Shake The Hearts

Could it really be? Am I back in glorious, panther-powered blog-form? Sure looks like it.

Since the holidays are approaching, my thoughts have turned sentimental, and rifling through my basket of scrap paper that sits to my left, I found my old blogger passwords and what not. For old times sake, I quickly scanned through what I was letting you all be an audience to, practically a year ago now.

I really wish I possessed a stronger blog ethic and maybe just a little more free time. (Santa, can you hear me?) But to make a long post, shorter and to quote one of the more embarrassing figures of US politics, I'll be back.

Don't worry, contrary to what you may have heard, I haven't lost my mind. I'm well aware that the holiday season is a little more than a month away. But, I just can't help and start my Christmas mixes early this year, I'm feeling rather joyous lately, after a period of decidedly un-joyous-ness. Unfortunately or not, the recipients of my custom made cd gifts will be treated to a mixed-up tracklisting similar to my mixed-up musical taste. Some may even say my mixed up head. Bah humbug to them I say!

I feel bad I've ignored my shabby little blog for so long. Soooo... coming soon, more attention to Shake The Hearts of course, and now that I've figured out the wonders of uploading, revolving mp3s! Yay!

To get you all in the holiday mood a little early, a song from The Walkmen's upcoming Christmas 7". Enjoy the Christmas Party. ...and remember, my favourite ramshackle, piano band will be on Fox's scandalous new hit, The O.C. this Thursday and gracing David Letterman's stage next Monday. Oh boy.

Some very exciting autumn record release news courtesy of ANTI-. Neko Case has signed with them, (she's still a Mint Records girl in Canada) and they'll release her upcoming live album, The Tigers Have Spoken with a studio release in spring. Here's a bit of a press release.

Neko Case signs with ANTI-; Full Band Live Album to be Released This Fall

ANTI- will release Neko Case's new live album, The Tigers Have Spoken on November 9 in a licensing deal with Mint Records for the world outside of Canada. Recorded over 7 nights and at 3 different venues in Chicago and Toronto, the album finds Neko backed by a full band featuring the Sadies and steel guitar whiz Jon Rauhouse and special guests Kelly Hogan, Carolyn Mark, Jim & Jennie and the Pinetops, Paul Morstad and Brian Connelly.

While Tigers is a live album, it is not your typical career retrospective -- only two of the eleven songs are from Neko's back catalog. In addition to two new original compositions Neko wraps her powerful pipes around a surprising collection of covers written by artists like Buffy Saint Marie, Loretta Lynn, the Shangri-La's and Freakwater's Catherine Irwin. The set closes with impassioned versions of the standards, "Wayfaring Stranger" and "This Little Light", which Neko makes forever her own.

Neko Case has been making a name for herself over the past few years in both indie-rock and country circles as a solo artist and as a member of the New Pornographers. Her majestic-yet-sublime singing voice, her poetic songwriting and her musical vision -- which reconstructs a century's worth of American music has won her acclaim from all quarters.

Writing of her previous solo work, Spin Magazine's Alex Pappademas said "...she treats Americana like a wellspring of weirdness, not a retro refuge..." and in Rolling Stone, Neva Chonin called her sound "...country so cool it shivers."

In addition to The Tigers Have Spoken, Neko is completing a deal with Anti- for her next studio album, the follow-up to the highly acclaimed Blacklisted, due out in the Spring of 2005. Neko will also perform at the 2004 Austin City Limits Festival in Austin, TX on Friday, September 17th with bassist Tom V. Ray and multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse.

Neko Case, The Tigers Have Spoken
denotes new, original composition
1. *If You Knew
2. Soulful Shade of Blue
3. Hex
4. Train From Kansas City
5. *The Tigers Have Spoken
6. Blacklisted
7. Loretta
8. Favorite
9. Rated X
10. This Little Light
11. Wayfaring Stranger

The Hidden Cameras' latest release, Mississauga Goddam, is just as satisfying a listen as The Smell Of Our Own. Last time around, The Belle and Sebastian-esque Toronto collective's focus was on the human body and all it's filthy pleasures, concealed by gorgeous pop melodies and pretty arrangements. Joel Gibb's witty, dirty, shame-filled response to more conventional themes of love and commitiment follows here. Instead of Hawksley Workman's mission to romanticise Canadian cities, Gibb prefers to criticise them. The album is named after Gibb's hometown, the uninspired Toronto suburb of Mississauga. While one senses an underlying amount of anger on the album, it's still joyous and folksy at the same time. The overly-layered orchestration is very pleasing and my favourites on the record are probably the most tumultuous, Fear Is On and live favourite, I Believe In The Good Of Life, reach a great amount of intensity. The self-titled closing track, is heartfelt and beautifully orchestrated. Hurry off the the Rough Trade site to order your limited edition handmade vinyl copy and look out for The Hidden Cameras and their go-go dancers at a church near you.



Rilo Kiley's new album, More Adventurous, isn't out for another month, but I'm already hooked. Previously, I've been on the fence with this band, but from what I've heard so far is a band that has come into it's own. Perfectly written country pop songs, effortlessly sung by the lovely Jenny Lewis. The band has left the Saddle Creek nest in favour of their own label, Brute/Beaute under EMI's wing. So far, KCRW's Nic Harcourt has been fully supportive of Rilo Kiley, showcasing a handful of songs on his acclaimed Morning Become's Eclectic, radio show. Thanks to some tech-savvy fans, the songs have made it onto the internet. Portions For Foxes is probably the best pop song I've heard since the last Carl Newman offering.

Lately, I've been immersed in all things Canadian, music-wise. I was asked to compile a mix of some relative unknown talents from the great white north and truthfully, I'm having a ball picking out songs to include (and learning a whole lot too)! I'm delving into the hotbed of 70s Hamilton punk rock, what's up in Vancouver, the 90s Halifax pop explosion and the classics of Leonard Cohen of course. I'm terrible at editing, so I may make it a double cd. Speaking of which, what happened to The Inbreds?

Random Linkage...



Another Feist video so soon? The answer is yes, and features a sexy dance with fellow ex-pat Buck 65. Check out Leslie Feist's new fancy-pants site. They promise said video will be up shortly. Wallpapers and other pretty things are up too, to tide you over. Is it just me, or does she remind you of Patty Smith as well? Catch Leslie on tour now if you're in Canada (NXNE!) or later on this summer if you're in France. Also, you should own and love Let It Die by now.

Looks like Danko Jones was dropped from Universal Canada. What's with us giving Danko the cold shoulder? At least Europe still loves him. Also they're playing this summer's Reading and Leeds festivals. Rock.



Hardworking, hometown cowboys, The Sadies, will finally have a new record out this summer. Rumoured title... Favourite Colours. Brilliant title! ...two distinctly Canadian-ised words, side by side. The live collaboration with Neko Case and a new Unintended release are to be released as well.

My favourite musical encyclopedia Nardwuar, The Human Surviette, will once again be gracing MuchMusic with another edition of Nard Wars. Yay!

Last but not least, we all had a laugh when we heard Creed broke up. But it gets much funnier, we all suspected ego-heavy, Scott Stapp would release a solo album, but who would have guessed a backing band made up of THE TEA PARTY! This is hilariously appropriate.

I awoke today at an ungodly hour, something was making a ruckus in the kitchen. I stumbled out of bed to see my little feline hunter with a mouse under his paw, looking up at me, bursting with pride. Thank god it was dead and I didn't have to witness any unpleasantness that took place in my slumber. Armed with many a paper towel, I scooped it up (ew! gross!) and disposed of the poor creature. The hunter deserved a treat for that and I promptly went back to bed.



Anyway, in other news the new issue of Let Them Eat Lead is online for your perusal. Packed with artists you may, or may not have heard, and the usual spot on, acid-tongued commentary. This is a labour of love for all those involved, myself included, let me know what you think.

And lastly...GO FLAMES GO!!

The city is at it's most beautiful in the spring, with the lily of the valley and lilacs perfuming the busy streets from the tiny gardens nestled behind local shops. Those two smells combined, remind me of my grandmother and her garden and all that she taught me... before I get too mushy, two new releases are out today that are beyond lovely and are currently on my playlist...


Morrissey - You Are The Quarry
Today is officially Morrissey day here at Shake The Hearts. We've all been anticipating the release of You Are The Quarry, and here it finally is. It's a wonderful record the whole way through and sometimes it's nice to just be able to enjoy a record on first listen without it having to challenge you. It's like having an old friend come back and the wo of you fall into the same patterns again. Quarry is familliar, some songs have been circulating on the net, in their live forms for quite a while and have been improved since being properly recorded. The rockish sound of I Like You, First Of The Gang To Die and How Could Anybody Know How I Feel would feel at home on Southpaw Grammar or Your Arsenal. The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores's pace is slowed down a bit from the live versions we've heard, but it's lyrically strong and one of my favourites. Come Back To Camden , a gorgeous ballad, proves Morrissey-as-crooner will be around for years to come. The voice is a marvel, age hasn't affected anything. The only song I have a problem with is I'm Not Sorry, I don't know why it bothers me so much, I think it may be that the intro sounds like Dido's about to sing, yuck! The closer, You Know I Couldn't Last, a soaring plaintive song with lyrics, almost of a reversal characters from Paint A Vulgar Picture. What an ending to one hell of a "comeback", it's criminal this man had been without a record contract for so long.


Feist - Let It Die
Leslie Feist, to me, was always the best thing about Broken Social Scene. I've been a fan of her various projects for awhile now, from her saucy bicycle seduction with Peaches to the pop-rock fun of By Devine Right. Her voice is a gem, so rich and unique, and on her second solo record, she makes use of it well while exploring new sounds. Stark folk balladry, complete with jazzy disco touches give Let It Die a warm sensual feeling. Parisian influences permiate the record, which isn't a suprise considering that's where she now makes her home and where it was recorded. Opener, Gatekeeper, features Miss Feist cooing over quiet simple acoustic guitar chords. First single, Mushaboom, which I believe I first heard on someone's blog, Fluxblog? sounds so full with a gorgeous melody, probably the strongest here. Let It Die's title track, with lyrics like, "now I I know what I don't want, I learned that with you" narrates a sombre euligy to a dead relationship. The stark percussion of When I Was A Young Girl let's her voice take centre stage (as it should!) and I think it's my favourite. Plus, she has the charm to cover the Bee Gees without irony. This gal's gonna go places.

Related linkage...

Maclean's talks to Leslie Feist about learning French and the CBC.

Random linkage...

Head on over to Coldplay.com to see Chris Martin (and members of Coldplay) topless, be-wigged and rapping, yes, rapping. All done in honour of little Apple, yes, Apple. But...awww!



Suede's Brett Anderson talks to the NME about writing with Bernard Butler for his up-coming solo record.

Season finale night for the Gilmore Girls. I've been a bit harsh on this season (see a couple posts back), a lot of episodes seemed like filler to me, but I love what's happening recently, Luke is becoming a more filled out character and I love the Rory/Dean stuff. Ooh dramarama! can't wait. Maybe, I'll post a review later...

Edit... Not really a review, but wow, Lorelei and Luke, Dean and Rory, craziness! ...a great episode.

I must confess, I'm addicted to online shopping. There's something so satisfying about clicking a button and having a present arrive on your doorstep a mere few days later. This is the kind of addiction that has the power to send one to the poorhouse, so I must be careful and I am... 7"s, sure, Marc Jacobs shoes, um no.

Lately, I've been browsing the garage sale with a modern techno twist, known as eBay. This place has addiction potential written all over it. The stuff is relatively cheap and has the added thrill of feeling like a winner when you buy something. From looking at some of the goods up for sale, seems like I've got a few gems myself, lying around here. Heck, I may start selling stuff as well as going in debt!

While we're on the subject of mail and buying stuff. I think music nerds are helping to keep the postal service afloat. From all of the parcels I send and receive, we are totally doing our part to keep this industry alive. My local post office employees and I know each other well. Anyway, back to shopping...

I've been a huge fan of the Gilmore Girls since it's pilot. The combination of quick, witty dialogue and adorable (Lorelai, Rory) or eccentric (Kirk) characters kept me tuning in week after week, patiently awaiting new episodes. But this season in particular, feels like something's not right in Stars Hollow. I think what's always been the core of the show, Lorelai and Rory's sisterly relationship, has been lost when Rory went off to Yale. With their interactions less frequent, the show has come to rely on less interesting new characters, like Jason. The show becomes less compelling when the time spent on Lorelai and Rory is reduced. That said, I'd like to see more of Sooki and Jackson, they are adorable as you saw in last night's episode. Is it me, or have they not been on as much? I don't want inconsiderate Jess back, he keeps fucking with Rory's emotions with his selfishness and his bad-boy-with-troubled-past act is getting tired. How weird is it that Sebastian Bach is a semi-regular? I still can't get used to it, strange casting there! Lane is still annoying, her indie rock snobbery is getting old and never fails to make me cringe. No wonder her boyfriend fled to the O.C.

...speaking of which, I've always thought Rory is a lovely role model, especially when compared to what's on TV lately. I hate to sound like a goody-goody, but I think she's super cool without the boozing and fucking everything in sight of most other TV teens. I had Angela Chase and now gals have Rory Gilmore, I'm so glad for that.

Random linkage...

Yes, more Morrissey stuff, check out his new revamped site, there's some lovely new press photos and a message board (like I need another place to waste time!).

Also head on over to Rob and Jen's Morrissey blog to download an mpeg version of the new video for "Irish Blood, English Heart".

PJ Harvey's on the Lollapalooza bill!

Here's some tour plans for next year, looks like Coldplay will embark on a massive world tour and bring along buddies, Echo and the Bunnymen as openers.

Travis' Fran Healy's viral illness has forced the band to cancel a tour of Japan. Get better soon Fran, I love you, even though 12 Memories sucked.

Also, a big get better soon to Shane MacGowan, who was visciously attacked in a London pub. I saw his name roll by on the CNN news ticker and I right away, I thought the worst... but I know Shane will live forever, just like Keith Richards.

Here's some new exciting stuff I've been listening to...

The Ponys - Laced WIth Romance
I can't get enough of this record at the moment. It rocks and it's fun. Jared sings in the Richard Hell style that I'm always fond of. Catchy, catchy, catchy! The Ponys are my new favourite band.

Xiu Xiu - Fabulous Muscles
Jamie's quavery caterwauling and reined in discordant electronic flourishes drew me into this record. The tone and lyrical subject matter is unsettling, yet remains listenable. Reminiscent of Joy Division at times. Excellent.

Weird War - If You Can't Beat 'Em, Bite 'Em
I found this record after initially dismissing Ian Svenonius' preaching-style singing. I've since seen the light. I'm not too sure of this project yet, it's pretty sleazy and super-funky though, which is always good.

Morrissey - Irish Blood, English Heart
I've already posted about this single's brilliance. I'm still not tired of it.

Random Linkage...

Billboard reports Morrissey to headline Lollapalooza this summer. Yes, the rumours are true.

Catch the streaming audio of the always entertaining Morrissey, discussing LA, Pop Idol, and the new record on the Kevin and Bean show.

Einsturzende Neubauten frontman and ex-Bad Seed, Blixa Bargeld talks to Suicide Girls. Thanks to Largehearted Boy for the heads up.

Eye Weekly's John Sakamoto gives the lovely, Said The Gramaphone a mention in this week's issue.

Well, Sex And The City is finally over, it has been for a while now, yes. But here in Canada the wait was agonizing to see the wrap-up of the six season single gal romp. I avoided all media coverage of the ending to try and remain suprised, even though it was kinda obvious what was going to occur. I thought it was a satisfying ending to the show, where all the characters seemed to have their lives sorted, and tied with a bow. Not terribly realistic, but who cares? It was a fairytale ending that moistened my eyes.

Claiming that there was "no inconvenient, can't-live-without-each-other love in this hotel room", ball-gowned Carrie was fetched back to New York by the swoon-inducing Big (John!), away from the evil Russian (when did he get mean, all of a sudden?). I thought it was perfect, but I'm old-fashioned that way. Am I sad to see it gone? Absofuckinglutely.

More Morrissey news!! I'm a little late with this, but thanks again to the wonderful Morrissey-Solo, we now have the KROQ premiere of the new single, Irish Blood, English Heart.

Irish Blood, English Heart is a great tune. Quick and to the point, the studio version is fantastic, very much in the vein of the unfairly maligned, Southpaw Grammar. Morrissey sounds as good as ever, with the always remarkable, Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte working their guitars into loud and beefy riffs.

What's that in the air? It's anticipation of course. Morrissey's back and the press machine is picking up steam. Leading up to the release of You Are The Quarry, tons of rumours and various press appearences are starting to surface, all courtesy of Morrissey-Solo.

There's a lovely Moz spread in the April issue of GQ mag, the one with Viggo Mortensen (swoon) on the cover. Also talk that he has been interviewed for an upcoming (May) Spin cover story.

Those who may remember Morrissey's two night stand on Craig Kilborn will rejoice because starting May 24th, he will be the guest THE WHOLE WEEK! Mark your calenders kids! I'll even put up with Craig's attempts at comedy to see this.

Moz will be performing at all the big UK festivals this summer and is planning a BIG North American tour as well. Rumours are swirling that he may headline yet another new incarnation of Lollapalooza. Let's hope not, pale Anglophiles like myself hate to stand in the scorching sun all day.

Morrissey's years long grudge against the NME is sort of over. He's agreed to be interviewed for the glorified rag, not by an NME writer, but by questionable "hot things of the moment" Franz Ferdinand.

I'm getting excited!

All The Real Girls always gets me square in the gut, I love this movie too much. Paul Schneider plays Paul, a small town ladies man. Zooey Deschanel plays Noel, a local girl who's just returned home from boarding school. It's about that mad, all-encompassing kind of love that makes you want to be a better person for another. It also delves into that pit of pain when you realize it's not going to work. Whether due to timing or just fucking it up somehow by our own stupid actions. The dialogue has the eavesdropping feel of a candid confessional you share with someone you trust completely without fear of judgement. This movie has a slow, dreamy quality, and the scenes are all tinted the warm, burnt colours of autumn. It's beautiful and it's a heartbreaker.

According to The Nature Of Zooey Deschanel, the actress will be guest starring on boyfriend Jason Schwartzman's new Fox comedy, Cracking Up. Looks like I missed the pilot though, why didn't anyone tell me that Molly Shannon and Jason Schwartzman have their own sitcom!?

Also, cutest couple ever? I think so.

There's nothing more comforting then late night music video watching. Well, that's not completely true, but at this moment it is. I do believe this activity is seeping into my subconcious though. Many questionable male "musicians" have found themselves in a staring role in my REM adventures, leaving me a bit perplexed come morning. Anyway... things I've noticed tonight.

The new Vines video is great, I'd be better if The Vines weren't in it however. Is it a Gondry? It reminds me of The Hardest Button To Button. I really should do a bit of research.

The new Blink 182 video is also beautiful, but as with The Vines, it would be better if Blink weren't in it. Jonas Akerlund makes beautiful videos, the new Blondie is stunning. And I don't have to turn the sound down for that one!

Sondre Lerche's new one is too adorable for words. He's like a tiny elf! The song doesn't do much for me though.

I can't get enough of The Von Bondies' C'mon C'mon. Maybe because I love shoes?

Lastly, whenever Toxic comes on, my eyes get glued to the screen, Brit is such a star. I'm still not sick of this one.

Well, nighty night. I wonder who will seep into my dreams tonight.

My new year's resolution this year was designed to be fun and something I could actually accomplish! So I decided this year, to become a more culturally rich person, the plan is to read more books, see more films and listen to more records. It's going very well so far and much more pleasing than those pesky "spend more time at the gym" resolutions we never seem to keep. Have I mentioned how irksome I find people who list "going to the gym" as a hobby. Anyway... here's a mini review of two books I've just finished.

Douglas Coupland Girlfriend In A Coma
As you can tell from the title, Morrissey lyrics find their way into this novel about a teenage girl's sudden awakening twenty years later, from a lengthy coma. But her sudden emergence into the world of the awake becomes a sort of bargain for apocolyptic events. The main message of the novel is a return towards hopefulness in an increasingly cynical world, something I'm trying to accomplish myself, but I'm finding it rather difficult.

Willy Russell The Wrong Boy
This is a much different novel. The put-upon protagonist of the story is the sympathy inducing Raymond Marks. You'll often find yourself frustrated by all the unjustices that turn his little Mancuian world upside down. The story is told through letters Raymond writes to his idol Morrissey, but the colourful characters bring the story to life. I know both of my picks are Moz related, but that seems to please me more! haha

Random linkage...

Some sad news... Dead Milkmen bassist, Dave Blood has commited suicide.

Gus Van Sant to direct a grunge period piece. The fact that this is being descibed as a period piece, makes me feel incredibly old.

The beloved Neko Case and The Sadies will be recording a live album during their two-night stand in Toronto!

Juliana Hatfield is back! Thanks for getting me through high school, Juliana.

This was a personal matter and not a press promotion. I regret allowing myself to be provoked to the point of getting into a fistfight but I was raised to believe that honour and integrity mean something and that those principles are worth defending.

This is what Mr. Jack White had to say after receiving his punishment for the altercation that occured with Jason Stollsteimer. Jack has to pay a $500 fine, $250 court costs and also take an anger management course. I'm glad all that unpleasantness is done with.

Ironically, today's the day that The Von Bondies new record, Pawn Shoppe Heart, hits stores.



Pawn Shoppe Heart is a fantastic record, solid all the way through. Jason's voice is incredibly strong. The gals sing their hearts out too. This record won't be leaving my stereo for a long while. I know it doesn't matter much, but they're also one of the best looking bands around. Here's wishing them tons of success!

I just got my new issue of ReadyMade in the mail, I always get all inspired after I peruse it. I've always been really crafty and a bit of a garbage picker so it was bliss when I first discovered this rag. It's like Martha Stewart Living without the Hamptons and New Yankee Workshop without thousands of dollars worth of tools. Think more along the lines of making button jewelery and duct tape wallets.

Back with a new record that is. Never Bring You Pleasure will be out on April 27th in Canada, June 24th in the US and July 19th in the UK.

The band is two members down since their last effort, so it will be interesting to hear how they react to such change. Judging from new song, Ro Ro Roland it seems that their rough, rollicking guitar sound has made way for organs and an almost Elvis Costello influenced pop sound. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing yet, one thing I do know is that this song is so catchy, I've been humming it all day.

Download it here and thank me later.

Colin Firth just hosted SNL. He is the archetype for the perfect man, tall, dark and handsome. Let's not forget the accent. Okay, gushing over. Did I mention, he was also funny?