Blocks has been giving it away and putting out all year long with Eucalyptus, Doug Tielli, Army Girls, The Pining, Betty Burke and Tomboyfriend. Many amazing videos were made; tours were booked; shows were played. Toronto is still standing, against all odds. We were busy gettin’ busy and we’re not showing any signs of slowing for 2012.
Also, a shower of love to our friend Katie Stelmanis, because her new project Austra basically ruled over this wild year of our Lord, two thousand and eleven.

Check back with us over the next couple of weeks, because we have a big year coming up, and we’ll let you in on some of the details shortly.

‘You Can’t Wear Suede in the Rain’ from ‘The Dirty Mouth of the St. Lawrence’ by Betty Burke. Look for some new Betty Burke in the very near future!!!

ARMY GIRLS ‘BARKIN” recorded live on the beach. The ‘ARMY GIRLS’ debut EP ‘Close To The Bone’ may be something you missed, but you no longer have that excuse!

The Pining ‘The Better Life’. Its really so good its hard to imagine I even have to describe it all, because everyone should know this by now. But I will anyways, The Pining is a country band from Toronto led by 2 of Toronto’s finest songwriters. Validate this statement independantly right here

Doug Tielli ‘Deer’. Shadow Troubadour, Doug Tielli, sheds some light on the wild side of Toronto – more Raven or ravine, than ravin’ – with his stunning debut ‘Swan Sky Sea Squirrel’

Tomboyfriend ‘Almost/Always’ from the album ‘Don’t Go To School‘. Nothing is sacred but everything is sanctified.

Brodie West and Joost Buis chair dynamics — Brodie West of Euclyptus. This is not Eaucalyptus, but its very enjoyable

Austra – The Beat And The Pulse (NSFW)
Shot at Toronto’s finest space under the radar and above a bakery, Double Double Land.

Mantler – Breaking Past The Day. Words can hardly describe how much we love Mantler. He is truly one of the wonders of the world-of-under-celebrated-musicians-in-Toronto, and continually makes great videos. This is but one of those. Although his last record ‘Monody’ did not come out this past year, its really so good. Its a shame he isn’t on everyones “I need to feel great about life right now” playlist.

Kids On TV –’These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood’. Just sit back and enjoy! KOTV take over the hieights of TO’s Kensington Market one lovely afternoon.


Doug Tielli and band will be playing an in-store performance @ soundscapes this coming Tuesday in support of Doug’s new record. The performance is at 7:00pm. Don’t miss it. Some nice words describing “Swan Sky Sea Squirrel” can be found:
here and here

 
 
 


Also, be sure to Check out Eucalyptus one or all of the following 3 evenings, starting today with also, an in-store performance at soundscapes in Toronto. Friday @ Hiruit Fine Ethiopian and Sat @ The Tranzac. BTW The 10″ vinyl and artwork are absolutely stunning.

One last party for the year. Eeeeeuuucaaaaaaallyyypppptus, the debut EP from Brodie-West-led band Eucalyptus is solid fucking gold. They’re doing 3 nights of release festivities, including a very special night at a very special Ethiopian restaurant!

 
 

Here’s the video with all the details

by Iris Fraser Gudrunas
 
 

December 1st, In-store at Soundscapes
7pm. 572 college st

December 2nd, Hiruit Fine Ethiopian Cuisine
8pm. 2050 Danforth Ave (delicious food and amazing music!!!!)

December 3rd, Tranzac,
10pm. 292 Brunswick ave.

Doug Teilli

 
 

CD Release

 

doug tielli
 
 
new video
 
 
DEER

 

Featuring Jennifer Castle

 
 

.

November 28th!
But you can downlaod it now on iTunes here

Doug Tielli’s swan sky sea squirrel will be our 70th!

It hits the stores, both real and online November 28th. Join us for the release party at the Tranzac Sunday November 27th. Advanced tickets available at Rotate This and Soundscapes for $8.

The Tranzac club is located at 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto.
Have a listen
Riversea by Doug Tielli

blocks feature page on itunes

We’ve got a label feature page on iTunes now. What better place to catch up on our discography?

Here it is

and here’s some not too distant history.
 

TIFF gets stiffed and upstaged this Thursday (Sept 15) ’cause ARMY GIRLS are releasing their new EP with support from Tropics and Brian Borcherdt. Come to Double Double Land and witness.
You can also pick up a copy at Soundscapes and Rotate This
And if you’re not in Toronto, you can get a copy of this wonderful EP in the mail right here.
Or get it right here on iTunes

Blocks is very excited to announce our latest upcoming release, ‘Close To the Bone’. This is Army Girls debut – and our 69th – and it is a very handsome, very limited edition CD ep. It’ll hit the streets September 13th.
Have a look, and a listen.

“The Power”

And here’s another beautiful video from southern souls. Witness the magic of this 2 piece (plus of course the sunbathing back up singers).

 

Blocks is giving away a free 12″ copy of our Building Blocks comp with the purchase of any other Blocks vinyl release. That’s The Pining, Final Fantasy, Fucked Up, The Blankket, Picastro, Tradition, Nadja, Hank, Bob Wiseman and Mantler. You can get a copy at the new Sonic Boom vinyl shop in Kensington Market, which is an amazing addition to the neighbourhood. Drop by and have a look and check out some local goods.