Although it doesn’t appear Chad VanGaalen will be taking part in Sub Pop’s upcoming 20th anniversary festivities, that didn’t stop the prolific Canadian songwriter from contributing a new song to the third installment of the label’s Terminal Sales compilation. VanGaalen’s entry comes in the form of “Willow Tree,” (stream below) a track from his forthcoming third album, Soft Airplane. According to the sleeve that accompanies the compilation, Soft Airplane will be released by Sub Pop in September.
“Willow Tree” is a slow, haunting folk jam that continues to elaborate on the unique style that VanGaalen presented on his first two albums. I am curious to see if this multi-instrumentalist has any new experiments to offer on the rest of Soft Airplane. Listeners awaiting the release of Soft Airplane can check out VanGaalen’s production talents on the debut self titled full length from Women, another Canadian act. That album will be released in Canada & the U.S. on July 8th by VanGaalen’s original label, Flemish Eye.
TOUR
June 26 - Calgary - Science Centre
August 2 - Sackville, NB - SappyFest!
In the past, Ron Sexsmith has had his share of label trouble. He has bounced to and from numerous labels over the last seven years. Label trouble in the U.S. caused his last album, 2006’s Time Being to be released nearly eight months after it was in his native Canada. Fortunately, his latest album, Exit Strategy Of The Soul, will avoid such a fate. Yep Roc will release the album in the U.S. on July 8th, a mere week after it hits stores in Canada. The UK and Europe get it on July 21st. Yep Roc are accepting pre-orders now and are offering an immediate download of the non-album track “Too Good To Be True.” The label is also currently streaming the entire album, which can be done here.
1. Spiritude
2. This Is How I Know
3. One Last Round
4. Ghost of a Chance
5. Thoughts and Prayers
6. Brandy Alexander
7. Traveling Alone
8. Poor Helpless Dreams
9. Hard Time
10. The Impossible World
11. Chased By Love
12. Brighter Still
13. Music To My Ears
14. Dawn Anna
TOUR
June 20 - New York, NY - Housing Works
June 24 - Toronto, ON - First Canadian Place
July 3 - London, England - The Roundhouse
July 16 - New York, NY - Joe’s Pub
July 23 - Los Angeles, CA - Largo
July 25 - Elora, ON - Elora Festival
June 27 - 28 - Glastonbury, England - Glastonbury Festival
August 6 - Peterborough, ON - Festival of Lights
August 9 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Folk Festival
Have a listen to “Brandy Alexander,” a track from the new album:
Andrew Morgan has finally released his self titled follow-up to 2004’s Misadventures In Radiology. In Japan, an expanded edition of the album was released last week courtesy of moorworks (Aloha, Crooked Fingers). As for listeners elsewhere, don’t despair. Morgan has re-launched his web site and users can purchase a digital copy. He has also posted a second digital release for purchase, a five song EP titled As Long As We’re Together. The lead cut is a track from Andrew Morgan and two of the songs are unreleased (”Who Ever Knew,” “As Mine”). The other two tracks (”As Long As We’re Together [Reprise],” “Quite A Pair”) appear on the Japanese edition of Andrew Morgan.
Later this summer, Morgan will release Wake For A Unified Theory, yet another digital full length. It appears that the remaining songs from the expanded edition of Andrew Morgan will find their way onto that or a future EP release. Morgan promises to produce physical copies of Andrew Morgan and As Long As We’re Together if enough interest is shown. Those that purchased one or both of the downloads (a reasonable $10 for the full length and $5 for the EP) would then be offered physical copies at a 50% discount. As someone who has been following the development of Andrew Morgan since its demo stages, I am thrilled to see it reach the public. I know I am biased, but I couldn’t recommend it more.
Morgan heads to Japan later this month to promote the album. One of the shows finds him opening for Joan Of Arc. I will refrain from elaborating on why that feels criminal. After the jump, you will find full artwork and tracklistings for Andrew’s latest releases.
6.26 @ Mona Record, Tokyo w/ Qurage
6.29 @ Junk Box, Sendai w/ Mothercoat, Trico
6.30 @ Sandinista, Yamagata w/ Joan of Arc
7.02 @ Flying Teapot, Toyko w/ Qurage
Although it doesn’t appear Chad VanGaalen will be taking part in Sub Pop’s upcoming 20th anniversary festivities, that didn’t stop the prolific Canadian songwriter from contributing a new song to the third installment of the label’s Terminal Sales compilation. VanGaalen’s entry comes in the form of “Willow Tree,” (stream below) a track from his forthcoming third album, Soft Airplane. According to the sleeve that accompanies the compilation, Soft Airplane will be released by Sub Pop in September.
