Single Servings, Nov. 22, 2021

By Jason Schneider

On this week’s Single Servings, Frazey Ford pens one for her son, Kaytranada hits a triple, The Weber Brothers and friends tackle a Dylan masterpiece, and much more!

Jann Arden – Steady On

Release Date: Nov. 15

Label: Universal Music Canada

The queen of Canadian media is getting ready to kick off 2022 with a new album, Descendant, and this first taste is a heart-swelling ballad showing her velvety voice in top form. Steady On’s message is a simple one of encouragement that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel of the past two years.

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Basia Bulat – The Garden

Release Date: Nov. 16

Label: Secret City Records

On her new album The Garden, due on Feb. 25, the Toronto singer/songwriter remakes 16 songs from her catalogue with string arrangements by Owen Pallett, Paul Frith and Zou Zou Robidoux. It’s not that surprising a move from Bulat, who has worked with orchestras before, but for anyone who hasn’t experienced that, The Garden is sure to be a revelation.

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Kaytranada – Intimidated (feat. H.E.R.)

Release Date: Nov. 19

Label: Kaytranada/RCA

Montreal’s Grammy and Polaris Prize-winning sonic wizard has just released a three-song EP entitled Intimidated, featuring collaborations with Thundercat, Mach-Hommy, and H.E.R. on the title track. With its easy groove echoing ‘70s Philly Soul, Intimidated truly hypnotizes through H.E.R.’s ethereal vocal turn.

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Alice Glass – Baby Teeth

Release Date: Nov. 19

Label: Eating Glass Records

Fans of the embattled one-time Crystal Castles vocalist have been waiting with bated breath for her to make a full-on return, and Glass is finally set to release her debut solo album, Prey//IV on Jan. 28. First single Baby Teeth is more immediately danceable than might be expected, with Glass surprisingly describing it as, “probably the darkest and most hopeless track on my record, but it sounds misleadingly hopeful.”

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Frazey Ford – Saul

Release Date: Nov. 16

Label: Arts & Crafts

Following huge acclaim for her 2020 album U kin B the Sun, Vancouver Soul-Americana artist Frazey Ford is sharing Saul, a previously unheard song originally recorded for the album. Named for her son, Saul conveys all the strength and emotional resolve that has become Ford’s musical trademark, which in this case she dedicates to all mothers.

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The Weber Brothers – It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

Release Date: Nov. 12

Label: Independent

After paying their dues with Ronnie Hawkins, The Weber Brothers have forged their own sound out of a mix of classic rock, power pop, and Americana. Their brand new release is a stunning cover of Bob Dylan's 1965 masterpiece “It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)” featuring a number of guests including Toronto's Paul James, a longtime Dylan friend who is frequently invited on stage whenever Bob performs in southern Ontario. Also taking part are Juno nominated blues artist Paul Reddick and acclaimed Vancouver Americana artist Petunia.

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Mad Ones – Kecskemét

Release Date: Nov. 2

Label: Fortune Stellar Records

Toronto-based alt-rockers Mad Ones are returning Nov. 26 with their fourth full-length album, Last Forever, a diverse 10-song collection ranging from raw, punk-infused bangers to hook-laden anthems embellished by strings and horns. Led by singer/guitarist Andrew DeVillers, along with bassist Russ Fernandes, they recently shared the third single Kecskemét, an ode to the band’s touring experiences, named after a town in Hungary. Sadly, the video also stands as a tribute to drummer Adam Balsam, who passed away on Oct. 27.

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Nue – Thousand Times

Release Date: Nov. 19

Label: Wax/Republic

Toronto-based rapper Nue offers another memorable single with Thousand Times, part of his forthcoming full-length album Playground due in 2022 on Wax Records and Republic Records. Despite his youth, Nue is not new to this, and his inherent “been there, done that” approach to making hits underscores both the single's cogent messaging and the confidence that he has in his artistic output.

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USS – Follow (Trans Lunar Ejector Maneuver)

Release Date: Nov. 18

Label: Coalition Music

When Toronto alt-rock duo USS released Einsteins Of Consciousness at the start of this year, it was announced to be their final album. But like nearly all entertainers, that news was premature, as USS is squeezing out one more collection, The Science And Artfunkel Victory Lap to coincide with their current Final Freakquency Tour that wraps up in Toronto on Dec. 18 at HISTORY. Follow sees them go out on a slacker-rock high note.

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Beatrice Deer – The Storm

Release Date: Nov. 18

Label: Musique Nomade

Montreal’s Beatrice Deer has become known for coining the term “Inuindie” to describe her sound that combines modern pop with the traditional sounds of her Northern Quebec hometown. Her new album Shifting arrives Dec. 10 and with first single The Storm featuring guest contributions from members of Land of Talk, the Besnard Lakes and SUUNS.

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