February 19th, 2009 8:22am
The Morning Benders and The Submarines at The Drake Underground in Toronto
Frank YangAnyone who needs a case study in the effectiveness of avenues like commercials and soundtracks to boost a band’s fortunes need look no further than The Submarines. On their last visit to Toronto in May 2008, despite having an excellent debut in Declare A New State under their belt and another fine record in Honeysuckle Weeks just released, they drew a crowd of about 50 people to their show at the Drake Undeground (or so I was told - I wasn’t one of the 50). Seven months, one appearance on a hit soundtrack and one iPhone commercial later, they were back at the Drake and playing to a packed house.
MP3: The Submarines - “Waiting For A War”
In conversation with BBC, Bernard Butler pretty much dashes any hopes for a Suede reunion. Unconfirmed rumours have Richard Oakes hanging around the BBC offices offering his thoughts on a Suede reunion to an uninterested custodial staff.
This Is Fake DIY and Click Music interview Emmy The Great.
Clash converses with Frida Hyvonen.
Dig For Fire hangs out with Shearwater, video camera in hand.
The Quietus discusses London architecture with Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne.
Pitchfork reports that Superchunk will release their first new material in forever with the Leaves in the Gutter EP, out April 7. It’s unknown if this is a precursor to more new material or just a one-off, but new ‘Chunk is good ‘Chunk. Sloth love ‘Chunk.
Alankomaat and Rolling Stone interview Bishop Allen, whose new record Grr… is out March 10.
CBC Radio 3, The Vancouver Courier and Corriere Tandem all talk to AC Newman.
The New York Times and Mother Jones have features on Neko Case, whose Middle Cyclone is out March 3.
Question - has anyone ever been to Primavera Sound in Barcelona? Because looking at the lineup so far, and looking at the prices for travel and lodging, I am seriously considering spending the last week of May on the Mediterranean coast… And you may recall that not long ago I exhorted Jarvis Cocker to play somewhere that I could plan a vacation around - well he’s kept his end of the bargain. It’s up to me now. So yes, any thoughts on the Primavera Festival or Barcelona in general are appreciated.
