Tunes for Tuesdays: Evelyn Evelyn (and More!)

Evelyn Evelyn (L-R): Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley

Hmm, a concept album about conjoined twins touring with an early twentieth-century freak show? And all of it brimming with the vaudeville sass of Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley?

Tell me: why has it taken me almost twenty-four years to stumble across such an eclectic concoction of aural delights?

And the guest artists topping the bill are enough to make music aficionados tremble to their toes and back: Frances Bean Cobain, Tegan and Sara, Margaret Cho and Weird Al Yankovic, to name a few.

Their sound is fresh, impish, and rollicking fun even while their lyrics are biting at times. I get the impression listeners will either dive head-long into this album or bring the tents crashing down around it. In either case, I will expose you to the high-flying inventiveness of Evelyn Evelyn's self-titled debut.

The Internet brought me an unofficial (though professional-appearing) video for "Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?" from the duo's inaugural album.

Marvel at their harmonious hijkinks!

Dare to witness the birth of a new form of alternative music!

Crank those speakers and shock your siblings and/or parentals with Evelyn Evelyn's dazzling usage of cuss words!

To check out more of their daring, death-defying tracks, visit Evelyn Evelyn's sparkling new site right --> HERE.

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As I stated in the title to the post, THERE IS MORE.

I could not focus on one artist for this Tunes for Tuesdays segment. A quick scan of this week's new releases renders the task impossible. There's a flood of new work from the titans of music themselves and, as a blogette, I must make their albums known.

It is my sworn duty here at Cute, Queer, Canadian.

LISTS! LISTS! LISTS:

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh (2010): Inventive, expressive, and defying genre. Ms. Badu never ceases to amaze with her audacious sound.

Joan Armatrading, This Charming Life (2010): A woman who can wield the blues is a welcome addition to the ol' music catalogue. Her first album, Whatever's For Us, came out in 1972. And yes, Ms. Armatrading has stood the test of time and continues to set audiences ablaze with her music.

Tegan and Sara, Alligator (2010): The adorable-meets-assertive Quin sisters return with an entire album of remixes based on their second single from Sainthood (2009), "Alligator." And no, I did not invent this.

Melissa Auf der Maur, Out of Our Minds (2010): I've been mixed about Ms. Auf der Maur since her self-titled solo debut in 2004. I loved (and still love) her first single, "Followed the Waves" and I am still holding out for her and her undeniable edge. Not to mention, she's a mad hottie and half Canadian to boot.

The Dead Weather, "Die By the Drop": Ooh, a new single from Alison Mosshart's latest project. It's just as chaotic and heavy-hitting as their first album and, goodness, I melt in the presence of Mosshart. *Sigh* The band's second album, Sea of Cowards, is due out on May 10/11.

Oh, I know I am missing a number of artists on this list. Had I more time this evening, I'd be writing out all the singles of interest. Sleep catches up with me at the moment. I came from another excellent night with Ladies in Writing, so the music selection schedule was pushed back. More updates to follow, ladies.

A Double Shot of Tegan and Sara

Fans, rejoice -- the Quins return with another off-beat and oh-so-sweet video AND with a fresh, danceable collaboration with Tiësto.

WHAT?? I could hear Tegan and Sara while I'm dancing at 2 AM in a club downtown?!

First things first, ladies.

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"Alligator," Sainthood (2009)

It's melancholic pop meets Canadian winter playground. Hmm, but the aesthetic of those dance segments looks familiar.... I mean, with the white background and the clothes as a stark contrast..... I could have sworn I've seen a similar look before.....

Hmm.

Tiësto feat. Tegan and Sara, "Feel It In My Bones," Kaleidoscope (2009)

I have to admit, I am loving this collaboration (and this snazzy video). I've had the chance to hear it on a late night drive back from a friend's house and it kicks it at that hour. As I look into Tiësto's album further, it appears he's taken the initiative to collaborate with some stellar Canadian women. Other artists on his album include Nelly Furtado ("Who Wants to Be Alone") and Emily Haines ("Knock You Out"). I will have to give this one a spin -- I have ample evidence of this album's awesomeness.

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OLYMPIC UPDATE:

YEAAAAAH! Team Canada defends their title and takes home the 2010 gold medal for women's hockey! Three cheers to those golden girls of the rink.

And, P.S. -- Sarah Vaillancourt, the lone out athlete of 2010's Team Canada roster, can add another gold to her collection. All I can add now is, "KYAAAAAAAAA!!"

Tunes for Tuesdays: Tegan and Sara

Got the fever for the flavour of a new track? 

Never fear -- Tunes for Tuesdays holds the cure.

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I think it's safe to suggest that Tegan and Sara epitomize this blog:

• Cute: Well, I DID provide pictures for all y'all.
• Queer: Both sisters are true blue lesbians, out and proud. Serious, Google these ladies if you're skeptical. (You will also find more photo evidence of the aforementioned cuteness.)
• Canadian: The Quins hail from Calgary, Alberta but have since moved as adults -- Tegan lives in Vancouver, BC while Sara resides in Montreal, QC.

Yep -- I think we have all the mandatory categories covered. 

I doubt I need to give the Quin twins a detailed introduction. In recent years, Tegan and Sara have garnered widespread support for their music across Canada and well into the combined scenes of the U.S. and Europe. In addition, lesbian and bi ladies everywhere can point to these innovative, energetic musicians as both icons and peers of the queer community. 

Makes a gal excited to be gay.

I discovered them after my first few months of employment at HMV. I was sixteen and their album, If It Was You, was on constant repeat at our location. I was just in the middle of coming out to myself and most of my female co-workers were of the queer persuasion -- needless to say, Tegan and Sara hold a special place in the saga that is my coming out experience.

So, for this post, I would like to turn your attention to the first single off Tegan and Sara's new album, Sainthood -- "Hell." This title more or less describes how I feel at the moment. I'm home from work with a pair of swollen ears and sinus cavities that hate me. Margh. 

My doctor advised me to take a dose of this track once every hour until the lyrics brand themselves into my mind (so I may then sing this around my friends and get them just as hooked):

I know YOU feel it, too -- this album's going to be a big one for Tegan and Sara. Check it out when it drops on Oct. 27, 2009. I know, I've been such a tease, sitting here and introducing you to an album that won't be released for another two weeks.

What can I say, I am a harsh and cruel blogette. You'll just have to keep hitting repeat on that YouTube clip up there, muaha. 

Cruel, indeed.