EXCLUSIVE SONG: Born Ruffians Get Soulful
MP3
Born Ruffians
Say It, the second full-length from Toronto trio Born Ruffians, comes out June 1, and while it's still chilly in many parts of the continent right now, the album's first single, "What to Say," is a welcome flash forward to summertime -- listen to an exclusive stream below.
With a twinkling guitar riff from frontman Luke Lalonde and a lazy "Dock of the Bay" bassline from Mitch DeRosier, "What to Say" is an afternoon delight that laments the difficulties of communicating, especially when alcohol's involved.
"When I woke up I'm speaking slow," Lalonde sings. "When I get drunk I'm speaking more / Get too drunk and I don't speak at all / Get too close to you and I don't know / What to say."
"'What to Say' is about how much and how little sense we make when we speak," Lalonde tells SPIN.com. "It's about the multitude of wrong words and the never-ending search for the right ones. May you choose wisely."
Are the Ruffians making wise choices on this new song? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
LISTEN: Born Ruffians, "What To Say"
Born Ruffians North American tour dates:
May 28, Toronto, ON (Horseshoe Tavern)
June 3, Los Angeles, CA (Echo)
June 4, San Francisco, CA (Rickshaw Stop)
June 6, Portland, OR (Holocene)
June 7, Seattle, WA (The Vera Project)
June 8, Victoria, BC (Alix Goolden Hall)
June 9, Vancouver, BC (The Biltmore Cabaret)
June 11, Edmonton, AB (Starlite Room)
June 12, Calgary, AB (Republik)
June 13, Saskatoon, SK (Amigo's)
June 14, Winnipeg, MB (West End Cultural Centre)
June 15, Minneapolis, MN (Turf Club)
June 16, Chicago, IL (Lincoln Hall)
June 17, Cleveland, OH (Beachland Tavern)
June 18, Brooklyn, NY (The Bell House)
June 19, New York, NY (Santos Party House)
June 20, Allston, MA (Great Scott)
June 23, Montreal, QC (Il Motore)
June 24, Ottawa, ON (Mavericks)
June 25, Peterborough, ON (Red Dog)
21 Comments
Click here to comment- Posted By Anonymous
04.06.10 6:26 PM
although this might not be as frantic or unpredictable as other songs, it clearly shows born ruffians growing and moving in a new direction. this is what the fans like, and it's impressive to hear them becoming more professionalized. as well, br has stated that they want to make more pop friendly tunes, and this is an example of a song that is catchy but still fulfills the alternative listener's needs.
- Posted By Anonymous
04.03.10 11:04 AM
Its OK, I find it rather one dimensional. The thing that first attracted me to BR in the first place was the unpredictable nature of their music, where it could switch up and fling a spanner in the works...sort of like Animal Collective. I hope the rest of the album isn't as bland as this and Sole Brother. In my opinion, I think Luke could do better as I believe him to be a truly talented musician and songwriter.
- Posted By Anonymous
04.03.10 1:15 AM
Where's the passion? The intensity? This song and sole brother lack so much of what made the BR EP and RYB so great. I'm severely disappointed by these two new songs.Born Ruffians used to be able to take the passion from 1 to 10 in any given song and it seems these new songs don't make it above 4.
- Posted By Jennifer Christa
03.31.10 6:36 PM
I absolutely LOVE the new stuff so far. They're just an all-around amazing band. Can't wait for the new album!
- Posted By Anonymous
03.31.10 6:10 PM
This is excellent! I absolutely love it. I love how Born Ruffians are trying new things, but still keeping up their classic BR greatness. I've been anticipating their new album for so long! "Red, Yellow & Blue" is definitely going to be tough to beat, but I think that "Say It" will be just as good. They've been busy with this album for a long time, and I'm sure their effort will show through their music, as per usual. They'll never disappoint. I can't wait!
- Posted By idlehands237
03.31.10 1:26 PM
I LOVE Born Ruffians...Exceited about the new record!!!!
04.20.10 8:51 AM
Awesome song!!!! I was a little worried they would fall victim to the all-too-common 2nd album syndrome, but everything I've heard is mint. Go Ruffians!