Sloan release new album 'Commonwealth,' announce fall tour

Photo by Lisa Mark

Canadian pop rockers Sloan just released their eleventh studio album yesterday via Yep Roc Records titled Commonwealth and they have just announced fall tour in support of it.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle Back Room in Carrboro on Saturday, November 15. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, via Ticketfly for $15.

Check out the song "13 (Under a Bad Sign)" and "Cleopatra" from the album Commonwealth below.

Yep Roc announces three day 15th anniversary festival in Carrboro

Haw River based Yep Roc Records (which will move to Hillsborough later this year) is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a big three-day bash at the Cat's Cradle this October dubbed YR15.

The event will take place on October 11-13 and feature some of Yep Roc's biggest acts including Nick Lowe, Fountains of Wayne, Robyn Hitchcock, Sloan, Eleni Mandell, Liam Finn, Chatham County Line, Minus 5 and many more. Check out the current lineup below which is expected to grow as the fall draws nearer.

There will also be a special pre-festival party at Local 506 on October 10 available to those who buy a special pass (limited to 100) which will feature Lost Straightjackets, The Fleshtones, Southern Culture on the Skids and Countdown Quartet. Other benefits of the pass include access to a private reception with Yep Roc artists at the West End Wine Bar on October 12 and a "star-studded" recording session hosted by Chris Stamey and Scott McCaughey.

Album Review: Sloan - The Double Cross

Canadian power-pop icons Sloan celebrated their 20th anniversary this year which coincides with their tenth full-length studio album, The Double Cross.

From the opening rocker "Follow the Leader" to the downtempo closer "Laying So Low," the album features the catchy melodies and sharp arrangements which have been key to Sloan's success over the years.

"The Answer is You" is one of the best tracks on the album, featuring Queen-like grandeur including sweeping strings and a soaring and a bit theatrical melody.

New music from Sloan - "Follow the Leader" + new album in May

Photo by Lisa Mark

The Canadian power pop quartet Sloan are celebrating 20 years of being a band in 2011 with the release of a new album titled The Double Cross. Yep Roc records, based in Haw River, N.C., will release the album on May 10.

Download the rollicking leadoff tune "Follow the Leader" below where you can also check out the full 12-song track list for the album.

Band member Jay Ferguson jokingly said of the album "it's our greatest work since Exile on Main St." But he seriously said "I personally feel it's up there with my favorites of ours."