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

I definitely wouldn't say this is the "Best video in 20 years", but not bad.

The newest video from our favorite (or mine at least) Las Vegas natives, The Killers, premiered on Sunday in the UK and already it's been beaten nearly to death. True, I do not agree with Brandon Flowers' VERY bold statements, (nor his facial hair style), however, it is a good video for a band that started out dancing in a desert.

The video is for their newest single "When You Were Young," which will come from their highly anticipated new album, "Sam's Town". The song itself provides a pretty direct narrative of the basis for the video, however, the band takes in interesting approach to this song by making the video distinctly Spanish. I give it my approval, but before the song's reputation is destroyed by the radio, give the video a view and judge for yourself.

Fetch Me Some Music: The Killers - When You Were Young (Video)

They finally get what they deserve.

I've been waiting for one of those promiscuous girl groups to get what's coming to them for a long, long time. I just don't understand how women bouncing around in their underwear sets a good example for our youth. Bravo Malaysia, you got the worst one out there: horrible role models with intolerable songs.

NME.COM - News - Pussycat Dolls cause controversy in Malaysia



no offense.

Questions with anticipation, or Teetering on the fence.

For any normal individual, shining while in the shadow of one's parents is hard enough. Surpassing that shadow to create your own seems even harder. Imagine then (no pun intended) the struggle that Sean Ono Lennon must endure, to make a name for himself.

So far, the already famous Lennon has one, less than successful album release under his belt, however, come September, Sean Lennon will attempt to prove himself once again as more than his father's son.

"Friendly Fire", Lennon's newest album, seems to carry a sound that both proves true to his father's beautifully poetic style, and yet stays loyal to his own, more modern sound. Sean's vocals as portrayed by this album, echo his father's in a slightly higher pitch, however, the 8 years since his last release have truly proven necessary in creating an album that draws few parallels to his late father, or even his successful mother. Tracks like "Dead Meat" for example, exhibit Sean's lyrical skill, while still preserving the tragically poetic melody that he has seemed to master.

Buzz around this album suggest two outcomes for its popularity: Widespread adoration, or acknowledged as a good effort, yet still too similar to his father. Personally, from what I have heard, I lean more towards the first outcome. Time and talent have created a definite distance between Sean, his parents, or his brother. Look for his album on shelves September 26, 2006 boasting a short film for each track, and in the meantime, check out his Myspace or website for audio samples, and the album trailer featuring Bijou Phillips, Lindsey Lohan, Carrie Fisher, and Devon Aoki.

Friendly Fire tracklisting:

1. "Dead Meat"
2. "Wait for Me"
3. "Parachute"
4. "Friendly Fire"
5. "Spectacle"
6. "Tomorrow"
7. "On Again, Off Again"
8. "Headlights"
9. "Would I Be the One"
10. "Falling Out of Love"



Sean Ono Lennon's Website
Sean Ono Lennon's Myspace Page

The definition of 'highly anticipated' or, Brandon Flowers needs a shave.

So, if you've been paying attention to the 'blog buzz' or any sort of musical headline, you are well aware of the eagerly awaited sophomore album from Las Vegas natives The Killers. The single has already begun to make its usual rounds on the intranet and as expected (me being an ever faithful Killers fan) I've got my hands on it and am ready to deliberate.

The first song to be exposed off their new album "Sam's Town" (to be released on Oct. 2, and named for a casino from their hometown claims the NME) is called "When You Were Young" and will be released as a single on Sept. 18. The song itself seems very different from their dance/pop debut album from the start. Brandon Flowers' infamous jeweled synth is nowhere to be found in the opening chords, and instead, a soaring guitar riff leads into the ever-familiar vocals. As the song progresses, it initially seems to lack a coherent structure, though through time, the organization becomes clearer. As previously announced by Flowers, there is definitely a Bruce Springsteen feel to this song, and the influence can especially be noted occationally in Flowers' warbled and trademark vocals. All in all, I already can't get the song out of my head, and will most likely be found humming the tune while riding the subway tomorrow. I apologize in advance to whoever is subjected to that torture.

The Killers - When You Were Young

The Killers Official Site
NME.com article on the new album

Like I was never gone, Or, I always find this sound in the summer.

As one who can boast to friends and family about jumping on the Strokes bandwagon early on, I will always have an affinity for both the band, and their lo-fi, back to basics, sound. As a result, when stumbling upon another seemingly random friend request from a Spanish band called The Blows, I was immediately ensnared by their mastery of the same musical formula. Combining a sound that quickly draws comparisons to that of The Strokes on their track, "Leaving this Town", The Blows come close to another 'Strokes copycat band brush-off'. What keeps the listener enthralled however, is a sound that echoes other prominent Indie innovators, making The Blows' music, in a sense, all their own. In the track, "We Want You" for example, the band bear a resemblance to fellow Indie forerunner, Franz Ferdinand. However, by exploring their music further, the influence of the Arctic Monkeys, and Interpol are also evident.

The Blows is a four-piece outfit from the "Spain" area (according to their Myspace profile). Dressing as hip as the music they perform, The Blows fit right into the modern music/fashion scene. Though sung in what seems like butchered English, the band prides itself on songs featuring a prominent bassline, carelessly passionate vocals that recall a mix between Ian Curtis and Julian Casablancas, playful guitars that pepper both the foreground and the background with a nonchalant air, as well as catchy melodies you know you could (and probably will) dance to.

The musical formula, in theory, is flawless for this hip band: Become equal with the modern innovators today, by taking a little from each one. This indie super-concoction is volatile however, and unless The Blows continue to play their cards right, the fragile balance they have created so far, may end up blowing up in their faces.

My verdict: I enjoy what they have done so far, however, the success of the band depends on their willingness to experiment and expand on their current sound. The foundation for success is sturdy enough, but the true test lies in where they go from here.

The Blows Myspace Page

It's always a messy affair with Pete.

If you are able to use the Overdrive service on MTV UK, you are one of the lucky few (In the US that is. If you live in the UK then you get to see this all day every day. Why you would want to, I'm not quite sure.) who can witness the latest antics of our favorite wayward musical genius. It was reported yesterday that during a recent MTV.com interview, Pete Doherty shot a syringe full of blood at the camera. The crew was left to clean thousands of pounds worth of camera equipment before Pete and Babyshambles bandmates could be properly interviewed. I don't even know what to think of this man anymore.

Full details here:

MTV.com
MTV.com UK
NME.com

Look who's making a comeback.

True, they did say that they weren't finished making music back when Gwen Stefani decided to go solo, but I'm still surprised at the comeback of No Doubt. Talking to MTV.com, the group said:

"(We're) kind of just going in and writing here and there. Right now, it's all about the music and being as creative as possible."

Seems innocent enough. But wait! One question still ran frantically around my mind: Will Gwen Stefani be joining in on this party? The answer: Not yet. Seems as if she is going to join in on the creative process a little later, seeing as she is in the late stages of her pregnancy.

So are you excited about the new No Doubt record? Personally, I am a little skeptic and don't have high hopes. The last record was a major let down for me (I'm more of a Tragic Kingdom fan) and I won't even get started on how much I despise that Gwen Stefani album (fucking B.A.N.A.N.A.S..). We'll see...

Here's some classic tracks I still enjoy:

No Doubt - Just A Girl
No Doubt - Bathwater
No Doubt - Spiderwebs
No Doubt - Don't Speak

MTV.com
NME.com (full details of return here)
No Doubt Official Site

Grab it while it's hot!

Oh my god everyone, drop whatever you are doing RIGHT NOW and listen to this: Hanson is releasing another CD. I kid you not (check the little CD release thing on the side of this very page). On the 16th of May, those 3 infamous boys drop another record. "HELL YEA," that's all I have to say on that.

Personally, I havn't listened to any of thier albums (save some songs off thier first brilliant piece of musical genius), but they spoke at NYU this year, and if they're still releasing albums they must be sort of good right?

Alright, I'll stop being creul and sarcastic (for now) and at least give you a link to Amazon.com so you can search for it and support their cause. (I would've uploaded it here to save you both time, money, and energy, but I feel like they need your support far more than I do)

I'm back.

After one of the worst 12 hour flights of my lifetime (my seat-back would not stay in the upright position) and some of the most boring days of my lifetime (when you can't go to the beach in Hawaii, things tend to get dull), I finally make my return. (HUZZAH!)

In a post yesterday on the NME.com, it was reported that Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has announced a solo album. Speaking to a respected fansite (yes, there are some out there) Yorke said:

"I have been itching to do something like this for ages,... It was fun and quick to do. Inevitably it is more beats & electronics. But its songs. Stanley [Donwood - Radiohead's cover artist] did the cover. Yes its a record! No its not a radiohead record. As you know the band are now touring and writing new stuff and getting to a good space."

The album, titled, The Eraser, will be put out on UK label, XL, (home to the likes of the White Stripes, Tapes and Tapes, The Raconteurs, and Be Your Own Pet) and a date for it's release is still in the works.

Full details here at the NME.com

I'm personally pretty excited. Solo albums always are issues of debate, and controversy, but I feel like this will be a pretty successful venture. Who knows what this will influence in the future? I guess only time will tell. (dun dun duh).

Radiohead Official Site
XL Label Official Site
NME.com

Gold grills, a big wig, a bloody hand, and some hot man on man action

So I went to this concert the other night. It was good. A little band called the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played, and because they are pretty much in my top 10 favorite bands (Maps was the first song I learned on the guitar) it was an awesome show. I felt truly fufilled. However, I was also impressed by one of the opening bands. And so, to you, my adoring (yeah right) readers, I present, The Black Lips.

The Black Lips originate from Atlanta, Georgia, a refreshing change from the New York, UK, Seattle, and Texas scene that has been dominating the airwaves. Featuring a classic Lo-Fi sound, catchy lyrics, and stage presence like nobody's business, these boys seem prime to take a stand against rock monotony. Sounding a bit rock, a bit punk, a bit grunge-hippie, and a bit like the Beatles, you can't help but be drawn into the often raucous and inviting sound of The Black Lips. Their love of their music is evident in their live shows and is exciting to see in a world where commercial music seems a bit too prominent. In each account I have stumbled upon, one member has walked away bloody and exhausted, too involved in their sound to worry about their own health and safety. In the show I was present for alone, the drummer continued to play half the frighteningly energetic set with his hand dripping with blood, the lead singer began making out with the guitarist (with the gold grills) in the instrumental segment of one of their songs, and the frontman played two guitar solos with his teeth (who still does that?!). I will certainly be watching these boys to see where they end up. I think you should too.

The Black Lips' Label Site
The Black Lips' Myspace