't know what's going on. So in a sense, it became a dance song about self-pity. I wanted to make a video that matched this idea but in a not-too-literal way, so we enlisted Jack Harrison who created an amazingly simple yet effective video that matches the song's mood perfectly!”
You can watch the trippy video now, and snag Wonderment when it’s out on October 9!
Kirk
“Future is Bright” and “Beautiful Sights” by Arielle Soucy
Coming off her ‘024 Polaris Long Listed debut album, Il n'y rien que je ne suis pas, Montreal’s Arielle Soucy just dropped a Double A-Side, Two Hopeful Songs featuring, well, exactly that.
“Future is Bright” and “Beautiful Sights” are a pair of gorgeous songs that feature warm acoustic guitars and soaring synth, mixed in with her incredible vocals.
Two Hopeful Songs is out now, and you can have a listen to both below!
Kirk
“Lost in the Plot (acoustic)” by The Dears
Nothing reminds you of the inexorable march of time like album anniversaries, but it’s worth it when they come with a beautiful new release.
This year, The Dears celebrate their seminal album No Cities Left with a Definitive 20th Anniversary Edition. Along with one of my favourite albums of all time on white vinyl, you’ll also get a a whole host of bonus acoustic tracks, like this version of “Lost in the Plot”.
You better believe I’ve already pre-ordered mine, and until it’s out on September 13, you can listen to Murray Lightburn’s fragile voice serenade you below.
Kirk