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Despite the recent happenings, we can't forget that BnL is going into the studio this April to begin work on a new album. I know that in the past I (and many other fans) wanted to hear more Jim and Kevin songs (and Tyler, perhaps?), so maybe this new record will grant that wish. I believe I heard Ed say that they're aiming for an early fall release. In addition to this, they'll be starting a new tour.

Here's a new song the Ed debuted on Ships & Dip V. I belive it's called Count on Me. According to Ed, "it's really ********' good". I love it!

Also, they're putting together a 20th Anniversary box set! It supposedly will contain demos, alternate takes on songs, rarities, live clips, and plenty of other Barenaked goodies. The release was also set for Fall 2009!

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty friggin' excited!

I'm listening to Count On Me right now and I have to say, I am now looking even more forward to the ne BNL album, regardless of if Steve is with them or not

Okay, I have a bit to report. Ready?

Twenty-seven new songs have been written. Eighteen of those were selected and will be recorded. I don't think that their new album will have eighteen songs, so they'll most likely trim that list down as well. Here's a video of them choosing songs.

A few weeks ago, they played a few small shows at local bars in Toronto under the fake name Scarborough Bluff. The shows were only known about by fans who follow them on Twitter because that was the only place where information about the shows was leaked and even then they never said that they were the ones playing, it was just hinted at. The shows were also to get a reaction to their new songs from people who didn't realize that they were actually BnL or may otherwise dismiss their music based on their past pop songs such as One Week. Also, Kevin Hearn played at a cancer research benefit concert recently and was joined by the other Ladies to perform a few new songs. These were:

You Run Away
and
Let There Be Light

I don't usually like to speculate over the meaning of songs (especially when they haven't even been released yet!), but these two both seeem to be (at least somewhat) about Steve leaving the band. There is no way that anyone can tell me that the first verse in Let There Be Light isn't about that.

"You're looking down at the ground, your friends are in tatters
There's no time to lose, you've got to chose what really matters
Let there be light in your life again"

I realize that what's happened recently is tough for everyone, especially the members (and former members) of the band, and I had no doubt that it would make its way into at least some of their new songs. I just hope the album doesn't turn out to be a sad affair of looking back on these past events. Bah, I'm sure it'll be great.

*edit* Hmm...Tyler Stewart says, "It's a very emotional record. This new record is really going to reflect what we've gone through." Maybe I was right the forst time...

Next up, Twitter. A few weeks ago, I would have said that there was no way in hell that I would make an account on the website. Well, I changed my mind. Barenaked Ladies have a Twitter account that they update frequently and it's full of videos form the recording studio that haven't been uploaded to YouTube (well, a few of thm have) or have been posted on their blog (which has been down since February, anyway). I'm getting more and more excited every day! Even if those of you who read this make an account or already have one, I'll keep posting the new videos...like these! Enjoy!

Jim Creeggan playing bass on a song called "Summertime"
Full band rehearsing "Ordinary"
Kevin and Ed working on "Four Seconds"
Kevin Hearn playing some slick guitar riffs
Working on a song called "Hold On"
Kevin and Ed working on "Jerome"
An alternative (and unused) version of "Jerome"

if that is not on the new album, I'm gonna be kinda disappointed, but overall, can't wait for this to come out this fall

Jim Creeggan playing the Dobro
Ed Robertson playing Bass
Ed and Kevin dancing and singing along to "She Turned Away"

I'm not sure, but I think all three of the videos are from the recording of She Turned Away.

Count On Me isn't gonna be on it? Damn, oh well, we'll eventually get it, just like we did with Half A Heart and I Can, I Will, I Do. Maybe Ed just wanted to refine it some more and make sure that when it was released on an album that it'd be to the highest standards that all of us BNL fans have come to expect from them (and last time I checked, they certainly haven't let me down as they always find some way to improve on their sounds and just plain outdo themselves every album)

Jim Creeggan adding some piano to "On The Lookout"