Gang of Losers

Montreal's Dears have received much adoration in recent years from the UK press, and they do sound far more British than Canadian (frontman Murray Lightburn's voice and style frequently echo Paul Weller). But despite this high praise from the other side of the pond, the group eschews self-indulgence on their third full-length studio CD, Gang of Losers. Lead single "Ticket to Immortality" chastises those who fall for their own hype, and the entire album pulls back from the lush, orchestral instrumentation that previously brought the group praise. A full-on electric guitar charge dominates until track five, the pared-down "There Goes My Outfit." The equally endearing "Ballad of Humankindness," a passionate hymn, finds Lightburn repeatedly vowing "I'm gonna change." Near the disc's end comes "I Fell Deep," an emotional merge of gospel optimism and bluesy sadness that captures the heart of the Dears' appeal. Fans of the band's previous work should be sure to stick around for the orchestral hidden track. --Denise Sheppard

Japanese pressing of their 2006 album. Does not contain any bonus material. V2. 2006.

2006 Issued Japanese Edition of the Bands Follow Up to the Acclaimed "no Cities Left", which Established them as One of the Leading Indie Pop Bands in the World. The Montreal Six Piece have Followed their Epic Debut with Another Amazing Piece of Work. This Edition Includes the Bonus Tracks "Raise the Dead" and "The Highest", Not Found on the Us Equivalent.