Image courtesy of Activision

Since 2001, Vancouver’s Scott Morgan has released four outstanding full lengths of ambient music under the alias of Loscil. His latest release is Strathcona Variations, a digital EP for Ghostly International. In early 2010, Kranky will release a new LP from Loscil titled Endless Falls. Morgan also works as a sound director in the video game industry. He was a vital member of the sound team for Prototype, a game that was released this summer by Activision and sold more copies than any other game in North America during the month of June. Morgan was so nice to sit down and answer some questions regarding the new EP, the upcoming full length, his work with Destroyer’s Dan Bejar and more.

Hugh Miller: Tell me more about the background of the three tracks that compose Strathcona Variations.

Scott Morgan: At work, I have a view from my office of the neighborhood of Strathcona (in Vancouver). It is pretty much the view on the cover of the EP (though I took that photo from the roof of our building). It’s a pretty inspiring view of the buildings and the mountains in the background, but its also led me to think about Strathcona now and then. In essence, the EP is a series of “snapshots” of Strathcona; very photo-inspired in a way.  The main track, “Strathcona,” is a general “musical impression” of this place – a kind of soundtrack to it. The Union of “Union Dusk” is a street name as is the Princess in “Midnight on Princess.”

Both of these “variations” are about seeing the same place from a different perspective which is exactly what the music is about. “Union Dusk” and “Midnight on Princess” are both variations of the main themes in Strathcona. One with a slightly “lighter” impression and the other with a considerably darker one – which is exactly how I see Strathcona – a place with light and dark sides.

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I didn’t see this one coming. According to Billboard, Jawbox will perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on December 8th to promote the Dischord/DeSoto reissue of 1994’s For Your Own Special Sweetheart (in stores November 23rd). No reunion shows have been announced, but I’ll cross my fingers for a surprise show at the 9:30 Club.

Yesterday kicked off a big month for new releases. Built To Spill released their 7th album, There Is No Enemy, but the week is arguably highlighted by The Life Of The World To Come by The Mountain Goats, who made their television debut last night on The Colbert Report. Other releases included Sunset/Sunrise, the sophomore effort from The Dutchess And The Duke. John Vanderslice dropped a vinyl single on Dead Oceans for “Too Much Time” that includes an unreleased song titled “Moon Rocks.” It is available digitally as well. Speaking of digital releases, Ghostly International released Strathcona Variations, a new EP from Loscil.

The Mezzotint Label relaunched their web site to celebrate the recent release of Ciao My Shining Star, the new Mark Mulcahy tribute/benefit album that features Thom Yorke, The National, Michael Stipe, and many others. Please purchase this album so that Mulcahy can continue making music!

Retribution Gospel Choir, the alter ego of Low’s Alan Sparhawk, have signed with Sub Pop and will release their new album 2 on January 26th. RGC’s first album was released by Caldo Verde in 2008.

Jawbox photo by Katherine Davis.

• Artist: Visqueen
• Album: Message To Garcia
• Label: Local 638
• Release: 2009
• Links: Official Site, MySpace

It would be an understatement to say that a lot has happened in the five years since Visqueen released their second album, Sunset On Dateland. During that time, the group’s line-up rotated several times and singer Rachel Flotard appeared on two Neko Case records and toured as a member of Case’s band. In 2008, Flotard’s father George succumbed to cancer after Rachel had devoted a large chunk of the decade to taking care of him. Visqueen has returned with a solidified line-up and a record that is dedicated to the memory of Flotard’s father. Message To Garcia has its melancholy moments, but the record is dominated by Visqueen’s brand of mature power-pop that shines thanks to a refined confidence and more hooks than you can count.

Sometimes your allies rub off on you in the best possible way. Neko Case appears on five songs on Message To Garcia. Her presence is felt most notably on opener “Hand Me Down” and the equally outstanding “Forgive Me.” It is hard not to deliver when you have two beautiful voices like Flotard and Case sharing the mic. Case doesn’t appear on album centerpiece “So Long,” but her fingerprints are all over the gentle country ballad. By showcasing Flotard’s wide-ranging talent, it is a welcome reprieve in the middle of a hard-hitting album. Visqueen may have added two new members (Tom Cummings, Cristina Bautista), but Ben Hooker returns and his vigorous drums are an essential element to Visqueen’s sound.

Visqueen are picking up where they left off five years ago and they haven’t lost the momentum that gained them the attention of Ms. Case and many others. Not every record has to blow you away in order for it to be an enjoyable experience. Sometimes you just want to hear a well-crafted rock record and that is what Visqueen have brought to the table with Message To Garcia. There is nothing to genuinely dislike about this band. With a charismatic lead singer and the ability to fit what feels like a million hooks into a single track, Visqueen has a lot going for them. They almost make it look too easy.

• MP3: Hand Me Down