Let's be honest.  We here in the good old U-S of A like to think we're superior than our friendly neighbors to the north.  And maybe we are.  But then again, maybe not.  Regardless, we can agree that Canadians are much nicer people than we are.  And they indisputably like to rock.  And flannels.  

The latest and greatest Canadian classic-rockish import is The Sheepdogs, riding high from their recent RS cover and feature story.  I mean, look at these guys.  Now listen to them below. 

The Sheepdogs been picking up steam lately and seem to have it all - their latest record "Learn & Burn" is rock & roll, R&B, and even has some soul leanings.  These guys obviously love their southern rock but don't pigeonhole themselves.  Also a great story coming from virtually nowhere (no offense to Moose Jaw, Sasketchewan).  I'm pulling for these guys and hope they can keep building on their recent success.  

Go check them out at the Belly Up tonight with Joe Lewis and the Honeybears.

If you're caught without a costume and listless tonight, go see Deer Tick at the Casbah.  Not sure if the band will dress up, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that McCauley will have a drink or two with the crowd.  Word on the street is that DT likes to get after it, so Halloween night should be rockin'.  

Below is a hot little dose of Deer Tick's brand of country rock for you.  Try to steer clear of Elvira and the Monster Mash today.  Not good for the soul.  LC review of Deer Tick's (excellent) new record also to follow in a bit. 
 

Lightweight Contender is back and settled in SD.  We've picked ourselves up off the canvas after a 9 count and are ready to put down roots and see this thing through.  

Check out the new list of LC-approved San Diego shows to the right.  We'll try to keep you up to date on new and old.  Please keep checking in and stay tuned for posts a little more regularly than once every year and a half....  

Tweedy and the boys have a new album (The Whole Love), have circled back towards a colder and experimental outlook (welcome back, we missed having you in this neighborhood) and are descending on SD.  January 22 at Copley Hall - get tickets while they're hot.  The new album ranges from country to krautrock...just get it, listen to it, and repeat.  Not to mention that Wilco is one of those bands that tends to rewire older songs for new tours.  These guys are pros.  And Nels Cline is a motherfucker on guitar.

Here's "Handshake Drugs" from the NOLA Jazzfest earlier this year...