In this edition: K'Naan's 'Wavin' Flag' selected as official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Drake is up for a pair of Grammy Awards despite further pushing back the release of his debut album, Great Lake Swimmers launch multimedia-rich Legion Sessions website, Crystal Castles recording sophomore effort with Paul Epworth, Pink Eyes talks charity single, Rock Plaza Central to take a short hiatus, Sleep for the Nightlife sign to Easy Tiger Records, and info on Sheezer - an all-girl group covering early Weezer.

Plus: videos and downloads from Olenka & the Autumn Lovers, Ohbijou, Woodhands, Gravity Wave and Louwop featuring Shad and Zaki Ibrahim.

K'Naan track 'Wavin' Flag' Selected as Official Anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Rexdale-via-Somalia rapperK'Naanhas already had a breakthrough year in 2009, releasing民谣歌手to widespread critical acclaim. He'll be pushed into the international spotlight this coming June asFIFAhas remixed his single 'Wavin' Flag' for use during the Africa leg of the 2010 FIFA World Cup trophy tour, as well as throughout the tournament in television spots and other advertisements. It's an excellent choice for FIFA - the song offers a universal message of hope and perseverance through the eyes of a Somali civil war survivor turned music phenomenon.

Drake Delays Debut Album Release & Receives Two Grammy Nominations
It was a bittersweet week for fans of Drake, as news of his nomination for twoGrammyawards comes with yet another release delay forThank Me Later, his debut full-length. It is now expected to hit shelves sometime in March. Drake's track 'Best I Ever Had' is up for Best Rap Solo Performance as well as a songwriter's award for Best Rap Song.

Louwop ft. Shad & Zaki Ibrahim - 'One Two Check/Get Up (Live)' - (ZIP/MP3)

-Great Lake Swimmersrecently launched theLegion Sessions, a digital quest through nine videos, at the end of which we're rewarded with a free download of an unreleased track.

-Rock Plaza Centralare taking a short hiatus to allow frontman Chris Eaton to finish his new novel, a pseudo-biography that follows 25 characters all of whom are named after the author. Check out a select fewexcerptsfrom the book.

- Wristbands and early bird passes forNXNE 2010are currentlyavailablefor purchase. The five-day festival takes place June 16-20, and will feature over 600 musicians and artists, 35 music-themed films and various conferences and sessions.

-Pitchforkhas a lengthy interview withFucked Up's Pink Eyes in which he details the countless contributions to their forthcoming benefit single.

- Post-rock quartetSleep For The Nightlifehave signed withEasy Tiger Records.

-Sheezer, an all-girl Weezer cover band, will play their first show on New Year's Eve at the Tranzac with Gentleman Reg, The Magic, Jim Guthrie, Diamond Rings and more. Don't worry, they refuse to play anything post-Pinkerton.

-Crystal Castlesrecently spent some time in the studio with renowned British producer Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Florence and the Machine). While no further information regarding future releases is currently available, Epworth promises the album will"change the rules of the pop game."

Southern Soulspresents Gravity Wave - 'Buffalo Jump'

Audio/Downloads
- While you eagerly awaitRemorscecapade从electropop双核,大二学生的努力Woodhands, have a listen to a brand new song - 'Pockets' (MP3).
-OhbijouLive at Hillside - CBC Radio 3 Sessions, featuring some older songs as well as a few fromBeacons(MP3,M4A,OGG).
-Olenka & the Autumn Lovershave recorded a Christmas song entitled 'Red and Green Blues,' available for free download in the spirit of the holidays (MP3).

On blogTO last week
- I made my way down to the Sound Academy on Saturday night to check outPhoenix and Holy Fuck.
- Ivy spent her Friday evening reveling in the eccentricities ofThe King Khan and BBQ Show.
- Gary interviewed Broken Social Scene'sJason Collettabout his four-date residency at The Dakota Tavern this month.
- Jennifer offered up her inauguralTTC Busker Profileafter getting to know 23-year-old classical guitarist Ronny Cameron.
- Roger reviewedNitzer Ebb's show at the Mod Club.
- Joe checked in withChokeules, one-third of London, Ontario rap group Toolshed.

Photo: "John Butler Trio live @ The Sound Academy - Aug 9, 08" byariehsinger, member of theblogTO Flickr pool.