VARIOUS BITS AND PIECES:










photograph by Andrew MacNaughtan

Canadian pop pioneers the Spoons have released their first album of new material in 23 years (first since 1988's 'Vertigo Tango') called 'Static In Transmission' (order here). The band consists of original members Gord Deppe and Sandy Horne along with recent additions Casey MQ on keyboards and Chris McNeil on drums. They've shot a video for the single 'You Light Up' in and around Toronto and are amping up the radio promotion in the coming weeks with a cross country tour in the works. The album is full of strong songs with potential future singles being 'Star Maps', 'Numb' and 'Words Will Smash Walls'. Two other new Spoons songs are available for download using clues from the album artwork.

Tim & Jean had their first album "Like What" (order here) released in Australia on April 1st and it is a solid album from start to finish. These guys create and produce some of the best feel-good electropop on the planet and the album entered the Australian album charts at the number 12 position. Included of course are the hit singles 'Come Around', 'Veronika' and the latest single 'I Can Show You' as well as future singles 'Don't Stop', 'Afrika' and 'Give It Up'.

Darren Hayes has announced that he has signed to Mercury Records Australia and that they will release his forthcoming album. I'm looking forward to hearing the album, especially the material Darren has worked with Phil Thornally on.

Howard Jones has made available the U.K. 12" remix of his hit 'Look Mama' available for fans to download here. He's also announced a project where people can remix some of his early material using downloaded original audio parts, the eventual result being an album release of the best reworked/remixed material.

I'm enjoying the new song 'In Your Blood' from Auckland New Zealand duo 'Computers Want Me Dead'. Check out the video for the song below.


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