Wolf Parade

The new Wolf Parade album is solid (phew!). I would have been so disappointed if it was not good. So far there are no obvious standouts like "I'll Believe in Anything" and the overall feel of it is a bit "sunnier" than the last album, but I will say I'm pleased. I also now have a ticket to see them at the House of Blues on July 8; obviously nothing will ever live up to their amazing 2006 Schubas show, but I'll still be glad to hear the new stuff live. Their side projects (Handsome Furs @ Empty Bottle August 17th!) are still under-the-radar enough to spend time with the WP boys in more intimate settings.