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

THE BLACK KEYS – “Loney Boy” – El Camino (Nonesuch)

This record has been flying off the shelves since it arrived at the store and indeed there is still a waiting list of people who want to get their grubby little paws all over it. A more polished affair from one of garage rock’s finest duos. You can hear the Danger Mouse influence in those beats, too.

The Playlist

MAGAZINE No Thyself (Wire-Sound)

Legendary band causes us to once again beg the question, “is that a guitar or a keyboard?”

LOS CAMPESINOS! – Hello Sadness (Arts & Crafts)

Although I doubt the bonus DVD glorifying “the making of Hello Sadness” is necessary, this album is remarkably stronger–and darker–than previous efforts. Hyper-prog twee not unlike Architecture in Helsinki (or something like that).

THE FALL Ersatz GB (Cherry Red Records)

Mark and the gang turn in their 29th studio album. It’s good.

OPETH Heritage (Roadrunner)

More badassery from recently-Nardwuar-interviewed metalheads from Sweden. I have a hard time believing that they’re totally Swedish though. Pretty sure I heard dude say “God Is Deeeeeaaaaad!” in this song. That’s totally English.

JOHN CALE EP: Extra Playful (Electric Drone)

If you don’t know anything about John Cale, listen to this song. It’s weird and plucky and awesome. The vocals on top rest perfectly on the mellotron-y thing vibing over the verses.

The Gig

Fri Dec 30 MOTHER MOTHER @ COMMODORE

Mother Mother are playing three sold out shows at the Commodore. Unreal. This band strikes every chord that screams “Vancouver band”. I can see how they’ve created such a ravenous legion of fans. Buy some tickets on Craigslist if you haven’t got ‘em yet. This is going to be nuts.

THE GLANCE

Fri Dec 23 LMFAO (DJ SET) – GOSSIP
Fri Dec 23 BIG JOHN BATES – BILTMORE
Sat Dec 24 BRIAN SETZER – COMMODORE
Mon Dec 26 AVICII – CONVENTION CENTRE – SOLD OUT
Wed Dec 28 DADA LIFE – GOSSIP
Thu Dec 29 CASPA + FIGURE – GOSSIP
Thu Dec 29 MOTHER MOTHER 19+ – COMMODORE
Fri Dec 30 MOTHER MOTHER ALL AGES! – COMMODORE
Fri Dec 30 MOTHER MOTHER 19+ – COMMODORE – SOLD OUT
Fri Dec 30 JOHN DIGWEED – CELEBRITIES

JANUARY

Fri Jan 06 THE RUGGED MAN – MOTEL NIGHTCLUB
Thu Jan 12 BRAZILIAN GIRLS – BILTMORE
Fri Jan 13 ADVENTURECLUB – CELEBRITIES
Sat Jan 14 STANTON WARRIORS – RED ROOM
Wed Jan 18 LADYTRON DJ SET – VENUE
Thu Jan 19 FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS – COMMODORE
Thu Jan 19 THE WAILERS – VENUE
Fri Jan 20 WHITEHORSE – RIO
Fri Jan 20 YOUTH LAGOON – BILTMORE