BORN RUFFIANS / IN HER SHADOW / JANUARY 1ST
Until very recently I'd been under the assumption that the "Ruffians" in Born Ruffians referred to David Ruffin fanatics. I consider myself a Ruffian, though I wasn't born one — instead it took my tastes a long time to simmer into Motown before I was sufficiently ready for the "Ruff Stuff." To be a born Ruffian, well, artistically that would be like being born with a silver stereo cable in your mouth. Then I took the time to look up the definition of ruffian, which is still a cool word, but not remotely related to the former Temptations singer. I wouldn't say my whole world ended when I discovered this, because, you know, the Born Ruffians are just as talented in my books as they were before. Surely I'm not alone in welcoming a new album sometime this year, the single of which is now available.

EASYBOY / RICKEY'S PRIVATE FLEX / JANUARY 1ST 2012
Let's cut the shit, either you're someone who initially really responds to a mixtape called Rickey's Private Flex by an artist named Easyboy or you are an asshole. You know where I stand...

BOB WISEMAN / GIULIETTA MASINA AT THE OSCARS CRYING / JANUARY 24TH
The official release for Bob Wisemen, most notably of Blue Rodeo Fame, isn't until January 24th but it's somehow available now. Call it a trick of black magic or some sort of time paradox, depending on whether you hang to the metaphysical or the scientific-fantasy side — either way you're totally delusional because release dates don't mean very much these days [tell that to my editor, yeesh!]. The point of the matter is that it's here now, and it is magical, but just in the metaphorical sense. Really, don't over think it — just listen to the track "mothface@yahoo.ca" which may be the best titled song of 2013. And hey, why not check him out along with Maylee Todd and others, at the Album Release on January 24th at the Tranzac.

GIRLSNAMES / PASTEMAKER / JANUARY 4TH
I'm sure there are some of you who prefer your music a little heavier then most of the offerings presented in New Releases. I hear you dudes (genderless term, btw), so I offer this selection called girlsNames which is fast, heavy and sorta abbrasvie, but also an oddly pretty lil' EP. If you're a soft ear, I would encourage you to give girlsNames a go because it's good to bang around once in awhile to clear out some of the cotton in your head. Plus, you can listen to the whole EP in a matter of minutes, so the only thing you have to lose is a little time. And, really, how busy can you be if you're reading this column? Come on, dude!

SEXY MERLIN / SEE YOU IN THE DARK / DECEMBER 17TH
Fine. This one came out in December but, shit, dog — just watch it OK? I've never met this Sexy Merlin character, but judging by this video alone I can see him taking on a drum teacher / yogi / Bagger Vance role in my life.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Hi. Are you in a toronto band? Do you have a new release? If so, send it my way (ericboshart [at] blogto [dotcom]), and I will most likey throw it on here 'cause that's a hell of a lot easier then looking "online."

Photo of Born Ruffians by Irina No