Finally.

Watching mtvU every morning (like I always do), I was ecstatic to see that one of our old old favorites, ¡Forward Russia!, was featured as one of the 5 upcoming artists to watch. On top of that, the so called, "judges" (3 college students) were really quite favorable towards it.

Thank God. I've been watching them for hmm...2 years now at least, and there are few that compare to ¡Forward Russia! in energy, enthusiasm, and clever brilliance. Bravo!

Now I'm exponetially more excited for the show next month.

Oh, and they also featured Tapes n Tapes, also great.

I'm starting to get excited.

This week, BBC Radio 1 has begun to incorporate tracks from The Killer's upcoming album, 'Sam's Town' into their playlist. Wed. saw the unveiling of the next single off the album (not to mention the highly anticipated video from notorious film director Tim Burton) on Zane Lowe's show. Response to this song was so positive, they played it twice. (as is sometimes custom for these shows. Though this time, unlike "When You Were Young," they didn't play it twice in a row)

Based on what this scenster has heard ('When You Were Young,' 'Bones,' and 'Sam's Town') The Killers have most definitely maintained their immense sound, however, many other aspects of their songwriting have definitely changed. The songs are far more epic, in my opinion, and though still containing the infamous glittering synths, the music is no longer as obviously 'Pop'. The Killers have seemed to tap into a more rooted sound; the sound is more raw, but it still glitters on top.

BBC - Radio 1 - Home

Shhhhh it's a secret....unless you look at the front page of thier website..or the NME.com...or ticketweb.

The Killers are having a 'secret' show in NYC this friday. (Huzzah!) And just when you thought that was enough excitement to get your juices flowing, guess where it's going to be?

No, not some large scale stadium like thier usual shows.

Webster Hall.

This is going to be awesome. The only thing better than seeing the Killers live, is seeing them live in an intimate(er) setting.

I think there are still some tickets left, but check ticketweb soon because I'm sure this 'secret' won't be a 'secret' for very long.

Ticketweb.com

The Killers Official Site

Banned? Really?

So The Horrors wrote this song. They called it "Sheena was a Parasite". Chris Cunningham agreed to do a video for said song. Academy award nominated actress Samantha Morton also decided to join in on the little project. Eventually, after days of shooting and lots of rotting squid, the video was completed and everyone was quite pleased.

The Horrors were pleased because it meshed well with both the feeling and mechanics of the song.

Chris Cunningham was pleased because it once again pushed the envelope of promo making.

Samantha Morton was probably less pleased, (though still content) because she had to endure the stench of rotting squid on her flesh.

However, MTV was not pleased.
In fact, MTV decided to ban the video from network airtime. I personally feel that this was a ridiculous decision. True, the video is dark, and true, it toes the line of being 'graphic'. But all that aside, I see far more disturbing images on cable television. Take Nip/Tuck for example. Fantastic show, but in order to be edgy, it adds disturbingly real images of plastic surgery. This video deals in obvious fantasy, and thus can be taken quite lightly. However, with reality television, and increasingly realistic shows on network television, the realization of the proximity to reality is far more disturbing than fantasy ever could be.

Check it out, tell me what you think, you know the drill.



The Horrors - Sheena was a Parasite mov (Dir. Chris Cunningham)

The Horrors Myspace Page
Chris Cunningham director's file (good source of other works)
Nip/Tuck Official Site

A Lizard? Really?

The NME's standards for thier online articles seem to be slipping.

NME.COM - News - The Killers get a visit from unwanted guest

I love this band.

One of the most enjoyable new bands have announced their debut LP. The Holloways have revealed the tracklisting and release date for their album "So, This Is Great Britain". The album is preceded by their newest single, 'Generator' (no release date yet) and will appear in all good UK stores on October 30, while concurrently in overpriced import bins in the US on the same day.

The tracklisting for "So, This Is Great Britain" is:

'So, This Is Great Britain'
'Generator'
'Dance Floor'
'Fit For A Fortnight'
'Two Left Feet'
'Re-invent Myself?'
'Most Lonely Face'
'Malcontented One'
'Happiness and Penniless'
'What's The Difference?'
'Diamonds And Pearls'
'Nothing For The Kids'
'Fuck Ups'

I love The Holloways. I was previously introduced to the band through a good friend of mine and was instantaneously hooked on their catchy, carefree, and generally fun style. The band takes an optimistic stand on their lyrics, and effortlessly combines 60's/70's punk with their own modern sound.

"I don't live in poverty, I got a little bit of money, and I've got a healthy body. I'm not going to let stuff get me upset, and I won't let the little things get me depressed" - Generator

Not limiting their fun to their music, this unique band has also been featured in 'Angling Times' (a sport fishing magazine) for their skill with a fishing line, and regularly has "Activity Mondays" involving weekly sporting events from cricket to 'who can chuck this badminton racket the farthest'.

I dare you not to dance around to this band. I DARE YOU.

NME.COM - News - The Holloways reveal debut album

The Holloways - Generator
The Holloways Official Site

He makes me want to visit different States.

That magnificent songwriter who took on the national task (pun intended) of writing an album for each of the 50 United States, Sufjan Stevens, has decided to release another plethora of undoubtedly brilliant songs.

According to the NME.com on Tuesday, and his label, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Stevens announced that a special Christmas themed box set entitled "Songs for Christmas" will be released on November 12.

Just in time for holiday shopping, and the perfect gift for any Sufjan Stevens/Music appreciator. HINT (like a certain scenester?)

The 5 individually packaged EP's (recorded between 2001 and 2006) will include such exciting extras as personal essays, artwork, lyric and chord sheets, AND STICKERS. (everyone loves stickers)

The Tracklist for "Songs for Christmas" is as follows:

Noel: Songs for Christmas, Vol. I (recorded December 2001)
'Silent Night'
'O Come O Come Emmanuel'
'We're Goin' To the Country!'
'Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming'
'It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad!'
'Holy Holy, etc.'
'Amazing Grace'

Hark!: Songs for Christmas, Vol. II (recorded December 2002)
'Angels We Have Heard on High'
'Put the Lights on the Tree'
'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
'I Saw Three Ships'
'Only at Christmas Time'
'Once in Royal David's City'
'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!'
'What Child Is This Anyway?'
'Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella'

Ding! Dong!: Songs for Christmas, Vol. III (recorded December 2003)
'O Come, O Come Emmanuel'
'Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!'
'We Three Kings'
'O Holy Night'
'That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!'
'Ding! Dong!'
'All the King's Horns'
'The Friendly Beasts'

Joy: Songs for Christmas, Vol. IV (recorded December 2005)
'The Little Drummer Boy'
'Away In A Manger'
'Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!'
'The First Noel'
'Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!)'
'The Incarnation'
'Joy To The World'

Peace: Songs for Christmas, Vol. V (recorded June 2006)
'Once in Royal David's City'
'Get Behind Me, Santa!'
'Jingle Bells'
'Christmas in July'
'Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming'
'Jupiter Winter'
'Sister Winter'
'O Come O Come Emmanuel'
'Star of Wonder'
'Holy, Holy, Holy'
'The Winter Solstice'

If these albums are anything like his previous releases (including the acclaimed and award wining Illinois) This extensive box set will be an invaluble Christmas collection.

Sufjan Stevens is a personal favorite of mine and is recommended for anyone that enjoys the indie or songwriter movement of today. Stevens has a unique talent in creating creative and complexly orchestrated songs with haunting and enjoyable melodies. Check out this future release and all his others and you won't be disappointed.

NME.COM - News - Sufjan Stevens to release Christmas album
Asthmatic Kitty Records Website and Sufjan Stevens information

Congrats boys!

Congrats again to the Arctic Monkeys on their win.

But more importantly, Alex Turner cut his hair.

Thank god.

I mean who else would win?

In a completely unsurprising win (to me anyways), The Arctic Monkeys picked up this year's Mercury prize last night. The boys' debut LP, 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' has already broken a number of sales records, and has become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year.

Other artists and albums nominated for this prestigious award include:

Arctic Monkeys - 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - 'Ballad Of The Broken Seas'
Editors - 'The Back Room'
Guillemots - 'Through The Windowpane'
Richard Hawley - 'Coles Corner'
Hot Chip - 'The Warning'
Muse - 'Black Holes & Revelations'
Zoe Rahman - 'Melting Pot'
Lou Rhodes - 'Beloved One'
Scritti Politti - 'White Bread Black Beer'
Sway - 'This Is My Demo'
Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'

Personally, I feel that The Arctic Monkeys completely deserve this honor previously won by the likes of Antony and The Johnsons for the album 'I Am a Bird Now' (also a very good album). The band put together a staggering line up of songs, each with a style that brings together the past and present while sounding completely their own. The subject matter of the album is also relateable by all generations, and though it might not be the best representation of British (and if fact all) teenagehood, certainly ranks among the best of them.

Upon winning the award the band appreciatively said: "Good tunes is what we try to do and no tricks, really."

Bravo boys, you certainly deserve it.

NME.COM - News - Arctic Monkeys win 2006 Mercury Music Prize
Mercury Award Website

Buy 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' on iTunes

I guess they aren't going to wait a year

Our favorite Mancunian brothers have decided to release, or should I say re-release their song "Acquiesce" as a single on September 12th. This single serves as a precursor to their upcoming 'Stop the Clocks' album (date still not released. Come on boys, I'm going into Oasis withdrawals.)

'Acquiesce' is one of my favorite Oasis tracks, and truly shows their prowess as a band. As to why they have only released this gem of a track as a B-side to their single, 'Some Might Say' I don't know. However, I am anticipating the formal release of this brilliant song.

This tune alternates between each Gallagher brother on vocals (supposedly because Liam couldn't hit the high notes) and though they deny it, seems to illustrate the relationship between the two brothers in poetic fashion.

"Because we need each other, we believe in one another, and I know we're going to uncover, what's sleeping in our souls."

I'd check out the song, and I also recommend the "Wibbling Rivalry EP" for a real insight into the Gallagher brothers' true relationship. (An actual chart topper. 15 minutes of arguing. Top notch stuff.)

NME.COM - News - Oasis to release new single
Oasis - Wibbling Rivalry EP

Buy Wibbling Rivalry EP on iTunes