Adopted Sackvillian sweetheart, Shotgun Jimmie is returning with a follow up to his Polaris Prize-long listed 2011 album, Transistor Sister, without staying too far from the mould. The new album, appropriately enough, is titled Transistor Sister 2, which might suggest Jimmie is once again taking aim at a Polaris Prize, while also setting some lofty goals with the first single: “Cool All The Time.”
Transistor Sister 2 promises to be “album full of genuine pop gems, thematic callbacks to its musical predecessor, and manifestos that renounce cynicism and promote positivity.” Though Jimmie may be genuinely earnest with every note and crack of “Cool All The Time,” even admirable in his goals, he makes the same demand of those around him.
Jimmie insists on knowing exactly why people might not be cool all the time, despite Chad Vangaalen’s monologue justifying both the modern demands of society that would provide both a reason for such composure, and the increasing necessity for it.
As the world crumbles around us—whether due to a failing economy, the failing environment the economy clings to like a drowning swimmer, or the rise or mumble rap—now, more than ever, is the time for us all to persevere and put on a stiff upper lip. If we can’t all be “cool all the time,” then let us at least show a little decorum while we go down with this ship.
Recorded and produced at The Chat Chateaux in Toronto, ON by José Contreras (By Divine Right), the track also features some Wurlitzer action from You’ve Change Records’ Steven Lambke and the combined power of Cole Woods on synth.
Transistor Sister 2 will be released worldwide on August 2nd via You’ve Change Records, which, if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll have noticed coincides with Shotgun Jimmie’s performance at Sappyfest in Sackville, New Brunswick.