Write what you know, write what you know. I know that the Born Ruffians and their fans don’t need to hear that I haven’t been out of my bed in almost three days, trying to fight off some blasted illness that blindsided me, when they expect to be reading an essay about the majesty of this Canadian band that would have been a delight to go trick or treating with last week. Right now, I can barely take this typewriter to the end of the line for the ding without getting struck by an overwhelming wave of nausea. It’s Election Day and here’s hoping that when I try to rally the troops to get out and vote that the line is tame and I don’t upchuck all over the touchscreen. … [Story Continues Below]

First song
Sole Brother (Born Ruffians) [3.75MB] [2488 downloads]


– unreleased
Again a new song though this title will definitely stick. We were working on it in rehearsal and Steve had this melody in his head so I told him he should sing it. His words were all about wanting to be a soul brother, and many of his idols being rappers etc… My half of the song was about my mom nagging me to help my grandfather rake his leaves so I decided to have a transition from one into the other about how I’d like to be an only child and how I was bitter towards my sister because she never had to help do the hard chores. It only seemed logical to me to change soul to sole as a joke. Sole brother/only child.

Second song
Foxes Mate for Life (Born Ruffians) [5.14MB] [2323 downloads]


– original version appears on Red, Yellow & Blue
Appears on Red, Yellow & Blue It’s based on the fact that most types of foxes have the same mate for their entire life. It was my intention for it to be the anthem of the record people would sing along to. When I wrote down “& I know foxes mate for life because they’re in love” I looked at the page very proudly – I think that was the only moment I’ve had like that. For some reason adorable couples like to come watch our band play, so I sometimes dedicated this song to them.

Third song
Plinky-Plonky (Born Ruffians) [4.87MB] [2342 downloads]


— unreleased
This is a new song and a working title. It will probably have another name by the time we put it onto a record. I’m pretty excited about all of our new stuff. The song might change a bit over the next months before we record it so this could be a really interesting/exclusive/important version here on Daytrotter.

Fourth song
Skeleton Me (Born Ruffians) [3.49MB] [2269 downloads]


– unreleased
I have a myspace account called Skeleton Me. I started this a few years ago when I first moved to Toronto. I’d spend a lot of time in my room making up songs and had no where to put them but wanted to feel like they were going somewhere. I knew many of them wouldn’t work as Ruffians songs so I decided to make a sort of side project with no real intention of ever forming a band or putting out a record. This song doesn’t have a name so I just called it “Skeleton Me.” “Little Garcon” and “Red, Yellow & Blue” actually were recorded as “Skeleton Me” songs and then basically rerecorded with Rusty for the record, so who knows some of the ones up there now could end up on the next album.

It could happen. These cold shivers are unbearable and not eating for a few days cannot be good. So, I’m in horrific shape and in a few minutes, this sluggish body is going back to bed. Here’s what I hope happens: There is a song in this Born Ruffians session – actually two – where a theme crosses the threshold and could be utilized in my recovery. This trio seems to be exasperated with people who can’t get their shit together. One of those people could be me right now, whiney and sad. Luke Lalonde sings, “Get your act together, please,” to a hypnotic dancing bear beat. What would be great is if those words teamed up with my orange juice and Tylenol fever reducer to stamp out this agony. Born Ruffians, fix me.

Born Ruffians Official Site