The Lakes Of Alberta

Who knew that Tokyo Police Club keyboardist Graham Wright had his own solo material? Ok I didn't, and maybe you did. Chartattack reports that Mr. Wright's released his solo debut "The Lakes Of Alberta" EP today; you can stream it or download a lower quality MP3 version of the album for free over at his website - for $5 you can also download a higher quality version of the album in various audio formats. TPC fans might be taken back by the acoustic folkiness of his solo material but I like it enough; if TPC's US label Saddle Creek releases this I won't be surprised. TPC play some Canadian dates in December including the Jingle Bell Rock tour at Sound Academy on December 12 and 13.

Hopefully, those of you going to one or both of the Broken Social Scene [oh, I just noticed their new URL not-to-mention their revamped website] shows at Sound Academy November 27 and 28 stop off at that Loblaw's on Queen Quay on the way to the show as the band will be accepting non-perishable food donations on behalf of the Daily Bread Food Bank. [via Pitchfork]

According to Pollstar it seems like Thornley is one of the bands playing the Horseshoe Tavern on December 5 as part of venue's 61st Birthday. Oh, way to burst my bubble.

Femi Kuti brings Afro-beat to The Opera House on January 15.

Annuals with Jessica Lea Mayfield and What Laura Says Thinks and Feels play the El Mocambo on January 24.

The red-hot Lykke Li will be back in Toronto for a show at Phoenix Concert Theatre on February 2.

Thievery Corporation move on up from their usual Toronto digs at The Opera House for a show at Kool Haus on February 21. They will be promoting their recently released 5th album "Radio Retaliation". Via Beggars Group Canada

As I've been reeling about the recent New Order reissues (I picked up "Movement", "Power Corruption, and Lies", and "Brotherhood" last week), it's also exciting to hear about the Factory Records 30th Anniversary boxset coming out. Rhino Records will be releasing this 4-disc / 63-tracks set and it's suppose to come out January 12 in the UK. Domestic release? Full details over at Pitchfork

Belle and Sebastian's "The BBC Sessions" (single and double-disc versions) is out today - full CD listening party over at Spinner this week. Hear a brief interview with Steve and Chris reminiscing about their trips to Manchester and London. No forseeable new album so "The BBC Sessions" will have to tide us over for now. Perhaps they'll release a surprise Christmas single like they did last year?