In late 2009, Ontario’s Dinosaur Bones entered the studio with producer Jon Drew (Fucked Up, Tokyo Police Club, the Arkells) to lay down the foundation for their long-anticipated debut LP. Until then, anxious fans can take solace in a 7-inch, being released February 2nd 2010 – consider it a preview of what is to come.

We caught up with the band to find out what they’ve been listening to lately:

Land of Talk – “Some Are Lakes”

This female fronted three-piece hails from Montreal, and their direct and emotionally charged rock songs are some of the best I’ve heard in ages. This album isn’t exactly brand new, but its seriously worth getting your hands on.

Attack in Black – “Years”

These guys were on a serious up-and-up playing gruff beard-rock, then took a left turn and made this seriously low-fi folk record full of memorable songs interesting production choices. Such a great album, its a shame its so under the radar.

French Kicks – “Swimming”

French Kicks are personal favourites of mine. This album is as subdued and understated as it is heartbreaking and beautiful. They’re about four albums in, and by now they seriously know what they’re doing. (They’re also the only non-Canadian band on this list… Bias?)

Timber Timbre – “Timber Timbre”

Here’s another folk record, but this one is probably the spookiest folk record I’ve ever heard. Or spookiest record period? I dunno, its unreal. Check out the video for “Demon Host”.

Arkells – “Jackson Square”

These guys are tearin’ it up in Canada, and I’ve got a feeling it won’t be long till they’re making waves in the States. Straight up rock with a pop sensibility, if you’re into something a little more radio friendly, get into it.

I love the Hot Wheels corvette being played with in the dirt. So many visual metaphors. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Meghan Wolf quietly released Theory of Gravity late last year to rave reviews. We caught up with Wolf and found out some music that keeps her motivated:

Owen Beverly: Shooting the Bull – heartfelt, soulful folk rock. This guy is a great storyteller with an incredible voice.

The Little Death – serious, sexy, blues infected rock. Down and dirty sound, lit by some truly incendiary vocals by Laura Dawn. Sounds like your favorite dive bar on a Sunday afternoon.

Br’er: Filled With Guilt And Diamonds – lush, experimental avant-garde/ pop. Darkly beautiful; minimalist yet soaring and complex. Homemade artwork on the album makes it all the more special.

Dan Torres – his live show is so killer. Amazing voice, catchy songs. Popular with the ladies. Solo or with his excellent backup band, he performs with a lot of heart.

Dallin Applebaum: Fortune Cookie – her debut EP sounds like a great mix of Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple and something all her own. Great lyrics, awesome voice. Live, she samples and loops tones from wine glasses filled with water.

Rachel Platten – really awesome, feel good pop. Super catchy melodies and songwriting. See her live, she will make you smile.

Second Floor Stories - I love this band. They just finished mastering their CD. Intimate, thoughtful harmony vocals over gentle strummings and straightforward arrangements. Onstage, these two girls and two guys switch instruments and stare shyly at the floor.

War Tapes includes Neil Popkin (singer/rhythm guitarist, from Boston), his sister Becca Popkin (bassist, also from Boston), Matt Bennett (lead guitar, from Hawaii) and William Mohler (drummer, from SoCal). They’ve been raking in rave reviews since their 2006 live debut, and the early buzz on War Tapes earned airplay on such tastemaker radio stations as BBC Radio 1 and Live 105 in San Francisco, while “Dreaming of You” was aired on NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly (and “The Night Unfolds” for a week in March).

We caught up to the band for a slew of great recommendations:

1. Mew – their new album is titled: “No more stories Are told today I’m sorry They washed away No more stories The world is grey I’m tired Let’s wash away” I think that pretty much says it all.
2. Passion Pit – just started getting into it and so far I really like what I’m hearing.. really cool drum programming.
3. The Last Shadow Puppets – Arctic Monkeys side project. I really love this band, and pretty much everything they’ve ever done.
4. The Ravonettes – New Album “In and out of control” has been in my car CD player for the last 2 weeks straight – it’s so catchy.
5. Girls – really cool band from sf – one stand out track is “Lust for Life”

So how do you get them?

1) If you have a Twitter account, follow www.twitter.com/deepelm
2) If you don’t have an account, get one…it will takes just a minute
3) After you are following, go here:  www.deepelm.com/follower/

Your Twitter name is required to get your 2 Free CDs.

Seattle-based quintet Minus the Bear are very excited to announce the release of their new album, OMNI, set for a May 4th release on Dangerbird Records. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, My Morning Jacket), OMNI showcases the quintet’s remarkable gift to craft visionary and gripping compositions, and with the assistance of Chiccarelli, revealing new layers in their songwriting as they pursue the next level in their inimitable musical style. With the exploration of erotic themes and fascinating tales of human sexual relationships, OMNI is a riveting new album of rich soundscapes illustrated by Minus The Bear’s trademark precision and tremendous growth as artistic lyricists and songwriters. Beginning April 21st, Minus the Bear will embark on a 6-week North American tour premiering these new tracks. Dates to be announced shortly.OMNI marks the first release for the band on Dangerbird Records.