While we’re on the topic of shows, the Long Blondes have made the trip from the UK as well and are stopping by Lee’s Palace next Monday for what I’m sure will be another bout of sweat-fueled dance party madness. Seriously, the few shows I’ve seen at Lee’s have all turned into dance-offs, and considering the band’s exuberant Britpop-meets-Blondie stylings I have no doubt that we’ll see more of the same, even factoring in the lethargic nature of Toronto crowds.

The June date coincides nicely with tomorrow’s domestic release of Someone to Drive You Home, which appears to be augmented with bonus tracks but otherwise untouched—a nice change from the usual trend of messing with tracklists to appeal to the North American audience, ex. Saint Etienne’s Tales From Turnpike House, Gemma Hayes’ Night On My Side, Go! Team’s Thunder, Lightning, Strike—and yes I know that was due to sampling issues but it got a British release, didn’t it? So long as the people at Beggars didn’t pull some other stupid stunt like copy-protect the CD, it’ll be an obvious purchase for anyone still catching up to the better releases in 2006 (like, um, me).