Blitzen Trapper - Furr

There are some bands that I love for no other reason than the simple fact that they make me happy. Blitzen Trapper is one of those bands. Last years' Wild Mountain Nation was a spastic mix of good old fashioned Southern rock and good old fashioned Southern raunch, and their show earlier this year was likewise, a hyperactive display of controlled chaos that ranks amongst the best shows I've seen. Furr is their fourth release, but their first on the highly influential Sub Pop label, and it once again brings a smile to my face and puts me in a positive state of mind.

Their unashamed love for 70's arena rock is showcased in full force on Gold For Bread, which contains some solid Stones riffage and a hooky chorus that forces you to sing along and play air guitar, as the song suggests. It even ends with a bit of the slightest flute playing to put you in the mood. Fire and Fast Bullets is equally infectious, a full out rocker that makes good use of keyboard verses fuzz guitar interplay. Saturday Nite owes its existence to Ray Davies as it definitely delivers a playfully jumpy beat that would fit right in with any outdated 70's flick. Finally, just as you think that the band has decided to set aside the raunch this time around, Love U is a bluesy number that is presented with a heavy metal rasp that would've made Nazareth's Dan McCafferty proud. The album's highlights however are the folksier ones, namely the title track Furr, Stolen Shoes and a Rifle and the album closer Lady On The Water, which are all beautifully laid back numbers, suitable for any summertime campfire.

Overall I feel that the album may not quite reach the heights of their last one, but if you can set the comparisons aside, it's still a release of the highest quality that stands on its own.

On what is probably one of the most bizarre bills of the year, the truly hyperactive Blitzen Trapper will be opening for the truly not hyperactive at all Iron And Wine at The Phoenix on Thursday November 13th. I won't be there but it should be interesting. Tix are $25.

Photo by Jade Harris
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
Download: Furr mp3


Download: Gold For Bread mp3


More news:
After a brief absence, Fox Jaws are playing their last show in Toronto before the new year at the El Mocambo this Saturday October 18th. Wish I could be there but sadly, I cannot. They're playing with The Hots and Brett Caswell.

Myspace: Fox Jaws
Myspace: The Hots
Myspace: Brett Caswell

It seems that instore performances are becoming more and more frequent these days, and a cool one that is coming up involves Jay Reatard at Sonic Boom. This is at 7pm on Thursday October 16th.

Myspace: Jay Reatard

As you probably already know, Broken Social Scene has clearly heard my pleas and booked a second show at The Sound Academy for Friday November 28th. It's been two years since I've seen them last and I am sooo there!

Myspace: Broken Social Scene

The Cure is in the process of releasing their 13th studio album entitled 4:13 Dream, and they apparently played the whole thing live in Rome at Piazza San Giovanni on the weekend. Stereogum gives us their (mainly underwhelming) thoughts on what they heard, as well as providing 13 videos for all 13 new songs.

Myspace: The Cure

And finally, have you ever heard of a Kazookeylele? Go here to see this bizarre instrument in action, resulting in the greatest cover in the history of the world ever!