Our friends over at Kitsilano’s Zulu Records once again present their weekly Scout feature, the Zulu Report. Within, staff from the West 4th music store provide The Track, the song that is on heavy rotation that week; The Playlist, which is pretty self-explanatory; The Gig, the must see show of the week; and The Glance, a view ahead to music on the horizon. From their ears to yours, enjoy…

The Track

LOWER DENS – “I Get Nervous” – (TWIN-HAND MOVEMENT)

This just in on vinyl! Yes, yes, to some, Lower Dens might have already been on your Top 25 Most Played for some time now, but now you can slap a sleeve on it and add it to your stack of wax. “I Get Nervous” is mesmerizing; good for background music at the dinner party you’ve been meaning to host all summer, but also good to sit down to once everyone has left. There’s a mysterious magnetic quality to Lower Dens sound that leaves a real lasting impression. There are no bells and whistles, no catchy filler and the result is simple and beautiful. Not only will your guests be leaving with ‘LOWER DENS” written on their napkin, but a mellow addiction to their new favourite band.

The Playlist

STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS Mirror Traffic(Matador)

Steve isn’t really throwing a lot of curveballs with Mirror Traffic… and let’s be real, would we really want him to? Even with fellow king of DIY, Beck at the helm producing the album, each track still oozes with Malkmus’ classic cheekiness. Sure you know what you’re getting before you’re even in line to buy it, but in a new era of dicey second albums and disappointing new career moves… maybe the familiarity of Steve Malkmus is just what we need.

THE HORRORS Skying

Man, do these guys have the look or what? The girls want to date them. The guys want to be them. It’s already the perfect combination for a successful rock band… But that’s not to say The Horrors skate by on perfect haircuts and British accents alone. Skying is an answer to those who are feeling gypped that their favourite slick 80s rock band stopped releasing new (or good) material years ago. Soaring synth lines, sharp drums, and proper baritone crooning saturate this album that is simultaneously an ode to the past and a nod to the future.

CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – Hollow

I’m about to go out on a limb here with a reference, so you’re going to have to bear with me.
You know in Charlie Brown specials, those twins in pink dresses who nod their heads back and forth when they dance? Yes? Maybe? Anyway, Hollow was made for those girls. Chipper and lively, the perfect album to put on before you go out, or perhaps on your walk home after the work day is done. A lot of pep and just the right amount of edge.

SLAM DUNK – The Shivers

While their listed myspace genres (“Christian Rap / Emo / Hyphy”) may not give you the best impression of Slam Dunk’s sound, it certainly gives you a good sense of their humour. It’s the same humour that is laced throughout the album. The Shivers is a beautiful cacophony of articulate rhythms, executed in carefree way. The result is a blaring, hard hitting sound but with the musical chops to keep it from feeling sloppy.

ARCADE FIRE – The Suburbs Deluxe Edition

Ooh la la. Sure you’ve heard the Grammy Award winning album on the radio and from the guy’s headphones beside you on the bus for the last few months, but do you have the exclusive behind the scenes DVD and 80 page photo booklet? DIDN’T THINK SO! Sure it comes with enough swag to keep you busy for days, but it also comes with two bonus tracks. Culture War and Speaking in Tongues (ft. David Byrne, no less) are far from being tossed aside album scraps. Two new songs with the unwavering quality we’ve come to expect from the band that can do no wrong.

The Gig

THE WALKMEN – Sept 05 VENUE

Last time these lads graced Vancouver was when they opened for The National last summer. I remember standing in the audience at Malkin Bowl after their set and thinking if for some reason the rest of the show was cancelled and the headliner didn’t even get to perform, I would have been totally satisfied…. And this was even before I knew who The Walkmen were. Imagine now the insanely intimate confines of Venue and a full set with the same band that were able to blow a PA from givin ‘er too hard at their last Vancouver show. For under $30? Count me… and you, in.

The Glance

Fri AUG 26 NERVO: FUCK CANCER FUNDRAISER! – CELEBRITIES
Fri AUG 26 ZED’S DEAD – GOSSIP
Fri AUG 26 ELECTRIC SWING CLUB – BACKSTAGE LOUNGE
Fri AUG 26 FUNKERMAN – GINGER 62
Sat AUG 27 JAPANDROIDS – WALDORF – SOLD OUT
Sat AUG 27 DJ HEATHER – OPEN STUDIOS
Sun AUG 28 BEN HARPER – MALKIN BOWL – WE ARE SOLD OUT
Sun AUG 28 KREAYSHAWN – FORTUNE
Mon AUG 29 PROTOMEN – BILTMORE
Tue AUG 31 ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE – CHAI GALLERY
Wed AUG 31 ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE – CHAI GALLERY
Wed AUG 31 REV. HORTON HEAT – COMMODORE

SEPTEMBER

Thu SEP 01 VIVA BROTHER – MEDIA
Thu SEP 01 THE JIM JONES REVUE – BILTMORE
Thu SEP 01 MORD FUSTANG – FORTUNE
Fri SEP 02 JEAN GRAE – FORTUNE
Fri SEP 02 CHARLES BRADLEY – BILTMORE – WE ARE SOLD OUT
Fri SEP 02 DJG / JPOD / MAX ULIS – CELEBRITIES
Sat SEP 03 END OF SUMMER EVERYTHING HIP-HOP BOAT CRUISE – PLAZA OF NATIONS
Sat SEP 03 SWOLLEN MEMBERS – RED ROOM
Sat SEP 03 PEACHES – VENUE
Sat/Sun SEP 03-04 SUMMERS END MUSICAL CAMPOUT – WILLOWCRAFT FARM
Mon SEP 05 THE WALKMEN – VENUE
Mon SEP 05 THE KILLS – COMMODORE – WE ARE SOLD OUT
Mon SEP 05 THEE OH SEES w/ Bare Wires and Chains of Love- BILTMORE
Mon SEP 05 VREID OF KAMPFAR – RICKSHAW
Tue SEP 06 DENNIS COFFEY – BILTMORE – CANCELLED
Wed SEP 07 JOY FORMIDABLE – RICKSHAW
Wed SEP 07 THE HORRORS – VENUE
Thu Sep 8 THE SLACKERS – FORTUNE
Thu SEP 08 THE ANTLERS – VENUE
Thu SEP 08 DAM FUNK & MASTER BLAZER – BAR NONE
Thu SEP 08 SLEEPY SUN w/ White Hills & Red Cedar – BILTMORE
Fri SEP 09 SUNNERY JAMES + RYAN MARCIANO – CELEBRITIES
Fri SEP 09 THE VACCINES w/ Tennis – VENUE – WE ARE SOLD OUT
Fri SEP 09 BRITISH COLUMBIANS – MEDIA CLUB
Fri – Sat SEP 9-10 30 FEST – COBALT
Fri – SUN SEP 9-11 NEW FORMS FESTIVAL – WALDORF
Sun SEP 11 THE HUMAN LEAGUE – RICKSHAW
Tue SEP 13 BEARDYMAN – FORTUNE