March 8, 2010
The Brooklyn-via-Cincinnati’s fifth studio LP will be entitled High Violet. No word yet on any tracks, no single release, nothing. Frustrating and intriguing news. Their album will come out in what is shaping up to be quite a kickass May, along with new offerings from LCD Soundsystem, Band of Horses, and the Hold Steady, among others.
November 9, 2009
The first and only band to be announced thus far for Sasquatch! music festival is a big one: indie giants Pavement will headline the thing (no details are out yet as to which night). The remainder of the lineup doesn’t come out until February of 2010, so there’s still a while to wait for the whole picture, but for many, this news will be reason enough to buy tickets.
November 9, 2009
In a loss that will be felt across multiple genres, drummer Jerry Fuchs died Saturday night. Mr Fuchs fell down an elevator shaft when his elevator became stuck between two floors. He was 34.
September 16, 2009
Brooklyn Vegan reported it, and this time, it’s not a lie.
You’re probably saying: “All caps? Fucking idiot. Pavement wasn’t that good.” Well, the main reason you should shut up (besides the fact that you’re a complete philistine) is that the indie rock that you so zealously covey probably wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for this ultimately influential group. So get excited. The band is getting together for one show, a benefit, next year (21 September 2010, to be precise) in Central Park (lucky New York).
September 15, 2009
Yes, yes, I know “u completely luvvv Vampire Weekend OMG!!!1!” Anyway, this is a piece of news that will inspire shit-releasing excitement in hipsters and sorority girls alike, not to mention a lot of people in between. The most difficult band in the world to consistently love is recording a follow-up to their inexplicably successful, intermittently charming debut. It’s called Contra, and it’s going to drop 12 January via XL. Here’s a tracklist:
1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up the Gun
9. Diplomat’s Son
10. I Think Ur a Contra
September 3, 2009
Worst news ever.
I know. I didn’t need it this week either. Say it ain’t so, right? Well, unfortunately, it is so. We won’t be treated to a TV on the Radio tour or new release for another year, according to lead vocalist Tunde Adebimpe. The band (above, courtesy of Free Williamsburg) is taking some time off to “live a life and change things up.” The break will mean a reduction in output from the collective, but the individual members will certainly be busy. Adebimpe is fresh off recording a song with Massive Attack, guitarist/vocalist/beardist Kyp Malone is getting ready to release his first LP as Rain Machine, and David Sitek is…David Sitek.
If this break turns permanent, expect a shit-fit from your correspondent.
August 31, 2009
Noel Gallagher. You may know him these days as a caustic asshole who is very arrogant, and says lots of annoying shit. But there was a time when he was the songwriting force behind some of the greatest hits – and I mean defining stuff – of our generation. His career with Manchester group Oasis has been a storied, turbulent one, but as of Friday night, it has come to an end. Here is Mr Gallagher’s statement on the Band’s website.
“Dearly beloved, it is with a heavy heart and a sad face that I say this to you this morning.
As of last Friday the 28th August, I have been forced to leave the Manchester rock’n'roll pop group Oasis.
The details are not important and of too great a number to list. But I feel you have the right to know that the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable. And the lack of support and understanding from my management and band mates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new.
I would like firstly to offer my apologies to them kids in Paris who’d paid money and waited all day to see us only to be let down AGAIN by the band. Apologies are probably not enough, I know, but I’m afraid it’s all I’ve got.
While I’m on the subject, I’d like to say to the good people of V Festival that experienced the same thing. Again, I can only apologise – although I don’t know why, it was nothing to do with me. I was match fit and ready to be brilliant. Alas, other people in the group weren’t up to it.
In closing I would like to thank all the Oasis fans, all over the world. The last 18 years have been truly, truly amazing (and I hate that word, but today is the one time I’ll deem it appropriate). A dream come true. I take with me glorious memories.
Now, if you’ll excuse me I have a family and a football team to indulge.
I’ll see you somewhere down the road. It’s been a fuckin’ pleasure.
Thanks very much.
Goodbye.
NG.”
August 5, 2009
You may or may not have been following the news that the last combat veteran of World War I, Harry Patch, passed away on 25 July. His burial is tomorrow. By way of commemoration, everyone’s favorite band Radiohead has released a new song for paid download called “Harry Patch (In Memory Of)” on their website. All proceeds (yes, all) will go to benefit the Royal British Legion. Or, if you aren’t willing to spend the $1.70, you can stream it via the BBC.
July 23, 2009
Phoenix are just about the busiest French people I am aware of right now. In case you missed them the first time, you’re in luck. The auteurs of one of the year’s finest offerings thus far, Phoenix, are set to hit the road again. Their jaunt will take them all around the globe, but here are the relevant (American) dates:
13 Morrison, CO – Monolith Festival
16 September: Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
17 September: San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
19 September: Salt Lake City, UT – Urban
21 September: Omaha, NE – Slowdown
22 September: Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
23 September: Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
25 September: New York, NY – Rumsey Playfield
26 September: New York, NY – Rumsey Playfield
28 September: Philadelphia, PA – The Electric Factory
30 September: Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
1 October: New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
2 October: Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
This will be the – count ‘em – second tour in the year after the Parisians released the shimmering Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, their shiny fourth LP. As I mentioned before, if you didn’t manage to catch them live on that first tour, see that you make it out to this one; their live show is quite something.
July 21, 2009
Can’t get enough of Kyp Malone? Well, as you know if you consult this blog with any regularity, he (with considerable help from his generously proportioned beard) is releasing a new solo album under the moniker of Rain Machine. The first single from the eponymous debut is available here, for your consideration. The tracklist of that record looks a little something like this:
1. Intro
2. Give Blood
3. New Last Name
4. Smiling Black Faces
5. Driftwood Heart
6. Hold You Holy
7. Desperate Bitch
8. Love Won’t Save You
9. Free Ride
10. Leave the Lights On
11 Winter Song
Naughty track 7. Remember: the record will drop 22 September via Anti-.
