Is that a baby in your hand or are you just real unhappy to see me?

I think that one of my New Year’s resolutions for QBiM is not to allow too much “music news” filler to clog my posts, and focus more on the good stuff.  I still have a few weeks before 2009 rolls in, though, so forgive me this “news” post, but, come on–it’s Morrissey!  How could I not mention this?

The Moz camp has been hinting at a new album for some time now, and we have a title: Years of Refusal will be out on Decca/Polydor February 16th, and is 12 tracks long.  Previous single “That’s How People Grow Up” opens the album, and we should start hearing the lead-in single “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” sometime closer to the album’s release date.  The artwork has raised a few eyebrows.  Personally, I think the title artwork looks awesome, and, though Mozzer’s getting up there in years, he’s still looking good.  He’s set to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Monday 11th May and two homecoming shows at Manchester Apollo on Friday 22nd–Morrissey’s 50th birthday–and Saturday 23rd May.

The Acorn have had an amazing year Stateside and in the UK.  After the warm reception Glory Hope Mountain has received abroad, it looks like the little band from Ottawa has proven they have the chops to play in the big(ger) leagues.  The recently released a video for “Crooked Legs” which builds on their previous video for “Flood Pt. 1″, both of which were directed by Christopher Mills.

Video: The Acorn “Crooked Legs”
MP3: The Acorn “Crooked Legs”

Gramercy Arms secured themselves a spot on this year’s QBiM Favourite Albums of 2008 last week, and now are ready to celebrate the season with gal pal and UK labelmate, Mascott.  “This Christmastime” was also featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, a show that I’ve never watched, personally, but I’m sure is very good.

MP3: Gramercy Arms & Mascott “This Christmastime”