[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (8-22-2012)

Plants and Animals Mix

Plants and Animals have silently made a solid catalog of music over their last 3 albums. Their best to date, in my opinion, is still their debut Parc Avenue, but that album's recording process spanned many years, which resulted in a very eclectic mix of amazing rock. P&A's next two albums focused more in the classic rock direction, and the results were interesting and enjoyable. For this week's HDPP, I hope to highlight band's very best songs, condensing the list down to 15 songs. Sure I left off some great jams, but these are the energizing hits that'll get you over the hump.

Stream the playlist below (or by clicking here).

:: Hump Day Power Play (8-22-2012) ::
01 :: "Feedback in the Field" - Plants and Animals
02 :: "Fake It" - Plants and Animals
03 :: "Why & Why" - Plants and Animals
04 :: "Mercy" - Plants and Animals
05 :: "The Mama Papa" - Plants and Animals
06 :: "Lightshow" - Plants and Animals
07 :: "Good Friend" - Plants and Animals
08 :: "Tom Cruz" - Plants and Animals
09 :: "Lola Who?" - Plants and Animals
10 :: "Swinging Bells" - Plants and Animals
11 :: "American Idol" - Plants and Animals
12 :: "Faerie Dance" - Plants and Animals
13 :: "Control Me" - Plants and Animals
14 :: "The End of That" - Plants and Animals
15 :: "Bye Bye Bye" - Plants and Animals

:: Get Spotify ::

[video] Plants and Animals - "H.C."

New music video from P&A

Plants and Animals just released a beautifully animated video for the shortest song in their catalog. Created by Aimée Van Drimmelen, the video for "H.C." can be seen above. If you're hungry for more, I highly suggest watching the video for their title track "End Of That" below. It's quite amazingly hilarious. Check out their tour dates below, and try to see these guys and their awesome stage performance in a city near you.

Plants and Animals Tour Dates
06/15/12 || Toronto, ON || NXNE Music Festival
06/16/12 || Montréal, QC || Festival Folk sur le Canal
06/30/12 || Gagetown, BC || Folly Fest
07/04/12 || Sherbrooke, QC || Théâtre Granada (Sherblues)
07/05/12 || Ottawa, ON || Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
07/06/12 || Orillia, ON || Mariposa Folk Festival
07/12/12 || Dour, BE || Dour Festival
07/15/12 || Nijmegen, NL || Festival De-Affaire
07/17/12 || Paris, FR || Nouveau Casino
07/20/12 || Saint-Gédéon, QC || St-Gédéon s'amuse
07/24/12 || Columbus, OH || Newport Music Hall*
07/25/12 || Detroit, MI || Magic Stick*
07/27/12 || Burlington, VT || Signal Kitchen
07/28/12 || Boston, MA || Royale*
07/30/12 || New York, NY || Webster Hall*
07/31/12 || Baltimore, MD || Ram's Head Live*
08/01/12 || Washington, DC || 9:30 Club*
08/04/12 || Montréal, QC || Osheaga Music and Art Festival
08/16/12 || Îles de la Madeleine, QC || Pas Perdus
08/17/12 || Îles de la Madeleine, QC || Pas Perdus
08/24/12 || Squamish, BC || Live at Squamish
08/28/12 || L'Assomption, QC || L'Ange Cornu
*with Bombay Bicycle Club

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (3-21-2012)

Whistling Mix

This has been one crazy week. In a blink of an eye, it's already Wednesday again, and I somehow managed to nearly forget the release of the Hump Day Power Play! The theme this week was supposed to be "Whistle While You Work". I usually hate when people whistle out loud, but if it's used as an instrument in a song, I find it quite catchy. So feast your ears on this week's playlist, and I'll wager you're whistling to these songs before you even realize it.

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (3-21-2012) ::
01 :: "Young Folks" - Peter Bjorn And John
02 :: "Feedback in the Field" - Plants and Animals
03 :: "Don't Stop" - Foster The People
04 :: "Torts" - Starlight Mints
05 :: "Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
06 :: "Let's Go Surfing" - The Drums
07 :: "I Could Go" - Oberhofer
08 :: "Humans" - Islands
09 :: "Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
10 :: "Amsterdam" - Peter Bjorn And John
11 :: "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster The People
12 :: "5 Years Time" - Noah And The Whale
13 :: "Sissyneck" - Beck
14 :: "Us Ones In Between" - Sunset Rubdown

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

[video] Plants and Animals cover Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe In Anything"

Worlds Collide

Late last year, Plants and Animals performed Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe In Anything" during their Live from Breakglass session at Breakglass Studios in Montreal during the Pop Montreal Festival. Check it out! 

Also of note, P&A are set to release their follow-up to La La Land later next month. The End of That will hit shelves February 28.

[new music] Plants and Animals - The End of That

P&A Announce New Record

“Let’s make a new record,” they say. “How do we do this? Let’s do it differently—let’s write a whole pile of songs and develop them big time before we go into the studio to record—let’s not do the fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants routine for a change—too crazy, too pressed. Let’s create in a cave, off the clock, take some time. Like normal people,” they say.

Plants and Animals have just announced the news and release date for their third LP, The End of That. Set to release via Secret City on February 28, 2012, P&A are already sharing the first single, a slow-rocker called "Lightshow" (listen below). New tour dates have also been posted, most notably, the band will be hitting up the Crocodile in Seattle, as well as Shuba's in Chicago! Additionally, the band will be touring with a bass player and playing live as a four piece for the first time. Should bring some added depth to their stage sound - always a plus.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
12-7-2011 :: The Rock Shop :: New York, NY
1-6-2012 :: Rialto Theatre :: Montreal, QC
1-12-2012 :: Schuba's :: Chicago, IL (Tomorrow Never Knows Fest)
3-8-2012 :: Ritual Nightclub :: Ottawa, ON**
3-9-2012 :: Le Cercle :: Quebec, QC**
3-10-2012 :: Le Cabaret du Mile End :: Montreal, QC
3-21-2012 :: Rickshaw Theatre :: Vancouver, BC*
3-22-2012 :: The Crocodile :: Seattle, WA*
3-24-2012 :: Mississippi Studios :: Portland, Oregon*
3-27-2012 :: Starlite Room :: Edmonton, AB*
3-28-2012 :: Republik :: Calgary, AB*
3-29-2012 :: Amigos Cantina :: Saskatoon, SK*
3-30-2012 :: West End Cultural Centre :: Winnipeg, MB*
3-31-2012 :: 7th Street Entry :: Minneapolis, MN*

* w/ Little Scream
** w/ TBA

ADVANCE PRE-SALE TICKETS for all shows are available here.

[mp3] Plants and Animals - Daytrotter Session

Another fantastic Daytrotter Session

Plants and Animals are about to embark across The Great North for their wintry-chilled tour through Canada. To sample their amazing live performance, head over to Daytrotter and check out their session which was released today. The band showcased two newer jams from La La Land, "Game Shows" and "Celebration," as well as the Parc Avenue classic "Feedback in the Field." Tour dates are posted below - notably, stage support includes Yukon Blonde, the 2010 Polaris Prize winners Karkwa, and Little Scream. It's bound to be a great show.

MP3: Plants and Animals - "Celebration" Daytrotter Session
(go here for the full Daytrotter Session)

Plants and Animals tour dates:
2/18 - The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC*
2/19 - Sugar Nightclub, Victoria, BC*
2/21 - Hume Hotel’s Spirit Bar, Nelson, BC*
2/23 - Starlite Room, Edmonton, AB*
2/24 - Republik, Calgary, AB*
2/25 - Amigo’s, Saskatoon, SK*~
2/26 - Pyramid Cabaret, Winnipeg, MB*
3/03 - Starlight Social Club, Waterloo, ON#
3/04 - Call the Office, London, ON#
3/05 - Lee’s Palace, Toronto, ON#
3/06 - Casbah, Hamilton, ON#
3/08 - The Red Dog, Peterborough, ON#
3/09 - Zappas Lounge, Kingston, ON#
3/10 - Capital Music Hall, Ottawa, ON#
3/11 - Le National, Montreal, QC^
3/12 - Le Cercle, Quebec, QC^

* w/ Yukon Blonde
# w/ Karkwa
^ w/ Little Scream
~ w/ Daniel Isaiah Schachter

[tour dates] Plants and Animals w/ Frightened Rabbit

Plants and Animals Return to Seattle!

After touring across the Atlantic, Plants and Animals return to the US for another leg of the La La Land tour. Fantastic paired with Scotland's Frightened Rabbit, the tour kicks off here in Seattle this Thursday (Oct 7) at the Showbox Market (tickets here). Don't miss this show, and be sure to catch these dudes in a city near your. A full list of tour dates are posted below.

Plants and Animals tour dates:

Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 19
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 26
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Nov 1
Nov 2
Nov 3

Seattle, WA
Vancouver, BC
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Anaheim, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Tempe, AZ
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
New Orleans, LA
Gainesville, FL
Athens, GA
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Washington, DC
Pittsburgh, PA
Detroit, MI

The Showbox~
The Vogue Theatre~
Wonder Ballroom~
The Fillmore~
Mayan Theater~
House of Blues~
House of Blues~
The Beauty Bar~
The Clubhouse~
The Loft~
Stubb's BBQ~
Walter's on Washington~
Tipitina's~
Common Grounds~
40 Watt Club~
Starlight Ballroom~
Paradise~
Terminal 5~
9:30 Club~
Diesel Club~
Magic Stick~

~ w/ Frightened Rabbit

[news] Plants and Animals to tour with Frightened Rabbit

New tour dates announced for P&A

Seattle is going to get a double dose of Plants and Animals this fall. First at Bumbershoot 2010 on September 4 (along with The Budos Band), and now on October 7 at the Showbox. The latter date includes stage support from Scotland's very own Frightened Rabbit. Both shows are bound to great since I've seen P&A absolutely kill at both the festival setting and the intimate club setting.

After Bumbershoot, Plants and Animals will head across the Atlantic for a number of EU shows before returning in October to complete their US leg. Check them out in a city near you (more dates posted below) and if you still haven't listened to their newest LP La La Land, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today.

Buy :: Plants and Animals - La La Land

Plants and Animals tour dates:

July 30
Aug 1
Aug 5
Aug 6
Aug 7
Aug 9
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 14
Aug 15
Sept 4
Sept 9
Sept 10
Sept 15
Sept 16
Sept 17
Sept 18
Sept 19
Sept 23
Sept 24
Sept 25
Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 19
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 26
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Nov 1
Nov 2
Nov 3

Chattanooga, TN
Chicago, IL
London, UK
London, UK
Standon, UK
Potsdam, DE
Dresden, DE
Darmstadt, DE
Preganziol, IT
Cesantico, IT
Seattle, WA
London, UK
Dorset, UK
Rees-Haldern, DE
Utrecht, NL
Berlin, DE
Paris, FR
Tilburg, NL
Manchester, UK
Glasgow, UK
Leeds, UK
Seattle, WA
Vancouver, BC
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Anaheim, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Tempe, AZ
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
New Orleans, LA
Gainesville, FL
Athens, GA
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Washington, DC
Pittsburgh, PA
Detroit, MI

Nightfall Series at Miller Plaza (tix)
Wicker Park Festival
The Lexington w/ El Guincho (tix)
The Brixton Windmill (tix)
Standon Calling Festival (tix)
Lindenpark* (tix)
Beatpol* (tix)
Centralstation* (tix)
Macaco in the Country
Retro Pop Live
Bumbershoot Festival (tix)
Bush Hall (tix)
End of the Road Festival (tix)
Haldern Pop Bar
dB's
Introducing at Magnet
La Flèche D'or
Incubate Festival (tix)
The Ruby Lounge+ (tix)
King Tut's+ (tix)
The Brudenell Social Club+ (tix)
The Showbox~
The Vogue Theatre~
Wonder Ballroom~
The Fillmore~
Mayan Theater~
House of Blues~
House of Blues~
The Beauty Bar~
The Clubhouse~
The Loft~
Stubb's BBQ~
Walter's on Washington~
Tipitina's~
Common Grounds~
40 Watt Club~
Starlight Ballroom~
Paradise~
Terminal 5~
9:30 Club~
Diesel Club~
Magic Stick~


* w/ Portugal. The Man
+ w/ Shout Out Louds
~ w/ Frightened Rabbit

[video] Plants and Animals (Live @ KEXP)

Plants and Animals in the KEXP Studio

Before rocking out the Crocodile, Plants and Animals played a four-song set over at KEXP. Well, they've finally released the footage, which can be seen via YouTube. I've attached my two favorite performances: "Celebration" and "Game Shows," but you can also watch the in-studio performances of "The Mama Papa" and "Undone Melody" (as well as the other two songs) in high definition by going here.

In other P&A news, the band will be returning to the Emerald City for the 40th anniversary of Bumbershoot. The line up for the Seattle music and art festival was just posted, and if you'd like to catch Plants and Animals again, go on Sunday, September 5.

[review] Plants and Animals @ Crocodile (5-22-2010)

P&A Bring Rock & Roll to Seattle

For the Seattleites who braved the dreek and dreary weather and trekked over to the Crocodile yesterday evening, all were happily treated to a fantastic Saturday night special. Fans looking to see Plants and Animals got both wishes: stage support included Lost in the Trees and Frog Eyes.

Starting the night off with North Carolina septet Lost in the Trees, I could tell that there was going to be a good energy in the audience. Lost in the Trees somehow managed to fit all 7 members of their band on the Crocodile stage, including their full-band assortment of instruments (upright bass, cello, baritone, violin, drums, you name it). They apparently have a new album coming out this August, but they have plenty of music to discover over at their site (here). They really got a good vibe going, which led straight into Frog Eyes' set.

I had seen Frog Eyes years back during their '05 "Spiritual Animal Tour," which featured Whale Bones and Wolf Parade. At the time, I remember being a bit disappointed; however, I will point out that I hadn't developed an appreciation for Carey Mercer's spastic yelps of beauty. After a quick sound check, Frog Eyes really blasted fans with some of their heavy hitters. Half-way through the set, we were informed by Mercer's hysterical storytelling of his time spent at the L.A. Rock School. I won't try to re-tell it, since it will lose all its humor, but to sum up the lesson of the story: even when you're sick, you still put on a good show without telling fans how terrible you feel. In between songs, Mercer was coughing and wheezing while guzzling down water to aid his sore throat; however, during songs, Mercer sounded spot-on with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Frog Eyes are an acquired taste - unique styles of music are often misunderstood or underappreciated - but for those who are fans of the flavor, we were left with wanting more when the set concluded with "A Flower In A Glove," the first track off their new album Paul's Tomb: A Triumph.

After a short break, the arrival of Plants and Animals brought noise to the Crocodile. Hungry fans, tided over with incessant spins of their new album La La Land, were finally going to hear these jams in person. For those in the audience who caught their St. Patty's Day '09 show at Nectar, they may have expected a mellow set. But there was nothing of the sort this time around.

P&A kicked off the night with "New Kind Of Love," the slow-building song that climaxed with a Warren Spicer stage dive, mid-guitar riff, whereupon the lead singer finished the set-opener in the front row of fans. Fully feeding off the crowd's energy, P&A catapulted into "Fake It," my favorite groove-laden track from La La Land. Like before, Nicolas Basque - Québecois multi-instrumental extraordinaire - provided much of the complex sounds though frantic mid-song rotations between guitar, synth, and bass. Keeping the heart of each song rhythmically beating strong, drummer Matthew Woodley (aka the Woodman) slapped the sticks with a certain James Dean-swagger. Completing the power trio's tour-de-force, Spicer's howls cut straight through the chaos.

After three albums and one EP, Plants and Animals have developed a large enough repertoire of lead-heavy jams to fill a whole set. Guitar improvisation and song extensions throughout the night managed to adapt the band's lush orchestrations and works of beauty into an all-out rock concert. Highlights of the night definitely came when the band tore through new songs like "Celebration," "Undone Melody," and the cleverly titled "Tom Cruz." I was happy to hear With/Avec's "Lola Who?" but would have loved to hear "American Idol" or "Game Shows" - next time I guess. After blazing through "The Mama Papa" and waiting out a quick encore break, the band fittingly closed the night with Parc Avenue favorite "Bye Bye Bye."

All in all, Plants and Animals didn't disappoint. I'm sure after last night's performance there's bound to be new fans popping up all over Seattle. For a full set list, see below.

Plants and Animals Set List
(Crocodile, Seattle - 5-22-2010)
New Kind Of Love
Fake It
Celebration
Good Friend
Tom Cruz
Feedback In The Field
Lola Who?
Undone Melody
Faerie Dance
Mercy
The Mama Papa
Encore
Bye Bye Bye

[tonight] Plants and Animals @ Crocodile (5-22-2010)

P&A this Saturday!

Tonight: Plants and Animals are playing the Crocodile (May 22, 2010). Stage support includes Frog Eyes and Lost in the Trees. Tickets are still available at the box office for a mere $13. Be there!

Who :: Plants and Animals
w/ Frog Eyes & Lost in the Trees
Where :: Crocodile Cafe, Seattle
When :: Saturday, May 22, 2010
How :: $13 Tickets

[concert] Plants and Animals w/ Frog Eyes @ Crocodile (5-22-2010)

P&A this Saturday!

Just a reminder: Plants and Animals have been touring their new album La La Land, and they plan to hit the Crocodile this Saturday (May 22, 2010). Last time they stopped by Jet City, they played one hell of show. This time around, with special openers Frog Eyes and Lost in the Trees, Saturday night is a must-see show. Tickets are available (here) for a mere $13. What a deal! To further entice you, watch this Take Away Show for "The Mama Papa."

Who :: Plants and Animals
w/ Frog Eyes & Lost in the Trees
Where :: Crocodile Cafe, Seattle
When :: Saturday, May 22, 2010
How :: $13 Tickets (here)

Plants and Animals tour dates:
May 18 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
May 19 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
May 20 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
May 21 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
May 22 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile w/ Frog Eyes
May 25 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 26 Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door
May 27 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
May 29 Tucson, AZ @ Plush
May 31 Denton, TX @ Hailey's
June 1 Austin, TX @ Emo's
June 4 Orlando, FL @ Back Booth
June 5 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
June 6 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
June 9 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

[new album] Plants and Animals - La La Land Out Today!

Plants and Animals release 2nd LP today

La La Land is out today. Stop into your neighborhood record shop or download it here from the US and here from Canada. You can also buy it directly from the band over at their online store.

For those expecting Parc Avenue Pt. 2, you may find your ears a bit surprised after giving La La Land a spin. While it's still, in my opinion, of the same caliber as its predecessor, La La boasts a more top-down rock approach. Songs hit with heavier beats, and strings have been replaced with rock saxophone and clunky ragtime-y piano at times. But the same elements that made Parc Avenue one of the best albums of 2008 shine through on this sophomore effort - the complex subtleties and attention to minute details are what elevate Plants and Animals above most indie acts today. This is definitely an album that gets better with each rotation, yet it contains enough rockers to nab the casual listener. Highlights of the album include "Game Shows," "Fake It," "Undone Melody," and "Celebration." To hear the whole album in its entirety, head over to Secret City Records and judge for yourself.

And tomorrow (April 20) at 10:40pm, the band will kick off the La La Land tour with a show in Toronto. You don't live in Toronto? No worries: P&A will have a live stream of the show at their website (by Livestream). As the band claims, you can "watch us in your underwear without creeping everybody in the club out." If you want to catch their show in person, below is the rest of their North American tour.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
Apr 20 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
Apr 21 Quebec, QC @ Theatre Petit Champlain
Apr 22 Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
Apr 23 Ottawa, ON @ Babylon
Apr 24 Peterborough, ON @ The Red Dog
Apr 26 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
Apr 28 Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Centre
Apr 29 Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo's
Apr 30 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
May 1 Calgary, AB @ #1 Royal Canadian Legion
May 2 Kelowna, BC @ Habitat
May 4 Victoria, BC @ Sugar Nightclub
May 5 Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom
May 13 Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
May 14 Columbus, OH @ The Basement
May 15 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
May 16 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
May 18 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
May 19 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
May 20 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
May 21 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
May 22 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile w/ Frog Eyes
May 25 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 26 Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door
May 27 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
May 29 Tucson, AZ @ Plush
May 31 Denton, TX @ Hailey's
June 1 Austin, TX @ Emo's
June 4 Orlando, FL @ Back Booth
June 5 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
June 6 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
June 9 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

[new music] Plants and Animals - Stream La La Land

Unveiling La La Land Piece-by-Piece, Starting Today

Due to an early leak, Plants and Animals are tiding over the impatient fans with the streaming of La La Land, one song at a time. Over at the La La Land page, you can now listen to tracks 1-3. "Tom Cruz" has been available since January, but as of today, you can also treat your ears to "Swinging Bells" and "American Idol." The band plans to reveal songs leading up to the official April 20 release, with the next offering from the album due this Thursday.

According to the band, “Swinging Bells” is the tune that inspired the album's name. Amidst the "delicate dabs of rickety 70s piano," the song climaxes with a chorus of "la la las." "Swinging Bells" also acts as a prelude to the next track, "American Idol." The song, as stated by Nic Basque, "brought to life one of our musical dreams: to record a rock sax solo.” Enlisting the saxophone skills of Colin Stetson (Arcade Fire), "American Idol" really hits its mark.

If you want to hear more clips of the unreleased tracks, you can sample them in these zany YouTube TV ads starring their friend Joe Cobden, and a pickle. They're also posted below.

Pre-order :: Plants and Animals - La La Land (CD)
Pre-order :: Plants and Animals - La La Land (LP)

[video] Plants and Animals - La La Land TV Ads

La La Land Episodes 5, 7, and 9

Plants and Animals are airing a series of TV ads to promote the upcoming release of their sophomore effort La La Land. So far, only three ads are available, but judging from the theme, I really appreciate the band's sense of humor. Always quite candid during interviews, this zany, recurring pickle motif (watch to understand) just makes me giggle. More importantly, there are two song clips for "Celebration" and "Kon Tiki" that can be heard playing during the episodes, as well as their first single "The Mama Papa", which will all appear on La La Land.

La La Land drops April 20.

Also, P&A will play the Crocodile on May 22 w/ Frog Eyes.

[video] Plants and Animals - Live from La La Land

Plants and Animals - La La Land (April 20)

The newest single "The Mama Papa" just hit the internet, and we're nearly one month away from the release of La La Land. Plants and Animals will be playing no less than six shows at SXSW in the next four days! The band says they'll be giving Austinites a sampling of their forthcoming album (due April 20). Since I'm impatient, I've been trying to find as many new songs on the internet recorded over the past year from P&A. Below are three songs if you can't wait. And don't forget that they'll be playing the Crocodile on May 22 w/ Frog Eyes!

Buy :: Plants and Animals - "The Mama Papa" (digital download)

"Tom Cruz" @ la Flêche d'Or // Paris, FR


"Fake It" @ Paragon Theatre // Halifax, NS


"The Mama Papa" @ Modified Arts // Phoenix, AZ


"The Mama Papa" (Official Music Video)

[tour] Plants and Animals - US Tour Dates

May 22 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile w/ Frog Eyes

Plants and Animals have just announced a long list of US tour dates in support of their new album La La Land, which drops April 20. Of note, P&A will be hitting up the Crocodile on May 22 with Frog Eyes! Don't miss this fantastic show. And in case you missed it, here's the newest music video of "The Mama Papa", a song album-bound on La La Land.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
Mar 10 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Broken Bells
Mar 12 Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace (CMW Billions Showcase)
Mar 13 Toronto, ON @ Royal York Hotel (Indie Awards)
Mar 17 SXSW 6:20 PM @ Brush Square – Canadian Blast BBQ
Mar 18 SXSW 1:50 PM @ Lovejoy – Pop Montreal Party
Mar 18 SXSW 4:30 PM @ Emo’s Annex – Soundcheck Magazine party
Mar 19 SXSW 9:00 PM @ Antone’s – Billions Showcase
Mar 20 SXSW 2:25 PM @ Emo’s Annex – Under The Radar Party
Mar 20 SXSW 3:45 PM @ Galaxy Room – Brooklyn Vegan/Mfor Party
Apr 21 Quebec, QC @ Theatre Petit Champlain w/ The Barr Brothers
Apr 22 Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe w/ The Barr Brothers
Apr 23 Ottawa, ON @ Babylon
Apr 24 Peterborough, ON @ The Red Dog
Apr 26 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
Apr 28 Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Centre
Apr 29 Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo's
Apr 30 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
May 1 Calgary, AB @ #1 Royal Canadian Legion
May 2 Kelowna, BC @ Habitat
May 4 Victoria, BC @ Sugar Nightclub
May 5 Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom
May 13 Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
May 14 Columbus, OH @ The Basement
May 15 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
May 16 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
May 18 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
May 19 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
May 20 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
May 21 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
May 22 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile w/ Frog Eyes
May 25 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 26 Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door
May 27 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
May 29 Tucson, AZ @ Plush
May 31 Denton, TX @ Hailey's
June 1 Austin, TX @ Emo's
June 4 Orlando, FL @ Back Booth
June 5 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
June 6 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
June 9 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

[video] Plants and Animals - "The Mama Papa"

Plants and Animals create magic

After hearing two strong songs that are album-bound on Plants and Animals' new LP La La Land, I'm very excited for this release. First, we were treated with "Tom Cruz", and now above is the music video for "The Mama Papa". For those of you who've caught a P&A live show in the last year or so, you've probably already heard this jammer. I like how it's evolved into a fast paced, steady rocker. Is it me, or does Warren Spicer sound a little like Dax Riggs in this track? La La Land drops April 20!

Plants and Animals tour dates:
Mar 12 // Lee’s Palace (CMW showcase) // Toronto, ON
Mar 13 // Royal York Hotel (CMW Indie Awards) // Toronto, ON
Mar 17-21 // SXSW // Austin, TX
Apr 21 // Theatre Petit Champlain // Quebec City, QC
Apr 22 // La Tulipe // Montreal, QC
Apr 23 // Babylon // Ottawa, ON
Apr 24 // The Red Dog // Peterborough, ON
Apr 28 // West End Cultural Centre // Winnipeg, MB
Apr 29 // Amigo’s // Saskatoon, SK
Apr 30 // Starlite Room // Edmonton, AB
May 1 // The Legion // Calgary, AB
May 2 // Habitat // Kelowna, BC
May 4 // Sugar Nightclub // Victoria, BC
May 5 // The Commodore Ballroom // Vancouver, BC

[tour dates] Plants and Animals - Canadian Tour

Welcome to La La Land

As the date for the grand opening of La La Land approaches (April 20), Plants and Animals will be touring the Greater Northern States of Canadia. Hopefully this means a US tour will soon follow. If you still haven't heard their newest track Tom Cruz, check it out here. It oh-so catchy.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
Mar 12 // Lee’s Palace (CMW showcase) // Toronto, ON
Mar 13 // Royal York Hotel (CMW Indie Awards) // Toronto, ON
Mar 17-21 // SXSW // Austin, TX
Apr 21 // Theatre Petit Champlain // Quebec City, QC
Apr 22 // La Tulipe // Montreal, QC
Apr 23 // Babylon // Ottawa, ON
Apr 24 // The Red Dog // Peterborough, ON
Apr 28 // West End Cultural Centre // Winnipeg, MB
Apr 29 // Amigo’s // Saskatoon, SK
Apr 30 // Starlite Room // Edmonton, AB
May 1 // The Legion // Calgary, AB
May 2 // Habitat // Kelowna, BC
May 4 // Sugar Nightclub // Victoria, BC
May 5 // The Commodore Ballroom // Vancouver, BC

[new music] Plants and Animals - La La Land

New Plants and Animals Album!

Announced today over at the P&A site, the band's next album La La Land will be released on April 20. The cover art is pictured above.

The first single, "Tom Cruz" is sooooo good (listen to it here). The creation of the song, apprently the product of some late-night rum and cokes, was nicely explained by the Woodman,

"It was December, pre-Christmas, so we fuelled the session with rum and cokes. They made us feel like Tom Cruise. It gave us killer smiles and made our enemies wither.”

According to Secret City (one of the best record labels on the planet), La La Land is bigger, smoother, tougher and tighter than the last one. The La La Land album page has a whole lot more to say, be sure to check it out. My favorite quote comes from Warren C. Spicer on the dual-cities recording sessions:

“The Paris stuff is like a nice Bordeaux and the Montreal stuff is more like a baked potato. Sessions in Paris ended by 10pm, sessions in Montreal by 6am.”

Plants and Animals will kick off a North American tour with a show in Montreal on April 22 at La Tulipe. More dates are sure to follow.