Siouxsie Goes On Tour

Siouxsie is going on tour this year to support last years album Mantaray. Unfortunately, she's coming nowhere near where I am.

Lost Is Back!!!

I've been waiting for 8 loooong months for Lost to come back to me, and tonight, it will! I can't wait to see what awaits the castaways this season as they encounter the strange ship off the shore! Who will live? Who will die? Who will be leave the island other than Kate and Jack?

New She & Him

I have my grubby little hands on the new single "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" from She & Him, nee, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. It's definitely more upbeat than the songs we posted earlier.

She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here (mp3)

So far, they are only playing a couple of live dates. But, that could change in the future Conan.

March 2nd San Francisco, CA @ Noise Pop

March 14th Austin, TX @ The Parish (Merge Records SXSW showcase)

STP To Tour?

According to Slash Scott Weiland will be touring with Stone Temple Pilots this summer. I hope he can stay off the junk!

Look Before You Leap

I would like to say a big thank you to The Daily Swarm for making my day. It seems the keyboardist for British Sea Power didn't think his fans would let him down. Er, well, they didn't per se, but, they also didn't catch him when he attemped a stage dive the other night.

I thought this kind of thing only happened in comedies. Guess not.

New Raveonettes

Thanks to the good folks over at Rock & Roll Daily have an exlusive download of the new Raveonettes song "Dead Sound" off of their upcoming album Lust Lust Lust. The track has been remixed by Dandy Warhol Peter Holmstrom and Village Green's Jeremy Sherrer. It's pretty sweet, check it.

Ravoenettes - Dead Sound (mp3)

REM Sets Tour Dates

REM has announced tour dates and may or may not be heading to a town near you.

May 23 – Vancouver, BC @ Deer Lake Park

May 29 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

May 31 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre

June 3 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

June 6 – Chicago, IL @ United Center

June 8 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheatre

June 10 – Raleigh, NC @ Walnut Creek Amphitheatre

June 11 - Washington, DC @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

June 13 – Boston, MA @ Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts

June 14 - Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Theater

June 18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts

June 19 - New York City, NY @ TBA

June 21 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre

Jack Johnson Interview

Say what you want about a Jack Johnson post; the interview he did with Spin is pretty interesting. I thought his first album was pretty great. But, I didn't dig the fact that all his records sounded the same. But, if you read the interview he said the same thing.

My Morning Jacket Name CD

My Morning Jacket have finally named their newest release Evil Urges. This is their latest release since 2005's Z. They really should've named the new album Sweet Pickles.

Girl in a Coma

Girl in a Coma are made up of three girls from San Antonio. They’ve been touring for the last 6 years as headliners and supporting acts. They were also recently tapped to open up for Morrissey on his European tour. I’m really diggin’ this track right now. It’s got a nice little rave up in it to get that blood-a-pumpin'. Nina Diaz has an amazing voice; she can shred it to any kind of punk or blow you away with an amazing ballad. Her vocals remind me a little bit of Toni Halliday from Curve. Below is the “Clumsy Sky” off their debut album Both Before I’m Gone.

Girl In A Coma - Clumsy Sky

Shortlist Music Prize

The top 10 finalists for this year's Shortlist Music Prize have been announced. Notable finalists include Spoon, LCD Soundsystem, Wilco, MIA and Fiest. I personally hope the Spoon boys win. They good and junk.

Missy Goes 3D!

Soooo, I guess the world is going 3D crazy or something. Missy is continuing the trend of astonishing videos and her new one will be in 3D. If it's half as impressive as her other vidies then it should be gold Jerry.

New Gnarls Barkley

Apparently the dynamic duo that is Gnarls Barkley have titled their new album The Odd Couple. If you go over to Mission Freak they have the new single "Run" ready for download. The single starts off with a very Brady-like beginning then jumps into Aretha-like vocals cadence. It's not a bad little ditty though.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Initially I checked these guys out because of their name. I mean, how can you not with a righteous name like Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin? But, after a few digital spins of "Oregon Girl" off their Broom LP, and "Glue Girls" off of their upcoming LP, I really dig 'em. They have that acoustic-like quality to them like The Shins, but, not as dour. These kids from Springfield, MO can craft some fine tunes.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Glue Girls (mp3)

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Oregon Girl (mp3)

Alberta Cross

Petter Ericson Stakee and Terry Wolfers make up London’s Alberta Cross. If you like the musical stylings of The Shins or maybe My Morning Jacket you will dig this little track. Their album The Thief and The Heartbreaker is out now. And, they also happen to be on tour.

MP3: Alberta Cross - Lucy Rider

Whiskeytown Re-issue

Thanks to Aquarium Drunkard for hipping us to this. The No Depression kings, Whiskeytown, are going to be re-releasing their final album Strangers Almanac.

Do you think this will somehow piss off Ryan Adams? Below is an unreleased cut from their Those Weren't The Days album.

Whiskeytown - San Antonio (mp3)

NKOTB is Too Strong?

Somewhere girls I went to middle school with may be getting nine kinds of worked up. It seems the New Kids on The Block are getting back together? Why? I kinda feel bad for Donnie. He's actually a decent actor Too bad he has to stoop down to this level. Do you think he will still be the "bad boy" of the group?

The Afternoon Naps

Cleveland’s Afternoon Naps are a really great retro styled band. They have the kind of chamber pop sound that doesn’t beat you over the head. They don’t have the psychedelic tones of Brian Jonestown Massacre, but, instead the sweet sound comparable to Camera Obscura. Their sound is more upbeat than most of the chamber pop that you hear coming out of the UK.

“A Clean Bill of Health” has a nice little bit of boogie element to it. You can put it on and dance around the house as you do your chores. Or, do some couch dancing as you play your Playstation. “Postcard” is a sweet pickles, I imagine it to be one of those songs from a movie where Ryan O’Neil is walking hand in hand with his best girl, in a park, on a cool Autumn day. Ahhhhhh, good stuff.

The Afternoon Naps - Clean Bill of Health (mp3)

The Afternoon Naps - Postcard (mp3)

Jazz Fest Headliners Announced

This years Jazz Fest should be a good one. You got the Raconteurs, the world famous Roots crew, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Widespread Panic and Stevie Wonder.

Jane Says...I Need More Money

Stephen Perkins of the now defunct Jane's Addiction wants to release some live stuff. I'm sure hardcore Jane's fans will love it. And, it actually sounds like it could be pretty cool. He said he has some recordings of the 1991 Lollapalooza tour that features Dave Navarro playing with Living Colour, Ice-T playing with Jane's and so on and so forth.

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact he doesn't have a job anymore. But, who knows, maybe he really cares about the fans, right? He also wants to package all 3 DVD's the band did and compile them onto one DVD.

Jim James on Louisville--It's Sweet Pickles!

The great Jim James of My Morning Jacket does an interview over at Aquarium Drunkard about the 15 best things about Louisville.

What Made Milwaukee Famous

Thanks to the kids at Spin you can hear a new cut from Austin's What Made Milwaukee Famous.

The Cool Kids

The boys they call The Cool Kids are at it again. This cut is a little bit of hip-hop chill out, nice flow, sounds a little like early 90’s hip-hop. But, the synth line sounds a lot like “Ridin’ Dirty” by Chamillionaire.

The Cool Kids - Cool Kids (Klevers Ride Big Rmxxx) (mp3)

New Portishead Album

Finally, after 11 long years of waiting I can finally pick up a new Portishead album! The new album, Third, will be hitting stores on April 18th!

Again, they better be hitting the road in the U.S.!

The Big Sleep

"Bad Blood" is a new single off of their latest album Sleep Forever from Brooklyn’s The Big Sleep. They combine some punk attitude with British musicality. Sleep Forever is scheduled to come out on February, 21, I for one plan on picking this one up.

The Big Sleep - Bad Blood (mp3)

U2 in 3D

Not really any news on this. But, U2 showed their new 3D movie at Sundance this week. I love how fn pumped up Adam Clayton looks.

Ghostland Observatory Tour

Ghostland Observatory are going on a small tour to promote their new album Robotique Technique. With festival season coming up, I'm sure they will be hitting a lot of them up. To bad they aren't coming through Big D.

02/29 - Austin Music Hall Austin, Texas
03/08 - Langerado Music Festival Everglades Nat. Park, Florida
03/13 - House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
03/28 - Webster Hall New York, New York
03/29 - Nightclub 9:30 Washington, D.C.
04/03 - Crystal Ballroom Portland, Oregon
04/04 - Showbox at The Market Seattle, Washington
04/05 - Showbox at The Market Seattle, Washington
04/17 - The Mezzanine San Francisco, California
04/18 - Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, California

Headlight/Evangelicals tour

Headlights and Evangelicals will be touring together in route to SXSW. Good news: They will be hitting Dallas!

01-24 Norman, OK - Meacham Auditorium (University of Oklahoma)
02-15 Columbia, MO - Mojo's
02-16 Lexington, KY - The Icehouse
02-17 Nashville, TN - The End
02-18 Athens, GA - The Caledonia Lounge
02-19 Mt. Pleasant, SC - Village Tavern
02-20 Norfolk, VA - The Boot
02-21 Arlington, VA - Iota
02-24 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
02-25 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
02-26 Hamden, CT - The Space
02-27 Cambridge, MA - Middle East
02-28 Princeton, NJ - Terrace Club
02-29 Brooklyn, NY - Union Hall
03-01 Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
03-02 Toronto, Ontario - El Mocambo
03-03 Cleveland, OH - Beachland
03-04 Bloomington, IN - Waldron Arts Center
03-06 Urbana, IL - Canopy Club
03-07 Chicago, IL - Schubas
03-08 St. Louis, MO - Bilken Club
03-09 Springfield, MO - Randy Beacon Gallery
03-10 Norman, OK - Opolis
03-11 Dallas, TX - The Cavern
03-12-15 Austin, TX - SXSW
03-17 Tucson, AZ - Plush
03-19 Los Angeles, CA - Silver Lake Lounge
03-20 Visalia, CA - Howie & Son's
03-21 San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern
03-23 Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge
03-24 Missoula, MT - Badlander
03-26 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
03-27 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
03-28 Omaha, NE - Waiting Room
.03-29 Minneapolis, MN - Nomad
03-30 Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club
04-01 Dekalb, IL - House Café
04-02 Madison, WI - Club 770
04-03 Iowa City, IA - The Mill (Mission Creek Music Festival)
04-04 Lake Forest, IL - The Chapel
04-05 Beloit, WI - Beloit College

Chinese Democracy?

Apparently W. Axl Rose's Chinese Democracy was finished before Christmas. He may forgo the traditional way of releasing an album and release it the Radiohead way...pay what you like! But, as big as Axl's ego is, I'm sure he wants the cash for his album. I mean, it's been what, like 17 years since Use Your Illusions I & II came out? I'm sure plenty of people will be chomping at the bit for this one.

She and Him

I’m not usually a fan of actresses’ crossing over and making vanity albums. But, after listening to She and Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) cover of The Miracles “You Really Got a Hold on Me” I was blown away. She has an incredible voice! She's not really trying to sound like anyone but herself. Her voice isn't velvety soft, but, her smokey and sultry.

The two first met in 2006 working on a movie soundtrack together. Apparently the two really hit it off and started recording together. Their album Volume One comes out via Merge Records on March 18.

Below are some selections from a recent stop the two made by KCRU's Open Road.

She and Him - You Really Got a Hold on Me (mp3)

She and Him- Magic Trick (mp3)

Ghostland Observatory - Heavy Heart

I have heard this song when I've seen the Austin duo live. And, as much as it pains me to say: I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. Aren't your lead singles suppose to be the best of the best on your album? I hope this isn't an indication of what is to come on Robotique Technique. But, I could be wrong, you be the judge and listen for yourself.

Ghostland Observatory - Heavy Heart (mp3)

Do you hear that ruckus? It's everyone jumping off their bandwagon.

The Grand Archives

This Seattle quartet brings delicious harmonies to their Sub Pop debut; lead by former Band of Horses and Carissa’s Wierd member Mat Brooke. If you like the poppy/rock style of BOH, then you will like The Grand Archives as well. They are on tour in the Northwest and West right now.

The Grand Archives - Torn Blue Foam Couch (mp3)

The Grand Archives - Sleep Driving (mp3)

Coachella Line-Up Announced

According to Billboard Portishead will indeed be headlining this year's installment of the Coachella Festival. An official line-up should be out today or tomorrow. So, who's buying my ticket so I can go to Coachella? Oh, and Portishead have announced a European tour as well. They had better be hitting the States soon!

Hard Sell

The DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist show this past Saturday at the House of Blues was "kick ass." They boys did cut up 45's of all musical types to create a hour plus show. They mixed in a crazy version of the Giligan's Island theme song with "Stairway to Heaven." My personal favorite was when they mixed up an Aliyah song with the Digible Planets and Del The Funky Homosapien. A snippet of "Everlong" by the Foo Fighters also made it's way into the mix. All in all it was great show.

Check out a clip here.

Har Mar Superstar

That's right ladies and gents, the greatness of Har Mar Superstar will be gracing Dallas with his presence. The world's greatest playboy will be at House of Blues on March 15. Ladies, come prepared to see the world's greatest playboy/loverman do his thang.

Bedtime for Toys ft. Har Mar Superstar - Alphaville (JD & Jo of Le Tigre Remix) (mp3)

The Helio Sequence

It’s always nice when a band takes elements of a band or type of music you like and makes it their own. That’s what has happened with Portland, OR’s The Helio Sequence. “Keep Your Eyes Ahead," off their new record of the same name, has the nice jangly Madchester guitar sound and a little bit of electronic flourishes. The sound is like a lot of the late 80’s Brit bands like the Stone Roses. But, it would vocally be more in line with JAMC and the minimal guitar work of The Edge. I would say this is the best song I’ve heard all week, but, then I remembered the “Warning” by Wye Oak.

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (mp3)

DJ Shadow + Cut Chemist: The Hard Sell

Tomorrow night, Saturday January, 19, at the House of Blues DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist will be performing a joint set. "The Hard Sell" is similar to the duo's famous "Freeze" sets. They will be cutting together using 45's. If it's anything like Shadow's solo shows it will be phenomenal. Kid Koala will be opening up for them.

Neimo

Neimo are very punk inspired Frenchmen that remind me of Radio 4 or The Hives. “Hot Girl” is one of those songs you turn up while driving fast, thinking about your own hot girl. “Echoing Pixels” is my favorite of these two tracks. It’s a nice dance-y, Karen O dancing type of song. A great song to start out the night with, or a good mixtape. Both of the tunes are very guitar driven songs, but, with it not being completely over powering. Sense these guys are French, should we call it Freedom Rock?

Neimo - Hot Girl(mp3)

Neimo -Echoing Pixels(mp3)

New Ghostland Observatory

The good people at My Old Kentucky Blog have a clip of the first single off Robotique Technique, "Heavy Heart." And I would have to agree with them that I'm not blown away...yet. I will have to give the album a listen to come to any conclusion. The new album will be out March 4.

SXSW

Who's joining REM and the Black Crowes at this years South by Southwest Music Conference? Why none other than the great Dolly Parton. I just thought it was weird she would be there. But, she is country music royalty. I just hope she sings "Jolene."

Rumor has it...

That some of the 2008 Coachella line-up is out. The L.A. Times has an article that claims Death Cab for Cutie, UNKLE, VHS or Beta, The Breeder and Portishead, among others, will be performing. I kinda thought Portishead would be there this year since it's been 11 LONG YEARS since their last album.

But, an official announcement is expected next week.

Ryan Adams

We love the Ryan Adams. He's like an angry, funny recovering alcoholic that makes really good music. But, he's posted this little clip, under the name D.R. Adams, promoting a fake album and showcasing a new song called "Like Yesterday." I was really hoping that DJ Reggie was going to make a cameo. But, alas, twas not to be.

Super Furry Animals

Gorilla vs. Bear is having a little party at the Granada. They are putting on a show with Super Furry Animals, The Fiery Furnaces and Holy Fuck. Should be a good show to check out.

The good fellow at We Shot JR have release their Projection 002 local music compilation. It features bands from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denton area.

Record Hop and Ghosthustler are two of the more buzz-worthy band on the compilation. But, you gotta support local music!

EMI has crazy ideas

So, EMI is cutting 2,000 jobs and that really sucks. But, it doesn't suck as bad as the idea for bands to have corporate sponsors like futbol teams.

And that's not even the craziest idea I've read today!

Saul Williams - Sunday Bloody Sunday

Saul Williams went the Radiohead route and released his Trent Reznor produced debut, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust. Now, thanks to our friends at Stereogum, we can now see this.



I actually liked it. At times Saul seemed to be channeling ODB's vocals. But, I like the buzzy guitars Mr. Reznor laid down.

A-Sides

So, while I was listening to Pandora this morning I came across something that was a delight to mine own ears. It was "Amazing Grace" by Philly band The A-Sides. It was just such an awesome tune I had to expose them to the uninitiated. So, I had to find some of their other tunes to listen to and see if they were as good as "Amazing Grace."

The A-Sides - Park Avenue (mp3)

“Park Avenue”, off of Hello, Hello,at first strikes me as a Series of Sneaks era Spoon. But, then builds into catchy riffs and vocal melodies that share a little bit with Rooney.

The A-Sides - A Florida Grove (mp3)

“A Florida Grove," off Silver Storms, makes me think of a band playing a prom with the twinkling lights, the lead singer giving a wink to the prettiest girl at the dance. Again, really melodic vocals, they would make a great hang out music for friends at your backyard bbq. These guys will be at the SXSW festival in March in Austin, TX. If you're down that way at that time then check 'em out.

Go East Young Man

The rumor that Coachella was moving East was reported Monday by gossip fatty-fatty-two-by-four Perez Hilton. And as much as I hoped it was as accurate as his report that Castro was dead, this is now confirmed.

Coachella is heading to Liberty State Park in the Boss State (NJ). However, the new festival will not be under the name Coachella. It will be a direct, and presumably dominant, competition to the Vineland festival.

Wye Oak

Thanks to our good friends over at Merge Records for sending us this gorgeous song by Baltimore's Wye Oak. Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner are the multi-instrumentalists that make up Wye Oak. After spending a lot of time in various bands the two came together as their last band fell apart.

Their track "Warning" reminds me particularly of the best part of Veruca Salt's vocals; particularly Nina Gordon. Their other song "Obituary", which you can check out on their Myspace page, reminds me a little bit of The La's. Either way, "Warning" is a great little power-pop track.

Wye Oak - Warning (mp3)

An Evening With My Morning Jacket

Usually shows designated as "An Evening With..." are a great experience. Shows could last 3 hours; jams could last for 30 minutes. But, that's nothing new for the boys of My Morning Jacket.

They have announced "An Evening With My Morning Jacket" for June 20th at Radio City Music Hall in wonderful NY, NY. This one should be good times. Hopefully it will be something prom themed or maybe Hawaiian themed like ACL.

**UPDATE**
My Morning Jacket have announced their follow-up to 2005's Z will be released June 10. The new release is still untitled.

New Morrissey

As I told you the other day, Moz will be releasing a new greatest hits compilation. Now, thanks to our friends at The Hype Machine, we can hear one of the two new tracks on the album. The song is called "How People Grow Up".

It has the vocal that reminds me of "November Spawned a Monster." But, it has the more rock style of "Glamorous Glue."

Morrissey - How Old People Grow Up (mp3)

Ghostland Observatory CD Release

If you're in Austin on Friday, February 29th, then you should get yourself down to Austin Music Hall as Ghostland Observatory unleashes their new album Robotique Technique on the world.  If it's anything like Paparazzi Lighting, then it should be chocked full of ass shakin' goodness.  You can pre-order the tickets this Friday.

Ghostland Observatory - Shoot 'em Down (mp3)

Editors

The Editors "An End Has A Start" reminds me immediately of older New Order songs. Add in the fact lead singer Tom Smith sounds like Paul Banks little brother, and you have a little Interpol to the mix as well.

Editors - An End Has A Start (mp3)