The New Music Friday Vol. 49

Live from the Rivoli! Or at least its live right now at 3:06PM from the AC loveliness of the upstairs pool hall. Would love to be out on the patio, but alas it is packed to the nines. Still, can't knock a cold beer and free Wi-Fi

- Review time. Moneen released their much anticipated 2nd album for Vagrant Records this week. The Red Tree is an appropriate follow-up to Are We Really Happy With Who we are Right Now, as it continues Moneen's foray into more contextualized sound, while still being a Moneen album. Unlike Choke, Moneen doesn't stray too far from their unique blend of heavy layered guitars and driving rhythm's on this one, to much success. There are some more subtle tracks, employing more electonic sounds and keyboards, but some rockin' songs as well. As Chris Hughes related, they were nervous at first having to work with all new recording and production people, and having so much time to produce the album; but they used it to their advantage. Personal favorite at the moment, The Frightening Reality Of Knowing That We Will All Have To Grow Up And Settle Down One Day. As we all know, Moneen love their long titles. Long story short, buy it. Buy it now.

- The Video Dead are having their CD release party tomorrow night at the Music Centre (in Burlington?) along with The Creepshow and Bigwig. More details?

- Head on over to www.myspace.com/mastodon to hear their new cover of Metallica's "Orion", their contribution to an upcoming tribute CD, because we all know Metallica is dead.

- New Less Than Jake available here, http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/ltjplayer/

- Hot Hot Heat are venturing back into the studio to begin work on a new album. Expect something in September.

- Saves The Day have dropped their new one, Sound The Alarm. Haven't got a hand on it yet, so review will be forthcoming.

The Nar is out of town till next week. See ya and Hoppy Bunny Day. After this post, we be heading to Ronnies (69 Nassau, in Kensington) for pints. See you there!