As I get closer to the end of 2009 and start thinking about year-end posts, there have been some albums that keep drawing me back to them.  Noah & The Whale’s The First Days of Spring is definitely one that has figured prominently of late.  If you recall from my previous post on the LP, the band have also put together a film version of the album, which I’m very interested in seeing.  Until then, they offer up a new video for the album’s incredible title track.  Filmed live at Paris’s Cafe De La Danse, it’s an interesting glimpse into the band’s live show, and a document on just how far they’ve come in two albums.

Video: Noah & the Whale “The First Days of Spring”
MP3: Noah & the Whale “The First Days of Spring”
Myspace: Noah & the Whale

Forest City Lovers have a new 7″ green vinyl single available via their own label (Play The Triangle).  It’s the first sample of their album, slated for a summer 2010 release.  You can hear some of it here now:

MP3: Forest City Lovers “If I Were a Tree”
Mysapce: Forest City Lovers

If I would have gotten news of Paper Bag Record’s Seven Year Itch compilation of covers, I may have devoted the entire 4FTW post to it.  No matter, there’s something for everyone here, and it’s free to everyone, too!  Just go here to get your own copy.  Most inspired choice:  The Acorn covering Gowan’s “Strange Animal”–classic Canadian rock spun on its head.  How bizarre?!?!

MP3: The Acorn “Strange Animal (Gowan cover)”
Myspace: The Acorn
MP3: CFCF (How Bizarre (OMC Cover)”
Myspace: CFCF