Wednesday, December 26, 2007

I've Seen It Coming

Happy New Year, Radiohead fans.

If you like Radiohead and are planning on staying in on New Years Eve, the band will be broadcasting a special webcast performance. The performance will be able to be seen at radiohead.tv or simulcast on the Current TV channel on your traditional television set.
If you haven't downloaded it already, the CD is out on New Year's Day.

(via Boing Boing)

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Saturday, December 22, 2007

You're Never Gonna Die

Pink Floyd reunited in 2005 for Live 8, and now, drummer Nick Mason says it may happen again.

“If there was a suitable reason or things change a bit in the next year or two and everybody suddenly thinks, ‘Well, actually, I really would like to do that’ then I think it’ll happen,” Mason explained, but “the only thing that would generate it would be something the equivalent of Live 8.”
Ok, that's hardly saying Pink Floyd will reunite, and I'd rather hear this from Gilmour or Waters, but hey, dreamers can dream.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Did You Hear About This One?

Very cool - R.E.M. and The Boss jamming together.

(via Uncut)

You Thought I Dropped a Dud in Your Face

Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) Alone: Home RecordingsI have to admit, I've been wildly indifferent to Weezer not soon after their debut came out. That album was a blue light special in a shop full of gangsta (c)rap and pop trifles (literally - working at Best Buy at the time, we fought often about which album we would play - Weezer was always my pick). I don't listen to it often, but when I "rediscover" it, I'm always genuinely excited (Say It Ain't So and My Name is Jonas are stellar). I'm one of those few that found Pinkerton to be less than thrilling (although I've been meaning to revisit).

Nonetheless, I'm especially intrigued by the release of Rivers Cuomo's demos, Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo.

including a big chunk of songs from the scrapped sequel to The Blue Album, Songs from the Black Hole
That may be enough to get a download out of me. It was released this week.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

I'm On My Way

WiselyNot Lame continues living up to its name by offering the new self-titled Wisely album nearly a month before it's released!

BRAND NEW 2008 release!! IN STOCK AND SHIPPING NOW!! Due for release on January 15th, but we have it early for you all to ship right here in the present
And, in your best Popeil voice, "but wait, there's more"...
orders until January 15th, 2008 will ship with a 2-song CD-R (no download link!) of two unreleased songs from Willie, exclusive to Not Lame. They are: "Automaton" (unreleased). NOTE FROM WILLIE: "Pardon me if it sounds like I'm "Goin' Mobile" from The Who." "Complicated Friend" (written for the Turbosherbet album in 1997) NOTE FROM WILLIE: "I rewrote some lyrics , shortened it. Always thought this song shoulda gotten more love from people - maybe now with this new clarity."
Happy happy, y'all.

Buy here.

Previously...

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Tis the Season to Be Jolly

Are you feeling a shortage of holiday tunes this year? After all, you can only take so much of those old, schmaltzy Johnny Mathis tunes. The Canucks are feeling the spirit and offering a full album of holiday tunage. Joyeux Noël!

Nettwerk Music Group and the Vancouver Sun is please to announce another free digital download album. It's Seriously Westcoast Vol.2 - Happy Holidays. Seasonally themed and features 15 songs from such artists as Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Medieval Baebes, Jars of Clay and many more.
Download here.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Everywhere Was a Song and a Celebration

80/35 FestivalWith funding, this has potential:

The vitalization of the Des Moines music scene continues to grow with the announcement of 80/35, an annual two-day summer music festival launching on July 4 and 5, 2008.

Des Moines houses the Midwestern connection hub of interstates 80 and 35, bringing a number of bands and fans traveling the “summer festival circuit” through the city. Major, cutting-edge acts that drive through Des Moines for festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee or Kansas City will now have a stop at 80/35.
I'll hope for the best. I give credit to the Des Moines Music Coalition. They're trying their damnedest.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Voices Escape Singing Sad Sad Songs

Wilco is hitting the road early next year, kicking off with an "unprecedented 5 night stand" at the Riv in Chicago. Sent to their email list:

Over these 5 nights the band will endeavor to perform every song in their now extensive ouvre (or is that canon)? This includes all the studio recordings and their contributions to the Mermaid Avenue records. Plus, who knows what else? To further clarify, the plan is NOT to do the material sequentially or chronologically. Rather, they're just going to attempt to cover it all over the 5 shows. It'll be a real blast, we're certain.
A real blast, indeed. If the idea of taking a road trip to Chicago in mid-February sounds awful, Wilco is coming back to the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines on March 9. Pre-sale is going on now here. The public sale begins Friday via Ticketbastard.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Lime and Limpid Green, a Second Scene

Pink Floyd posterBillboard.com is featuring the 25 best rock posters. I've seen 25 better posters elsewhere, but some of these are pretty good, particularly Pennywise, The Beatles (naturally), The Decemberists, and of course, Pink Floyd.

Forever and Ever

Pink Floyd Oh By the WayCapitol is releasing Oh By the Way this week, a comprehensive box set that includes every Pink Floyd studio album.

The 40th Anniversary year of Pink Floyd ends with a typical flourish – the release of OH BY THE WAY, a spectacular limited edition box set which contains, for the first time ever, the band's 14 studio albums. These classic albums are presented in mini vinyl wallets with all the original extras also miniaturised. Floyd's longtime design wizard, Storm Thorgerson, has designed a sumptuous box, as well as miniaturising the original sleeve artwork.
Sounds like a required addition to any self-respecting Pink Floyd fan's collection (assuming you have the budget for such a thing).

Buy it here.

Watch a video here.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

I Was Crying, Left to Die in this Godforsaken Place

Grammy nominations were announced today. Kanye, Winehouse, blah blah. I can't bring myself to say much more. Blah.

Story here.
Full list here.

Waiting in the Wings

Radiohead In RainbowsRadiohead is talking with iTunes about a digital release for In Rainbows when it's released in the way we're all accustomed to next month. This is big news as they've been one of the few holdouts.

A deal with iTunes would represent a massive breakthrough on a number of levels, and one that apparently would require a shift in position from one of the parties.
You'd think that means Radiohead will require purchase of the whole album rather than individual tracks akin to the band's agreement with 7digital.

Also, from w.a.s.t.e...
We also thought you'd like to know that the download area that is 'In Rainbows' will be shutting its doors on the 10th December so if you've not yet downloaded,
here is the place to go www.inrainbows.com

The discbox will still be available at w.a.s.t.e. until they have all gone. We then have no plans to make further stock.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Take Her to the Christmas Dance

Guster is treating you to holiday gifts this season. Guster would like you to visit their advent politically correct, secular-enough holiday calendar for a new deal everyday, which could include free downloads, store discounts, etc. Guster is offering a free sticker with every store purchase today, for instance.

Me gusta Guster.

I'll Close My Eyes and Listen to You Read the Story

This is the gift of a lifetime (let alone the 2007 holiday season) for any power pop lover in your life! The Posies will record a cover song of your choosing if you win this eBay auction. That's it. Nothing more to say. No restrictions of any kind, so if you've really been itching to hear the Posies' take on Who Let the Dogs Out, well, by all means waste your money.

And, according to an update from TheirSpace:

Actually, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer will each cover the same song—two covers for the price of one! The winner will also receive a copy of their split EP Private Sides. Priceless!
As of this post, it's up to a measly $57.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Why don't you, wake me, shake me

We've mentioned NotLame on here time and time again, so why stop now? NotLame has released a book focused entirely on Power Pop, Shake Some Action. The book is jam-packed with Power Pop goodness. A definitive history of the genre from the early 70's to today, interviews with artists and rare photographs are just a sampling. There's also a 24 track CD loaded with rareties. But it's only available for a limited time so act now. Might be a good gift for the power pop fan in your life. Or blog (hint hint).

Monday, December 03, 2007

Come Back and Focus Again

Radiohead goes YouTubing with their new video for Jigsaw Falling Into Place.

Revel In Your Abandon

Tom Petty is headlining the Super Bowl's halftime show. He puts on a great show, but I really don't want to see his nipple.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Writing Poems in a Corner Booth

This is why I need to read The Onion's AV Club more often.

Material Issue is one of the most underrated bands of our generation.

Videos here.
Music here.

But Now I'm Reborn

John Lennon is releasing his video collection next month via iTunes. Well, ok, Lennon isn't actually releasing the collection because he's dead and all. So, yeah, the John Lennon Video Album (I'm blown away by this title by the way) comes out December 4.

Tracklist:

'Imagine'
'Woman'
'Watching The Wheels'
'Mind Games'
'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)'
'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night'
'(Just Like) Starting Over'
'#9 Dream'
'Give Peace A Chance'
'Beautiful Boy'
'Jealous Guy'
'Nobody Told Me'
'Cold Turkey'
'Power To The People'
'Working Class Hero'
'Working Class Hero'
'Love'
'Mother'
'Borrowed Time'
'Slippin' And Slidin'
'Stand By Me'
Yes, I see there are two Working Class Hero listings. Silly Brits. Here's one evidently not in the collection:

I Guess There's Got to Be a Break in the Monotony, but Jesus, When It Rains How It Pours

First, a goofy choreographed treadmill video ripe for viral marketing, now LED jackets for their tour. Does OK Go even make music, or is it all gimmicks for these guys?

Do It If You Feel It

First My Bloody Valentine, and now, Jesus & Mary Chain is working on their first new album in nearly a decade.

"I would say it's an evolution," [William] Reid says of the new material, which he and his brother wrote separately. "It definitely sounds like the Mary Chain, but I guess you evolve as a person and a writer. You can't really stand still. If you do that, you're lost."
Expect the album in late spring, early summer 2008.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Wanna Hear You Play 'Til the Lights Go Down

The McCartney YearsPaul McCartney talks about his new DVD retrospective The McCartney Years, the new deluxe version of Memory Almost Full, and a possible new album with his son James!

I'm actually doing some recording with my son [James]. We're just looking at the idea of him making an album. He's doing it all. He's writing it all, laying it all. It's sensational.
Read the whole interview at Billboard.com.

Once But Never Again

Weezer's new album Tout Ensemble comes out April 22.

The entire band has accomplished some of its most challenging goals as a group and as individuals. It's all coming together on this album.
And Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo is out December 18 and includes a few songs from Cuomo's "unfinished rock musical."

Ok.

Two and Two Always Makes Up Five

Billboard.com "reveals:"

Legendary alternative act My Bloody Valentine plans to "do a Radiohead" when the Anglo-Irish quartet finally releases the follow-up to 1991's classic "Loveless"
Don't get too excited, though. That just means they'll do an independent digital release, not a download-for-free-but-tell-everybody-you-paid-ten-bucks-for-it price scheme.

And speaking of Radiohead: X/1.618 = time-to-get-a-girlfriend.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Christmas Time Is Here Again

Christmas with the SmithereensThe Smithereens have released a Christmas album because, well, they can.

"THE SMITHEREENS set out to re-invent the Christmas album and turn the genre completely upside down with this record," says Pat Dinizio, the band's lead vocalist and principle songwriter. "We made a real Smithereens rock & roll record that stands on its own, yet somehow channels the ghost of Christmas past, and in the process, also pays tribute to and reinvents some of our absolute all-time favorite rock & roll Christmas records. I don't think it's been done quite this way before, and hopefully it's an album you wouldn't mind listening to the other 11 months of the year."
Here's the tracklist:
1. WAKING UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING Smithereens original, written by Jim Babjak
2. SANTA BRING MY BABY BACK (TO ME)
Elvis Presley
3. MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY
The Beach Boys
4. ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
inspired by Bill Haley
5. CHRISTMAS TIME ALL OVER THE WORLD
Smithereens original, a Christmas remake of "All Revved Up"
6. CHRISTMAS
The Who (from "Tommy")
7. 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
inspired by Art Carney
8. RUN RUDOLPH RUN
Chuck Berry
9. MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT)
The Ramones
10. CHRISTMAS (I REMEMBER)
original, written by Dennis Diken
11. AULD LANG SYNE
inspired by The Ventures and Dick Dale
12. CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AGAIN
The BeatlesPat Dinizio
Read more here. Download Christmas with the Smithereens here. Sample tracks at TheirSpace. Visit their website here. Evidently, according to iTunes, this album was originally released in 1994. News to me, and I'm a big Smithereens fan. Guess I'm just about 13 years late on this one.

In related news, the distinctive voice of the Smithereens, Pat Dinizio, has released another solo album.

Download the self-titled release here. Buy it from Amazon.com here. Sample tracks at HisSpace. Visit his website here.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Once There Was A Way To Get Back Homeward

F$#king great album. That's all I've got to say about that.

Good Times Never Seemed So Good

Finally revealed!!! Sweet Caroline = Caroline Kennedy

(Neil) Diamond was a "young, broke songwriter" when a photo of the president's daughter in a news magazine caught his eye.

"It was a picture of a little girl dressed to the nines in her riding gear, next to her pony," Diamond recalled. "It was such an innocent, wonderful picture, I immediately felt there was a song in there."
Now I can finally rest easy. It's been bugging me for my whole life.

Download via iTunes

Monday, November 19, 2007

He Had a Way, a Little Way, a Way With Words

The Heart Strings Try Fly Blew SkySomewhere between Pepperland and Wonka's Chocolate Factory, The Heart Strings are emerging from syrupy depths to deliver some sweet tunes on their new-and-yet-to-be-officially-released album Try Fly Blue Sky. The London band blends Brian Wilson-friendly soundscapes and Flaming Lipsy neo-psychedelia with otherworldly harmonies that evoke the 80s glory of Freiheit (surely you remember Keeping the Dream Alive) and melodies worthy of Fountains of Wayne fans.

If you're willing to give a bit on lyrics ("in an apron, frying bacon" and "all the moustache wax in the world won't save me") and on the sheer lack of testosterone, Try Fly Blue Sky fits neatly with Mates of State and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. in your collection. It's a delicious listen that will no doubt take you to a world of pure imagination, just don't forget your toothbrush and insulin.

TheirSpace
Website
Stream
Download via iTunes
Purchase via The Heart Strings (in multiple editions!)

Lurch

Mike Viola LurchMike Viola (he of Candy Butchers and overall pop goodness fame) is releasing Lurch next year.

The album features 13 brand new tracks. This is a limited edtion (sic). Only 1,000 copies pressed. There will be worldwide distribution in 2008.
Pre-order it now by clicking here. Bundle it with Just Before Dark and get both for just $20 here.

I'm Satisfied

If you missed out on the original deluxe edition of the Traveling Wilburys' re-packaging of their two albums, no need to fret. A second deluxe edition will be released tomorrow:

Linen-bound deluxe edition features 2 CDs (Volumes 1 and 3) with bonus tracks, bonus DVD, and a 40-page collectible book with photos, original liner notes, new liner notes and a uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity.
For you vinyl fans, the collection will be released on December 4:
Features 2 vinyl releases of the original Volumes 1 and 3 with an additional 12-inch featuring bonus tracks, a collectible album-sized book, plus additional vintage postcards and posters.
For you digital fans, it's still available via iTunes. All just in time for the holidays! Way to go Wilburys and your respective estates!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

You Come Back So Fine, So Fine

Plan your next summer vacation accordingly - My Bloody Valentine has officially announced UK shows:

The following three dates have been announced:

Friday 20th June - London - The Roundhouse
Saturday 28th June - Manchester - Apollo
Wednesday 2nd July - Glasgow - Barrowland

Tickets go on-sale this Friday, November 16th. Tickets for all shows will be available at www.seetickets.com and venue box offices.
MBV would make a nice headliner at US festivals - LOLLA, Lolla, lolla ...

More.

I'm Waiting for that Final Moment

My iPod has been insisting on me listening to New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle. It's come up on shuffle at least three times in the past few days. Great song, no doubt, but I'm looking for variety when I'm on shuffle. iPod knows this. Perhaps it's tired.

Anyway, if you're expecting New Order to reach back into their archives ala Joy Division, well, you're SOL for now. Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner are still being pissy with each other - at fans' expense of course.

I am intrigued by Hook's new project Freebass, though...

...his bass guitar-celebrating group with Smiths alumnus Andy Rourke and Stone Roses/Primal Scream vet Gary "Mani" Mounfield. The group has recently cut tracks with the Charlatans' Tim Burgess and rapper Howard Marx and is putting together a schedule for 2008 summer European festivals.
More here.

The Bounce

Malibu Robo-SapiensRoger Joseph Manning Jr.'s electro-alter-ego Malibu released Robo-Sapiens earlier this year in Japan. Now it's available stateside.

Download via iTunes
Purchase via Amazon.com
Download via Amazon.com
Preview at hisspace
Learn more here

The Less One Really Knows

Same ol' shit...

McCartney tells Billboard.com that "it's all happening soon. Most of us are all sort of ready. The whole thing is primed, ready to go -- there's just maybe one little sticking point left, and I think it's being cleared up as we speak, so it shouldn't be too long. It's down to fine-tuning, but I'm pretty sure it'll be happening next year, 2008."
I guess I appreciate that they want to do it right.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Raining Down Inside My Head

Bloody 'ell! My Bloody Valentine is actually reuniting and releasing new music! Let the noise resume.

Baby, Don't You Touch Ground

Wisely has written a song for his daughter. It's called Ella. Must be her name or something.

It's very sweet and you can listen to it on hisspace. It's on his self-titled album, which has been pushed back to early next year. Bummer.

Everyone is Hiding Something Ugly

I've talked about Kenna before, but Billboard's profile of him tells you practically everything you need to know.

Justin Timberlake, whom Kenna supported on his FutureSex/LoveShow in Europe, leant guest vocals.
Dammit. I vowed never to own anything with Justin Timberlake on it. Ah well.

Love Will Find a Way

Help! is now on DVD. Help! is now a website. Help! is still not nearly as good as A Hard Day's Night. Help! does have You've Got to Hide Your Love Away going for it, though.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Did You Forget Me, Baby?

This one slipped by me probably while I was on vacation. Here's the latest from the greatest, Matthew Sweet:

friends of MATTHEW SWEET--news 10/07

ok, i haven't even been to this page since last year! i am such a loner at heart! thanks for hanging in there, i do love you guys.

here's what's up. we are currently negotiating with several labels and will definitely be releasing my new album, "sunshine lies" (aka rock bottom)
next year, probably early. we will tour for sure in the u.s., possibly overseas as well.

susanna hoffs and i are working now on the 70s followup to our 60s covers record, "under the covers." the 70s one is turning out amazing, and we're having so much fun! we've also been writing and recording a wonderful solo album of susanna's that we will finish sometime next year.

lastly, i've produced a wonderful young group from alabama called the bridges. they now have a label and we will finish up their album this year. they are a multiharmony group of sisters and their cousin (with their little brother drumming). they remind me of the spark that fleetwood mac rumours era had. just beautiful songwriting...should be out sometime next year.

i'm sure there's much more, but that's all for now. i'll try to get some updates going more frequently here. we should have a new matthewsweet.com up in a few weeks too.

cheers,
matthew
(source)

Excellent.

By the way, still no update to matthewsweet.com.

Previously...

Monday, November 05, 2007

It's Been a Hell of a Year

Brandon Schott Winter in the SunLook, I could be cynical and cranky about the holidays arriving too early and being too commercial, but the facts are: the squirrels have eaten through the jack-o-lanterns, I just turned back our clocks, a cold front passed through today bringing in a chilly wind from the north, and the mail carrier has delivered roughly two dozen catalogs over the last two days. Smells like the holidays are here in the Midwest - let's make the most of them!

So, that means it's not too early to drag out the holiday tunes. What's your cup o' eggnog, Bing Crosby? A Very Special Christmas? Mannheim Steamroller? Beatles rarities? Amy Grant? For a holiday all about tradition and comfort, I'll be the first to admit it's tough to feel the spirit in newly penned tunes. Brandon Schott's new holiday tune Winter in the Sun does what very few "modern" holiday tunes can do - the damn thing actually puts you in the mood!

Visit hisspace to hear for yourself. Rather than preserve some manufactured hipster cred like too many contemporaries try to do with their seemingly contractually obligated holiday tunes, Brandon embraces universal feelings with Winter in the Sun and actually celebrates Christmas and the warmth of the time. Literally. Living in Iowa, I'm dreaming more of a white Christmas than a winter in the sun, but the tune is so catchy and the theme so familiar that I have no problem relating. Winter in the Sun is bit of Beach Boy sunniness in a Ben Foldsian modern voice with Jellyfish eccentricities thrown in just because he can handle it. It's definitely modern, but he's earned a spot in my holiday rotation that is normally heavy on the classics.

Winter in the Sun will officially be released November 13 on iTunes. It'll be bundled with his stellar Golden State if purchased through his website. Merry Christmas.

Previously...

New Debut

Semi-legendary Chicago "Pop Music Critic" Jim DeRogatis writes about Frisbie, a great story of a band that almost was, almost wasn't, and definitely is again.

"I feel I can speak for Liam in this regard pretty safely when I say that neither one of us has ever had an experience like singing with the other," Frisbie said. "There are times where we feel about 17 feet tall singing harmony together."
Great album - must continue to revisit.

Keep On Telling Myself It's True

LCD Soundsystem talks body music, Matthew Sweet, and The Beatles.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Drawn by the Promise of the Women and the Lace

World Party Best in ShowI realize some people are big fans of greatest hits collection, and for some artists, that's all I might need. But World Party?!?

World Party has released Best in Show today, their first compilation of "hits." Now, really, if you want an introduction to World Party, you better buy Goodbye Jumbo, which has been one of my two or three favorite albums for over 15 years now! But if you just want Ship of Fools, Is It Like Today?, a couple tracks from recent albums, and over half of Goodbye Jumbo (I told you it was good), then Best in Show, I guess, is for you. I have to admit, this would make a great holiday present for the uninitiated.

Still, if that's all you know of World Party, you're missing everything!

Review
Download

Monday, October 29, 2007

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby

Wired Magazine online has an interesting article about the death of the compact disc format. You're thinking digital is the cause, right? Wrong.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Memories Come Rushing Up to Meet Me Now

Pink Floyd is releasing a box set chronicling their entire career. Oh By the Way includes every album, even the ones without Roger Waters, and are reproductions of their original vinyl releases. No superfluous live or previously-released compilation albums will be included (it would be a bit silly). It's out internationally on December 4 and in the states, well, only via import. If I didn't already own about 90% of their albums, this would be very tempting. Can't believe it's been 13 years since Division Bell. Wow.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Open Up, Let Me Out, Please

It is an absolute thrill to hear a band at its creative peak. Revisit The Beatles' Revolver, World Party's Goodbye Jumbo, or Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend to understand. Listening to matt pond PA's Last Light for a third time, I can't help but conclude that Mr. Pond and company have it all working for them.

The first time through, I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of music (20 songs and a clean version of Sunlight). Past mpPA albums I think fell into that every-song-sounds-the-same trap, and with 20 new songs, I had similar concerns. The second time through, I started feeling that this was something special. I usually wait until the second or third listen to rate each song on my iPod. I found myself consistently giving each song 4 stars - with several having potential for the 5-star-all-time-classic rating. The third time through, I was motivated to post.

I can't help but relish in the flourishes that remind me of the best moments of the Beatles' middle years, the atmospherics of a great Cure tune, or the honesty of Elliott Smith's lyricism. Basement Parties, Giving It All Away Tonight, Sunlight - truly outstanding songs made even better in the context of a great album. Yes, indeed, great albums are still being made and you're foolish to ignore them. This is one you'd be foolish to ignore anyway.

MP3s: matt pond PA - various (scroll down via)

U Say U Want a Leader

Prince Purple RainPurple Rain is reportedly the greatest soundtrack of all time, but A Hard Day's Night, Trainspotting, and The Graduate (personal favorites) rank in the top ten too.

In what is quickly becoming one of the only (arguably) useful purposes of magazines in a time that the Interwebs trump print on breaking news, Vanity Fair is featuring their 50 greatest soundtracks in their next issue. In other words, they want to sell magazines and they're looking for cheap publicity. It doesn't get much cheaper than Too Poppy, so here you go.

UPDATE: Wild

I posted last week about Matthew Sweet's participation in a new soundtrack for the film Songs from the Bigtop. It was supposed to have been released last week, but that didn't seem to happen. Nevertheless, this week it is available. Download Sweet's Wild right here and the rest of the album here.

MP3: Matthew Sweet - Wild (scroll down via Stereogum)

Where Did I Go?

Justin Currie What Is Love ForJustin Currie, Del Amitri's voice and source of the band's pathos, has released "a sumptuous set of lovely, meticulously arranged songs, sung with earnest emotion and empathy" called What Is Love For. Allmusic.com has a generally positive review, although it compares it to the "bouncy pop" of Del Amitri. Sure, if you've only heard Roll To Me, I'd give you that. If you're familiar with the rest of Del Amitri's catalog, you can hardly call it bouncy (listening to Change Everything during my moody college days prompted me to say pathetically, "anybody got any razor blades?"). Whatever.

Listen to more from the album at hisspace. Download here.

I'm Feeling Down

It's Wednesday. Struggling to get through the week? Yeah, I'm with you. Just don't forget that help Help! is on its way.

Friday, October 19, 2007

What's a Wonderwall Anyway?

Here's an interesting story on the intersection of three great tunes.

MP3: Travis - Writing to Reach You (scroll down via)
Video: Oasis - Wonderwall (via)
Video: The Connells - 74-75 (via)

The Infrastructure Will Collapse

Radiohead In Rainbows Cover ArtSo it's been a couple weeks since Radiohead shocked us all by quickly releasing their new album In Rainbows in a seemingly-yet-not-entirely novel way. It's been a good listen and I do enjoy how this rock band seems to be realizing again they are in fact a rock band.

Troubling, though, particularly for us iTunes/iPod users, there is no official album art. Hicksdesign has the solution for you, and I'm sure it's not the only example out there. Plenty of listener-generated cover art for your perusal. I personally enjoy #103.

By the way, it's looking good for a Radiohead tour next year.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Guessing game is over much to my surprise

I fell in love with the Trash Can Sinatras back in the early 90's while waiting for Jellyfish to play at the then new Mascarade Music Park here in Atlanta. Since then I've kept an eye on what they're doing.

They're headed to New York to record their next studio album and should be done sometime in 2008.

TrashCanSinatras.com has also been redesigned and relaunched for your surfing pleasure.

If you're not familiar with their work - hop to it and download I've Seen Everything right now. Definitely their best IMHO.

Downloads:
I've Seen Everything (Live)
Hayfever (Acoustic)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Jesus and His Lawyer Are Coming Back

Meet the Eels and Useless TrinketsEels news:

Universal Music and the EELS are celebrating the EELS' first decade, 1996-2006, by releasing best of and rarities collections this coming January. MEET THE EELS: ESSENTIAL EELS VOL. I will feature the EELS' most popular tracks with a DVD collecting the EELS videos accompanying it. USELESS TRINKETS will feature two discs packed with B-sides, soundtrack tunes, rarities and unreleased tracks plus a DVD with 6 performances from EELS' 2006 Lollapalooza show. Both packages will be packed with never before seen photos, artifacts and E's notes about each song.
For more details, go here.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

I Come to Find a Refuge

Mental Blog note: new Dan Wilson, Free Life, out today. Download here.

Previously...

Make Sure They See My Face

Kenna Make Sure They See My FaceFinally, Kenna's new album has been released today. It's been a long several years since Sacred New Cow surprised me with quite a mix of styles (hip-hop, new wave, pop). Make Sure They See My Face sounds like it's definitely recognizable as Kenna, but may be even a bit more commercially friendly, which may be more a sign that the times have caught up to Kenna than anything else.

Haven't heard it yet, but I'll download it right here.

Hisspace

You're All That's Left To Hold On To

U2 The Joshua TreeU2 is planning a special way to celebrate the 20th anniversary (shut up!!!) of The Joshua Tree, which in my ignorant youth I wrote off until Mrs. 2poppy smartened me up in college. On Nov. 20, the capitalist bastards Irish legends will provide four different versions for which completists can empty their wallets: single CD, double CD, double CD/DVD box, and double vinyl. It's unclear what will complete the second disc, but it'll probably be demos, b-sides, live tracks, etc.

No doubt The Joshua Tree is worthy of such special treatment, but why no mention of Pop on it's 10th anniversary (snicker).

Also, coming soon, the U2 Tower. Ok.

Live Your Life Filled With Joy and Thunder

R.E.M. Automatic for the PeopleFor about a week now I've been humming Sweetness Follows by R.E.M. in my head. Morbid, somewhat, but nonetheless, it's been there. Best remedy is to listen to the song - so I figured it was a good opportunity to revisit Automatic for the People, which was really a high-water mark for the band. In doing so, I was reminded that R.E.M. Live came out this week. I'm personally not a fan of live albums, but for those who are: here. You can read a review here and here. It's a bit heavy on Around the Sun so I'm even less interested.

Thus concludes my R.E.M. stream of consciousness.

UPDATE: And speaking of stream, go here to stream the live album in its entirety courtesy of Paste Magazine.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Wild

Matthew Sweet recently celebrated his birthday. Happy that.

Mr. Soundtrack is also featured with Susanna Hoffs on the soundtrack to Ben Stiller's movie that came out earlier this month. So be it.

Hoffs also recently let it slip that she's working with MS on their Volume 2 of covers that will cover the 70s. Gee, I wonder if Big Star will be on there? Check out this stellar portion of the interview:

So where do things stand now, looking forward? Are you guys in the midst of writing and looking to make another album?
Yeah, we're going to start writing. I'm making another record with Matthew Sweet.

Yeah, I was just going to ask you about that.
Yeah. So, Matthew and I are actually working on Volume 2 of Under the Covers.

OK.
Yeah, and it'll be the seventies. So, I'm working on that now that I'm home. And the Bangles are starting to write for another record, and yeah, it's going to be a busy and super creative time. So, I'm excited.

So, you have the work with Matthew and then the work with the Bangles.
Right.

And the work at home.
Yep, that's it.

Talk about multitasking. Yeah, you got a few balls in the air.
Yeah, I do.
Stellar.

Songs from the BigtopSweet also has a track on an interesting new soundtrack.
For the forthcoming Devon Reed-directed film Songs From the Bigtop, the accompanying soundtrack is to feature an amazing who’s-who of indie rock royalty—including Lisa Germano, the Clientele, Howe Gelb, Matthew Sweet and Built To Spill’s Doug Martsch (okay, so the latter’s band is on a major label… you get the point). The 13 songs were penned by Reed, who subsequently approached some of his favorite artists about performing them.
It won't be released on plastic until next year, and it is reportedly already available on iTunes yet I see no evidence of it anywhere. Pisser. Hopefully it will turn up.

I wish I had news on his new album. I don't.

Happy belated birthday, Matthew Sweet.

I Hear Strings

Nada Surf announced more details on their upcoming album due Feb. 5, which seems so far away.

"There is some hard rock, almost early '80s British metal for a couple of minutes," frontman Matthew Caws previously told Billboard.com. "I don't even know if the record is going in a positive direction or a vitriolic direction. I think it's getting weirder. But then some songs sound like Tom Petty, which is a great thing if it works and a bummer if it doesn't."

Here is the track list for "Lucky":

"Weightless"
"Whose Authority"
"Beautiful Beat"
"Here Goes Something"
"From Now On"
"I Like What You Say"
"Ice on the Wing"
"The Film Did Not Go 'Round"
"The Fox"
"Are You Lightning?"
"See These Bones"
And wouldn't you know it, you can download the See These Bones at theirspace. Neato.

Make Me a Happy Man

Next month: Led Zeppelin.
Soon: The Beatles.
Who cares: Garth Brooks.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

I'll try my best to make everything succeed

The last but certainly not least Beatle is finally available on iTunes. George Harrison's solo catalog is available in all it's iTunes Plus DRM-free and higher quality glory.

Must-haves include All Things Must Pass and Cloud Nine. All albums have either been recently remastered and/or have bonus tracks.

Of course there are some albums missing - Wonderwall Music, Electronic Sound, Dark Horse, Concert for Bangladesh, Extra Texture, the awful The Best of George Harrison and the very well done Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989.

So that makes all four Beatles solo efforts' now available - John, George, Paul & Ringo. All we need is the actual Beatles on iTunes and we'll be done. Early next year? Or whenever they're ready?