Covering the crossroads of music and film.
October 2008
MIXTAPE: Halloween
By Jim Shearer on 10/31/2008
Filed under: MIXTAPELike I like to do for most holidays, I've created a Halloween mix for you today. Feel free to gather up the following songs, throw 'em on a CD, iPod, Zune, computer hard drive, or whatever you listen to music on these days, put your music listening device next to the jack o' lantern, and crank the volume as you handout candy to all the neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Note: You'll notice that "Monster Mash" and "Thriller" did not make the list. If I have to see one more group of young teenagers break into a choreographed Michael Jackson dance routine,... MORE »
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trick...or...treat
By Jim Shearer on 10/31/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGSAs promised, for one day only, Tim Fite is giving away a free Halloween EP, Ding Dong DITCH, on his website today (as it turns out, he is also making last year's free Halloween EP, It's Only Ketchup, available as well). (left: Have you been a good boy this Halloween?) When you get to Tim Fite's website, make sure you click on the "treat" link and not the "trick" link. MORE »
B-Boy B-Day!
By Jim Shearer on 10/31/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEBeastie Boy Adam Horovitz celebrates his 42nd birthday today. He and the Beastie Boys will be taking a night off from their Get Out and Vote tour today, but if you would like to wish the King Adrock belated birthday wishes, he'll be in St. Paul, MN tomorrow night. "October 31st that is my date of birth, I got to the party and I did the Smurf." -Adrock ("The New Style") MORE »
LIVE: 2008 CMJ Showdown Lowdown
By Rachel Pesin on 10/30/2008
Filed under: LIVEIt's the Wednesday after CMJ has ended, and if the lack of emails in my inbox is any indication, all the music industry folk have still not recovered from those five crazy days. This year I ended up going to a show every night and boy was it tiring. (left: Late Of The Pier performed on Friday night. Sarah was feelin' them, Rachel, not so much.) Here's the lowdown: Tuesday, October 21 We (my sister Sarah and I) headed over to The Delancey to catch Magnum PR's showcase. My friend informed me that The Delancey never runs on time--she... MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: Highlights For Your Music
By Jim Shearer on 10/30/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATIf anyone has read the Indie Ear blog since it's inception, you should know that I have a not-so-secret obsession with sports. C'mon, pairing indie bands against each other in a NCAA-style tournament didn't give it away? How about when I sketched out drawings of my favorite indie artists posing as 2008 Summer Olympians? (above: Music and sports have more in common than you think.) Though a high school band geek getting bullied by a varsity football player on a daily basis might disagree, music and sports have a lot in common. Both have the ability to inspire, make... MORE »
Joe "The Singer"?
By Jim Shearer on 10/30/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEJoe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher has reportedly signed a deal with a Nashville-based PR firm to "create new media" opportunities, one which may also include a record deal. Did I stutter? I said RECORD DEAL! So let's role play for a second. If this does happen, and let's say all recorded music is destroyed by a force of nature, except for albums by William Hung, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Scarlett Johansson, Paris Hilton, and Joe Wurzelbacher, who would be your new favorite artist? Hmm? [VIA]... MORE »
The Hives vs. The Roofies
By Jim Shearer on 10/29/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGYou may have seen this blurb on the internet this week, but if not, here goes: Guitarist, Jason Shapiro reportedly filed a plagiarism suit against The Hives, claiming that the song, "Why You?," recorded with his band The Roofies in 1997, sounds a little too similar to The Hives', "TIck Tick Boom" which was the opening track off their most recent album The Black and White Album (2007). I love these kind of stories, because you can play both songs side-by-side and have hours and hours of fun musical debate with your friends. Grasping for straws? Elaborate internet ruse? A... MORE »
Who Would You Rather See?
By Jim Shearer on 10/28/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEGuns N' Roses without guitarist, Slash (and, well, the rest of the band) or Led Zeppelin without frontman, Robert Plant*? *and of course John Bonham MORE »
LUNCHBOX: Halloween Costume Tips
By Jim Shearer on 10/28/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGDon't have any costume ideas for Halloween? Fear not, here's a few you can use in a pinch: The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "halloween", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "halloween"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 1883505438); so.write("halloween"); MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Oct. 28)
By Jim Shearer on 10/28/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYThe Cure, 4:13 Dream (left) Is some of this album predictable? Sure, but the high points are lots of fun! Snow Patrol, A Hundred Million Suns Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yeah, that's hot! Lady GaGa, The Fame My guilty pleasure of the year. Jesse Malin, On Your Sleeve Covers album. Tom Gabel, Heart Burns This is why people call Against Me! a folk-punk band. Their frontman goes back to his roots. honeyhoney, First Rodeo My sleeper-pick album of the week. A foot-stompin' fun time is to be had by all! P!nk, Funhouse Finally, more P!nk songs. That... MORE »
LOST TREASURES: Orange 9mm
By Jim Shearer on 10/27/2008
Filed under: LOST TREASURESIn the pantheon of music, many bands become household names and the rest don't. New York City-based, Orange 9mm (pronounced "Orange Nine" by fans), could be classified as the latter--although they came pretty darn close to the former between 1994-1996. Their post-hardcore classification could be a bit misleading, since they brought various influences (punk, metal, skate-thrash, and even a dash of hip-hop) to the table. (left: Orange 9mm, the post-hardcore band that just nearly missed becoming household names.) Orange 9mm's blessing and curse was--that as much as they had in common with bands they toured with--they were always slightly... MORE »
Everyone Will Be Indie Soon...
By Jim Shearer on 10/27/2008
Filed under: NEWSAnother major label takes another major hit. (left: A wise man with a white beard once said, "In the future, everyone will be indie.") MORE »
One More Chance To Ask Ian
By Jim Shearer on 10/24/2008
Filed under: SOONIan MacKaye, a man synonymous with indie music, is wrapping up a tour of question-and-answer speaking engagements that have been taking place in Southern California. The last date of the tour is this Sunday, October 26 (Hollywood, CA). For a man that has kept concert prices cheap over the years, it's no surprise that MacKaye is only charging $5 for admission. [VIA] MORE »
What's Better Than Shopping For Sneakers?
By Jim Shearer on 10/24/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEDuh, shopping for sneakers while getting a FREE show from one of my favorite bands of the year, The Morning Benders. Indie-poppers, The Morning Benders, have been playing a string of FREE acoustic sets, some inside of Puma stores. This week they played Boston and New York. So if you're looking for a new pair of Puma suedes and aching to see The Morning Benders (and want to do 'em both at the same time), you have one more chance to do so. If you don't like to mix shoe shopping with your indie music, The Morning Benders are... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR...
By Jim Shearer on 10/23/2008
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR......does this tote bag design really suck? You'll notice that it's a SXSW 2008 bag, so yes, this rant is probably seven months too late, but while sitting in front of a computer all day in complete solitude, all types of random thoughts will cross one's mind. (left: I'll bet you a quarter YOU could draw better than this.) My wife has always been good about using the free swag I've received over the years, and while blogging yesterday I looked down at the floor and noticed her SXSW tote bag. After looking at it for a couple seconds,... MORE »
Tim Fite's Halloween Treat
By Jim Shearer on 10/23/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGSAnother reason to get excited for Halloween this year: Brooklyn-based multi-genrist Tim Fite will release a new free, Halloween-centric recording via his website on October 31st, 2008. Available for one day only, the innovative song cycle entitled ding dong Ditch comes at the culmination of his tour with Man Man and will be celebrated with a special Halloween show at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia. Fite says "I will be handing out more candy on Halloween this year, and all the bad kids are excited!!!"... MORE »
It's About Freakin' Time
By Jim Shearer on 10/22/2008
Filed under: SOONYes it is, but finally, Les Savy Fav's madman (and I don't use that term lightly) has finally gotten himself a TV show, or is it a web-show? Whatever it is, it should make for some interesting viewing. Les Savy Fav fans will be accustomed to Harrington's dramatics, and as for the rest of the world? Well they will find out soon enough. (left: This man was born to make television gold.) Tim Harrington's Beardo premieres next Thursday, October 30 on Pitchfork TV.... MORE »
Matt & Kim Bring The Daylight
By Jim Shearer on 10/22/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGS, HODGEPODGE, VIDEO BLOGOne of our Indie Ear faves, Matt & Kim, recently released a a video for their brand new song, "Daylight." As promised to us earlier this year, Matt and Kim's new material shows off their affinity for hip-hop beat-making (as well as proving that they can perform live just about anywhere). We still await their new full length album, which to the best of my knowledge, has no release date and/or label yet. "Daylight" can be downloaded HERE. This Saturday night, Matt & Kim will host the iheartcomix CMJ Party at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: On the Shitter
By Jim Shearer on 10/21/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGThe internet has become an oasis for beautifully-shot, intimate live performances from your favorite indie artists. On this episode of Lunchbox, the message is simple: La Blogotheque, Pitchfork Media, and Fader, you've been warned... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "shitter", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "shitter"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 1868953153); so.write("shitter"); MORE »
Bowery Ballroom Line-Up For CMJ
By Jim Shearer on 10/21/2008
Filed under: SOONA favorite amongst indie fans and musicians, here's the line-up at the Bowery Ballroom for this week's CMJ Music Marathon: MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Oct. 21)
By Jim Shearer on 10/21/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYOf Montreal, Skeletal Lamping (left) Of Montreal is pretty freakin' awesome on their own indie budget, but imagine if they had money to throw around--we'd see set-pieces and on-stage costumes that would blow peoples' minds. Album-wise, Of Montreal make another fun one! Sebastian Grainger, Sebastian Grainger & The Mountains I really wanted to hate this, just to justify why Death From Above 1979 shouldn't have broken up, but I can't. Well done Sebastian. The Dears, Missiles Just in time for CMJ. Electric Six, Flashy Dick Valentine once played badminton in my backyard--he was pretty good too! Tommie Sunshine, Relax... MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: How She Move
By Jim Shearer on 10/20/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATIf there's one thing I've learned about the upcoming Presidential Election, it's that I'm (usually) not allowed to discuss it with friends and/or family. Despite keeping an open mind when they are talking about their candidate of choice, the conversation-valve is usually clamped shut when I open my mouth. I guess that's one of the disadvantages of coming from a background of one-platform-ponies (not saying standing on one platform is necessarily a bad thing, but when your candidate of choice contradicts many of your own moral beliefs, standing on one platform, and one platform alone, seems a little silly).... MORE »
Muse Fight Cancer With B-Side Bootleg
By Jim Shearer on 10/20/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEOn Muse's website, a bootleg performance of the B-side, "Fury," was recently posted and made available for download. The songs is just a taste of their one-off show (held earlier this year) at Royal Albert Hall, benefiting the Teenage Cancer Trust. There are rumors swirling of a full-length unofficial DVD getting released, with the proceeds going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. My hunch? Seems pretty plausible, considering the performance of "Fury" is soundboard quality, and the video obviously wasn't shot with a cell-phone camera. Kid Meevin is also digging the set-list for the Royal Albert Hall show, more so... MORE »
Indie Ear Crossword Puzzle #2 (w/ Answers)
By Jim Shearer on 10/17/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEContinue to Answers... MORE »
Is It Really Going To Happen?
By Jim Shearer on 10/17/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEYou may have heard, but Guns N' Roses have not only released a track listing, unveiled album artwork, and had a blogger arrested for leaking tracks off their "new" album, but they have also officially posted a release date for their highly-anticipated (but-not-so-much-anymore) Chinese Democracy album, which by the way, will only be available through Best Buy. (left: Whatever happened to the boy that cried "wolf"?) For kids not familiar with Guns 'N Roses, let me give you the quick breakdown: At the dawn of the 90's they were the biggest rock band on the planet. They imploded soon... MORE »
Rachel's CMJ Playbook
By Jim Shearer on 10/17/2008
Filed under: SOONHopefully she doesn't get upset with me for posting this, but at a recent music blogging convention I came across blogger extraordinaire, Rachel Pesin's, notebook. Inside the spiral bound, college-ruled notepad (with lots of cute stick figure drawings on its cover) was scribbled Rachel's plans for next week's CMJ Music Marathon, taking place in New York City. If you want to know what Rachel's seeing next week, here goes: (left: Yes, sometimes I do get desperate enough to steal a fellow blogger's notebook.) October 19 (A wee bit pre-CMJ) at Sound Fix in Brooklyn. We're seeing my old boss... MORE »
America's New Hero: Joe Plummer!
By Jim Shearer on 10/16/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEHe's played drums with Modest Mouse, The Black Heart Procession, The Magic Magicians, Bare Minimum, and All Smiles. He was even one of the 88 drummers that participated in the Boredoms' 88 Boadrum Performance, taking place for 88 minutes on August 8, 2008, at you guessed it 8:08PM. But last night the journeymen drummer finally got his due as Presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama shouted out Joe Plummer about 88 times during their final Presidential Debate. (left: Last night was Joe Plummer's moment in the spotlight.) During the discussion of America's future, Joe Plummer became bigger than... MORE »
Let's Watch Some Political Music Videos...
By Jim Shearer on 10/15/2008
Filed under: LISTS, VIDEO BLOGWhat better way to gear up for the big presidential election happening in just a few weeks, than by watching some politically charged music videos? Well, come to think of it, there are many better ways to gear up for an election (register to vote, educate yourself on the issues, persuade your lazy friends to get out to the polls, etc.). However, if you're sitting in front of your computer today and want to watch some quality music videos chock full of of political empowerment, then I suggest the following: Note: Notice how I didn't call the below list... MORE »
Anyone Good With Interpreting Dreams?
By Jim Shearer on 10/15/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGETwo nights ago I had a--I wouldn't call it a bizarre, but maybe more of a random--dream. This doesn't come close to some of the doozies I've had in the past. My friend Bob (a frequent commenter on this very blog) has been immortalized in couple of my weirdest dreams ever--one involving a grandma in a muumuu and another starring James Earl Jones in an airport bathroom (let's save those for another day though). (left: Why were Matt Bellamy, Thom Yorke, and Chris Martin sitting together at a hockey game?) So a couple nights ago while I was sleeping--from... MORE »
Hey, Isn't PA a Swing State Too?
By Jim Shearer on 10/15/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEIn a rousing example of bipartisanship, the Beastie Boys--my favorite group of all-time (have I ever mentioned that in this blog before?)--have decided to cross musical-genre lines, and will tour with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, and Norah Jones for the next few weeks to drum up voter interest for Barack Obama in swing states (states in which no candidate has overwhelming support). Because the Beastie Boys have only played Pittsburgh once--my favorite city of all-time (have I ever mentioned that in this blog before?)--and because Pittsburgh is in Pennsylvania, a swing state, I think this is... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: Top 10 Songs of 2008 (Thus Far)
By Jim Shearer on 10/14/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGWhy wait to compile my Top-10-Songs-of-the-Year list in December when I can do it on October 14 (a good month and a half before the rest of the competition)? The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "thusfar", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "thusfar"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 1855495888); so.write("thusfar"); MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Oct. 14)
By Jim Shearer on 10/14/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYThe Mighty Underdogs, Droppin' Science Fiction (left) Call them underdogs if you will, but with Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) running the point and appearances from Mr. Lif, Chali 2na, DJ Shadow, and MF Doom, I'd say you've got yourself quite a squad. Keane, Perfect Symmetry Madonna's main man, Stuart Price, is helping the Killers with their new album, and helped out Keane with a few on this one. Nikka Costa, Pebble To A Peach Gimme some funk, gimme some soul--Nikka! I'm From Barcelona, Who Killed Harry Houdini? Isn't it that dude who punched him in the stomach? Lucinda Williams,... MORE »
LOST TREASURES: Ticket Stubs
By Jim Shearer on 10/10/2008
Filed under: LOST TREASURESInevitably, when reaching for a ticket printout in my back pocket moments before a live concert, a friend will reminisce on the glory days of the ticket stub. As the world of music becomes more and more automated, ticket stubs--like record stores, tangible album artwork, and bands making a living off their music--are slowly fading into oblivion. As everything in life seems to be getting smaller, why are concert tickets getting bigger? Well, come to think of it, maybe it's my fault. Many box offices will still give you a good 'ol fashion 2" by 5" ticket if you... MORE »
Beastie Boys Hit the Campaign Trail
By Jim Shearer on 10/10/2008
From the Desk of the Beastie Boys: My Fellow Americans, we are going to do a few shows in hopes that we can remind people to vote. this election is too important, too much is at stake to stay at home. we hope that you can come out, have a nice night, dance, sing, get your freak on, and then wake up the next morning and get everyone that you possibly can to get out and vote. if they have early voting in your state then ask people to vote early, lets get everyone we can out there on... MORE »
Top 20 Albums of 2008 (as of Today)...
By Jim Shearer on 10/09/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSAs 2008 winds down (let's face it people, we're approaching mid-October already), critics, bloggers, and journalists are slowly starting to think about their best-of, year-end lists. One man, however, doesn't have to begin assembling his Top-20 Albums of 2008 list, because he's been doing it all year long. Say hello to Dave Powers of New Music Nation. (left: NMN's Dave Powers is already 20 steps ahead of you.) Amazingly, he listens to most of the music released throughout the calendar year and critically racks his brain with an intricate grading/scoring system that could make the folks at Pitchfork Media... MORE »
MMJ's Jim James Injured
By Jim Shearer on 10/09/2008
Filed under: NEWS, VIDEO BLOGTwo nights ago in Iowa City My Morning Jacket's frontman, Jim James, took a tumble off the stage. The band is canceling their final two North Amercian shows (including two Barack Obama benefit solo-gigs that James was expected to play), but are tentatively scheduled to start their European tour in Dublin on October 29. We wish Jones a speedy recovery. (Below: Drummer, Patrick Callahan, breaks the news that Jim is hurt and the show is cancelled.) The band released the following statement on their website yesterday: As some of you may have heard we had to cancel our show last... MORE »
Deerhoof's "Chandelier Searchlight"
By Jim Shearer on 10/08/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGFresh off their brand new release, Offend Maggie, Deerhoof premiere their brand new video for "Chandelier Searchlight" this week (it's track #2 on their album if anyone's keeping score): You can listen to Deerhoof's Offend Maggie in its entirety HERE. MORE »
LIVE: Madonna
By Jim Shearer on 10/08/2008
Filed under: LIVEThis week I attended my first ever Madonna concert. I'd be lying if I told you I had a Madonna poster hanging in my bedroom or her latest album cover as the screen saver on my computer. But because Madonna is an important figure in both music and pop-cultural history, not to mention one of the last mega-pop-stars performing at a mega-pop-star level, I felt it was my duty to witness a live Madonna show before my concert-reviewing skills diminish or Madonna's legs give out. (left: Madonna rockin' out on her "Sweet and Sticky" Tour.) What better place to... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: Lars Ulrich
By Jim Shearer on 10/07/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGToday, Lars Ulrich of Metallica joins me on Lunchbox. We talk about the band's new album, Death Magnetic, and the tendency for fans to use Metallica's first four albums as a measuring stick for every subsequent release. I met with Lars two weeks ago and had exactly 45 minutes to chat with him. A chunk can be seen below and another chunk can been seen on IFC's Automat tonight. The 45 minutes went by in a flash, and I had about 20 more questions I wanted to ask (bummer). However, I'm sure if I had 2 more hours of interview... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Oct. 7)
By Jim Shearer on 10/07/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYDeerhoof, Offend Maggie (left) Quirky, fun (and a confusingly fun album cover)! Rise Against, Appeal To Reason If Bad Religion and Sick Of It All had a politically minded baby boy. Oasis, Dig Our Soul Out A nice rock effort put forth by the brothers Gallagher. The Streets, Everything Is Borrowed Still tellin' stories in that one-of-a-kind Mike Skinner way. The Pretenders, Break Up The Concrete Two words: Chrissie Hynde Brian Eno & David Byrne, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today Matt, a cool dude from Pittsburgh (who you may or may not know), is lovin' this album!... MORE »
Weezer Premieres "Troublemaker"
By Jim Shearer on 10/07/2008
Filed under: NEWSStill in the habit of making proper music videos--which may seem like an outdated thing to do in this day in age--Weezer premiered their "Troublemaker" clip yesterday. The band's second video from the Red Album features a giant W-shaped trough filled with nachos, a massive game of dodge ball, a pie-fight, and great big 'ol hootenanny (a bunch of different people, playing a bunch of different instruments). (left: Who's that guy in the hair-net with the neck tattoo? Duh, it's Rivers Cuomo.) Like Weezer's first single, "Pork and Beans"--showcasing various made-at-home internet superstars (which to date has collectively over... MORE »
Better Than A Pink Floyd Laser Show
By Jim Shearer on 10/06/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEEver since The Black Keys released their "Strange Times" video earlier this year, I've been obsessed with lasers. This page reaffirms my love for them (I do love The Black Keys, but I'm actually talking about lasers). [VIA] MORE »
TALK: Material Girl Vs. Scientists of Sound
By Jim Shearer on 10/06/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, TALKToday my friend Peter is in town, and he will be taking me to my first ever Madonna concert. (left: Peter and Jim go at it in a no holds barred, Madonna/B-Boy battle.) Over the years Peter has amazed me with his vast knowledge of the Material Girl. His excitement and passion for all things Madonna reminds me of, well, my excitement and passion for the Beastie Boys. Because it would be nearly impossible to determine if I am a bigger Beastie Boys buff than Peter is a Madonna fan, we decided to school each other on our respective... MORE »
Cat Power and Cub Power
By Jim Shearer on 10/03/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEWhile watching the Major League Baseball Playoffs unfold, I can't help but think of Cat Power every time Chicago Cubs' pitcher Sean Marshall's name is mentioned. Why? Though spelled differently (Chan Marshall), Cat Power shares the same first and last name pronunciation as the Cubs' hurler. As you'll see below, that's about the only thing these two [shawn] Marshalls have in common: MORE »
Biden/Palin Playlist
By Jim Shearer on 10/03/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGThere's only one way I celebrate after a big Vice Presidential debate, make a video playlist. As an homage to both Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, here are some songs that I would like to dedicate to them. (left: Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, you both represented! Now kick off your shoes and watch the following music videos!) Enjoy! MORE »
How Well Do You Know Your Black?
By Jim Shearer on 10/02/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSBlack and music go together like ebony and ivory. No matter the time period or genre, there will always be songs, artists, and band-names shouting out what seems to be the choice color in music. Johnny Cash was the "Man In Black," AC/DC was "Back In Black," Metallica was known to "Fade to Black," and one of the most famous "black" groups of all-time, Black Sabbath, introduced heavy metal to the masses, whose followers wear nothing but black. Hip-Hop also has its share of "black." Mos Def dabbled in Black Star and Black Jack Johnson, and who can forget... MORE »
Thursday News on Thursday
By Jim Shearer on 10/02/2008
Filed under: NEWSTwo weeks ago venerable pop-punkers New Found Glory announced that they signed a deal with Epitaph Records. Yesterday, the record label announced that they also signed the venerable emo-punk group Thursday. (left: Thursday find a new home, again.) Like New Found Glory, Thursday has had a history of having problems with their record labels, bouncing from indie to major to indie again. Because Epitaph has a rich history with established punk bands, both groups should be used to their full potential. The moves also re-establish Epitaph as an authority amongst the Warped Tour crowd, whose road-tested, punk-rock appeal seemed... MORE »
10 Reasons Why Murs Should Be President
By Jim Shearer on 10/01/2008
Filed under: LISTSYesterday, underground hip-hop fave Murs, released his brand new album titled, Murs For President. After thinking about it for a second, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all. Here are 10 reasons why I think Murs would do al'ight in the Oval Office: 10. Murs' State of The Nation addresses would be done in 16-bar freestyles. Who wouldn't tune in for that?! 9. Murs can skateboard. When was the last time you saw John McCain or Barak Obama pop an ollie? 8. John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, played in her high school's state basketball finals... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR...
By Jim Shearer on 10/01/2008
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR......does it seem like hand-drawn block letters (with hand-drawn drop shadows) is the quickest way to grab an indie-minded kid's attention? MORE »
MUSIC PANELS: A&R
By Jim Shearer on 10/01/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGIn the latest episode of IFC News' Independent Music Panels, Ryan Schreiber (Pitchfork), Howard Wulkan (Expansion Team), Sean Roberts (Juggernaut), Geoff Harrison (GSH Music Management) discuss the role of A&R in 2008. With many bands getting discovered via the internet, where does that leave the A&R rep, who traditionally scouted out new talent in music? You can watch the discussion unfold HERE. MORE »
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