The Elwins help out, Rescue Rangers hit the gas, Jackie gets high and Chatham County Line have it covered in today’s Roundup. Is it spring yet?
1 The Elwins know how to have fun. But the Toronto pop-rockers also know there’s a time to get serious. And their soaring and uplifting new single and video Grind You Down a fundraiser for is one of those times. Shot at the Sharon Temple in Sharon, Ont., by Adrian Venni and Wyatt Clough, the video — which features the Four on the Floor string quartet and a choir of friends — is a fundraiser for The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. So you can do the right thing right along with them. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “The lyrics to Grind You Down have significant meaning to myself and the members of The Elwins,” says singer Matthew Sweeney. “Mental health and the stigma surrounding it are very serious subject matters that can affect anyone. We are doing our best to address the topic, and trying to encourage dialogue, support or anything else we can to encourage people to seek assistance if they require it. We’re very fortunate that there are many incredible organizations that offer services and while it’s sometimes a difficult bridge to cross we want people to feel as comfortable as they can.” Share the love:
2 Just in case you forgot that we’re speeding toward hell in the fast lane with the pedal to the metal, Rescue Rangers are here to remind you of our collective self-absorption with their new song Accelerate, from their upcoming album Divisive. On the plus side, the Marseilles rockers’ track makes a fine soundtrack for your headlong sprint toward oblivion. Just don’t watch the accompanying video while you’re behind the wheel, OK? SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “Due for release on Klonosphere this April, Divisive not only marks a return to form for the French quartet but a chance to forge ahead with even bigger and bolder ideas. Since their formation over a decade ago, every day that’s passed has only served to heighten vocalist/guitarist Pascal Mascheroni’s near talismanic-like qualities as a songwriter.” Hit the gas:
3 What’s new? With me? Not much. But you should ask Jackie Mohr. She seems to have a few things to share. Like the fact that her band name has changed from The Mohrs to Jackie. And the fact that they just released a punchy, crunchy and undeniably catchy pop-rock nugget called New at Drugs, produced by her longtime cohort Hawksley Workman. And the fact that they’ve also released a colourfully trippy lyric video to go with it. Don’t forget to pass it around. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “New At Drugs is a continual loop of energy, and good vibes. The lyrics, at times, are enigmatic which I miss in music. A lot of artists say things too matter-of-factly for my taste. Lyrics should be interpreted in a way that fits the listener, or makes you think.” In fact, Jackie drew inspiration for the song from her mother who is ‘new at drugs’, and worried about the associated negative connotations. Adds Jackie, “New At Drugs is a sing-a-long song on a mission to break down the stigma around drugs, and make you dance all the while.” Light ’em up:
4 They say politics makes strange bedfellows. So does music. Case in point: North Carolina newgrassers Chatham County Line. Their new album — appropriately titled Sharing the Covers — finds them dishing up reinterpretations of songs by Wilco, Tom Petty, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, The Louvin Brothers and others. Here’s one of the others: A delicately rendered version of Beck’s I Think I’m In Love, from his 2006 release The Information. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “Formed in 1999, Chatham County Line acquired their name after one of their very first practices when the then-unnamed group were trying to find Holt’s place in Chapel Hill and got lost. “We crossed the Chatham County line, and we never looked back,” Wilson says. “Just saw the sign, and said that’d be a good idea for a name.” Now you know:
