The Burgeoning Metropolis HOT 5: Episode #1

... and yes, its likely that one of these weeks I will post 5 pictures of ScarJo (like this one) instead of albums by bands no one has ever heard of. *Note to Liz... you are WAY prettier than her*


Classic Pick: Bruce Springsteen (Jersey) Born in the USA
... mostly because Liz and I have been batting around the idea of using "Dancing in the Dark" as our wedding song. Watch the video and tell me you wouldn't pay big money to see us bust out some 80s dance moves (... wait a minute, people don't pay to come to your wedding... huh...).

#5 The Antlers (Brooklyn, NY) Hospice
I'm still kind of absorbing this one, and trying to figure out whether/how much I like it. I have a feeling its a grower since its one of those strange kind of atmospheric, ambient pop/rock albums. So far, when the guy sings = good, when the guy doesn't sing = meh.
To be self-released Mar. 3.
[mp3] The Antlers - Bear

#4 Land of Talk (Mtl, QC) Some Are Lakes
I really, really, liked the debut EP Applause, Cheer, Boo, Hiss, but this more subdued - yet inexplicably garbly and chaotic in spots - effort isn't quite doing it for me. I thought they were at the best when they were pumping out aggressive, catchy, guitar parts with Liz Powell shreiking over them (like this "Breaxxbaxx").
To be released Jan.12.
[mp3] Land of Talk - Corner Phone

#3 Woodpigeon (Calgary, AB) Houndstooth Europa
I haven't had a tonne of time with this one, so, nothing really earth-shattering to say (surprised?) except that according to commenters at Herohill many people throw out the Suf comparison. I'd say that's probably fair, but, probably not as epic like Illinois... closer to Seven Swans, which is an outstanding record itself.

#2 Rah Rah (Regina, SK) going steady
I'll have more on this one next week... "Duet for Emmylou and the Grievous Angel" might be the best song I've heard in a couple of months.

#1 Ketch Harbour Wolves (Toronto, ON) Dead Calm Horizon
No need to say anymore since I've written about them here, here, here, here, ... and here. (You should know that this officially concludes "Ketch Harbour Wolves Week" here at BM (Burgeoning Metropolis - not Bowel Movement) Headquarters.