Sweater weather has arrived, which brings with it another cozy assurance: a slew of great fall albums.

This fall is different from most, of course. We’re heading into the third seasonal turn of the COVID-19 pandemic, and dealing with what that means depending on where we live. Countries continue to reckon with their histories of racism, especially toward Black and Indigenous people. People are grieving for hundreds of reasons. And one thing remains certain: we need art.

With the fall equinox here, we’re digging into 26 upcoming Canadian albums that we think you’ll love, all below in chronological release order. What new records are you looking forward to? Share with us @CBCMusic.   

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Artist: Mise en Scene
Album: Winnipeg, California
Release date: Oct. 9

Manitoba grunge-pop duo Mise en Scene is back this fall with its third album, and if this release doesn’t alert the rest of Canada to its talent, we’re not sure what will. Guitarist/vocalist Stef Johnson and drummer Jodi Dunlop lean into their sense of humour on the cheekily titled Winnipeg, California, but there’s nothing lighthearted about their skill: Johnson and Dunlop have crafted grungy slow burns (“Dollar Dreams”) and blistering punk-rock numbers (“Love and War”) that will have you yearning for a live show. Produced by Eric Ratz (Billy Talent, Arkells) and Dave Genn (54-40, Marianas Trench), Winnipeg, California is full of riffs and big-hearted feelings — which Johnson and Dunlop perfectly showcase in their brand new, scrunchy-filled video for single “High School Feeling.” — HG