CONTEST: Win The Dears new album or 7"!

We're having another contest!

As you may already know, The Dears have a new album out that's fantastic, and we have some copies to give away. When Chris and I began brainstorming about what would be required for the contest, I volunteered that since the band was called "The Dears" why not have people just enter what their favorite animal is and why.
Great idea right?
Nope, wrong.

Chris had to sit me down and explain some of the finer points about the English language, spelling, and whatnot.
So instead of being named after a group of slender-legged ruminants, The Dears (spelled with an 'a' not another 'e') are something entirely different.
And I guess their uniqueness is why I love them.

Irregardless of spelling and meaning I'm still going to go with my idea.

So lets celebrate The Dears and my ignorance!

Just leave a comment (along with an email address we can contact you with) about your favorite animal.
(Even though The Dears hail from our great northern neighbor, no preference will be given to Canadian animals.)

In return we might pick you to be the lucky recipient of a copy of The Dears latest album Missiles or an exclusive 7-inch single featuring "Money Babies" and "Hamfest."


Free things just warm the heart.

The Dears - Ballad of Humankindness
from the album Gang of Losers (Amazon/iTunes)

The Dears - Money Babies
from the album Missiles (Amazon/iTunes)

ALBUM: I know you're on to something

As soon as I received the advanced copy of The Dears' forthcoming album, Missiles, I put it on my iPod and in my car so I could experience it right away and wherever I was.
Walking through campus, waiting in a drive-thru, and just sitting at my desk, these moments reminded me why I love the Dears.
They're just something totally out of the ordinary.

The latest American Idol could be heard from speakers on campus, the car behind me at Del Taco was thumping some generic rap/hip-hop, and the passing traffic outside my window was typical MTV/VH1 drivel.
And the Dears didn't sound like any of that.
Missiles is a refreshing change from the mediocrity that is out there right now.

It feels a bit more stripped down than their previous release, but the Dear's uniquely dark take on pop survives.
In my previous post on the Dears I said their album Gang of Losers would be a top choice if I were to wander and drift aimlessly around the world.
Missiles would be my album of choice if I were to curl up alone in a dark room and brood.

From the distorted horns of Disclaimer to the haunting hymn-like Saviour the feelings of an inner and outward struggle permeate this album.
The highlight of the album for me is the soul-crushingly beautiful Meltdown in A Major, which is a song of loving support and continued encouragement in a world that doesn't agree with you.

Look for their album Missiles October 10th.

The Dears - Meltdown in A Major
from the album Missiles (Amazon/iTunes)

ARTIST: You and I are a gang of losers

As you know, Tobler and I are both currently college students, and although I don't speak for him, I can honestly say that I've reached that point in the semester where I'm ready to renounce an education and just go hitch hike from national park to national park for the rest of my life.
The life of a drifter is looking pretty appealing right now.
And if I could only take a limited amount of music with me, The Dears Gang of Losers would be there in my knapsack (along with a hearty supply of granola bars.)

The Dear's music feels like the music of the wandering, the dispossessed, and the disenchanted.
Although every song feels unique from the others there is an underlying feeling of struggle and need throughout the album.
Don't let this dissuade you from listening though. These aren't overly depressing tales of loss and heartbreak, but rather just an individuals need sometimes to be included and not be left all alone.

I'm serious about hitch hiking across the country, anyone wanna come with?

The Dears - You and I Are a Gang of Losers
from the album Gang of Losers (Amazon/iTunes)