Covering the crossroads of music and film.
NEWS
Matt & Kim Make the New York Post
By Jim Shearer on 04/29/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Matt and Kim's bare-all music video, "Lessons Learned," not only got a shout-out from the Indie Ear blog this week, but also received a full-page write-up in the New York Post. MORE »
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Rock and Roll Hero: Brad Henry
By Jim Shearer on 04/24/2009
Filed under: NEWS
What a roller coaster ride! For the last month and a half I've been following the story about The Flaming Lips' song, "Do You Realize??", which was recently voted--by over 21,000 people--as the official rock song for the state of Oklahoma. The Lips' tune was in contention against nine other Oklahoma-born artists' songs: MORE »
Moby and David Lynch Are Homies
By Jim Shearer on 04/17/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Besides a few well-written journal posts on his website announcing the release date of his new album, Wait For Me (June 30), Moby also made available a free download of the lead single from his album, "Shot In The Back Of The Head," as well as a download of the video--which was directed by David Lynch. MORE »
Gimme Some of That Midwest, Underground Hip-Hop
By Jim Shearer on 04/16/2009
Filed under: NEWS, SOON
Hip-hop was born in the Bronx, years later some said that the West Coast was the "best coast", and others could argue that the Dirty South made the most impressive mark on hip-hop in the 2000's. Not to be outdone, Rhymesayers Entertainment--the Minneapolis-based label run by Slug of Atmosphere--is representing the Midwest with its underground hip-hop uprising. MORE »
Conor Oberst Donates A Film (Watch It Now)
By Jim Shearer on 04/15/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Today, Conor Oberst and his Mystic Valley Band, have released their brand new documentary, One Of My Kind, which is being presented by Causecast (where you can watch and download the film for free). MORE »
Zac Efron to Star as Kurt Cobain
By Jim Shearer on 04/01/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Courtney Love can agree on few things, but recently they've been civil towards each other and even gave their blessing on a major motion picture about Nirvana, Come As You Are, scheduled to shoot later this year. MORE »
Goodies Galore for Pearl Jam and Radiohead Fans
By Jim Shearer on 03/24/2009
Filed under: NEWSMusic fans of the 1990's have a major reason to celebrate today. Two of the biggest (and most respected names of the decade) have released goodies that everyone can enjoy. MORE »
Pitchfork Is Now Pitchfork
By Jim Shearer on 03/11/2009
Filed under: NEWSIf you're a fan of indie music and the internet, no doubt you hit up Pitchfork's website every so often (I'm sure some of you even do it several times a day). The indie-minded music site has built up a reputation over the years, especially from its album reviews, which are always well written, although some may say a bit too critical. Love it or hate it, it gets people talking. MORE »
The Flaming Lips Do Madonna
By Jim Shearer on 03/10/2009
Filed under: NEWSToday, Warner Bros. Records released, Covered, A Revolution In Sound, an album that celebrates the label's Golden Anniversary (that's 50 years). MORE »
The Black Lips' Full Frontal Rockumentary
By Jim Shearer on 03/09/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Last month we told you how The Black Lips were booted out of India for some of their questionable on-stage antics. Well, if you're interested, all of their exploits can now be seen in the just-completed rockumentary, The Black Lips In India, which you can watch HERE. MORE »
Free Album? How 'Bout an Entrie Back Catalog for Free?
By Jim Shearer on 03/04/2009
Filed under: NEWS
If only I knew this years earlier. If only I knew this before I labored over the tedious task of sticking CD's into my computer and converting them into MP3 files. And if I only I knew this before I had to transfer said MP3 files onto my iPod (insert wiping of the brow here). MORE »
Fans of the 90's Rejoice!
By Jim Shearer on 02/27/2009
Filed under: NEWS
What a time it is to be a fan of the decade of the 90's: Nine Inch Nails are still going strong, out on world tour and posting live videos daily, late 90's pop-punkers Blink 182 have made up and will tour this summer, Blur has reunited with guitarist Graham Coxon and announced this week that they'll be playing this year's Glastonbury festival, Faith No More confirmed rumors that they too will be touring in 2009, the punk rock documentary paying homage to 1994, one nine nine four, is set to be released this year, and if all that were... MORE »
Eat Your Heart Out American Idol
By Jim Shearer on 02/26/2009
Filed under: NEWS
How many of you out there watch American Idol? Be honest (I won't dock you any indie-cred points if you say you do). Now answer me this, how awesome would it be if we switched out Randy with the Wu-Tang Clan's GZA, Simon for blogger extraordinaire, Brooklyn Vegan, and Paula and Kara for Randy and Dean of SubPop art-punkers, No Age? Interested? MORE »
Santi is Santi, Not Santo Anymore
By Jim Shearer on 02/13/2009
Filed under: NEWS
Her birth name is Santi White, her stage name was Santogold, and if you go to her MySpace page (and a bunch of blogs on the internet today), you'll see that Santogold has changed her name to Santigold. MORE »
Hooray! and Boo! for Coachella
By Jim Shearer on 02/05/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSSo the organizers of Coachella finally announced their line-up for this year's festival (April 17-19). As expected, one of the most anticipated U.S. festivals of the year boasts an amazing line-up (that's right, I busted out the word "amazing"). Paul McCartney, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, Leonard Cohen, and Conor Oberst play the first day. The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Thievery Corporation, and TV on The Radio will play Saturday. And The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs will close out this year's Coachella proceedings. (left: I wanna see bands reunited!@#!) Here's where I kick and cry like a little... MORE »
The Black Lips Booted From India
By Jim Shearer on 02/04/2009
Filed under: NEWSLast Saturday The Black Lips were booked to play on an American Idol-type program in India called Campus Rock Idol. During their performance they managed to shock a national television audience by mooning the crowd and engaging in some dude-on-dude lip kissing action. Guitarist, Cole Alexander, pushed the envelope even further by dropping his draws while attempting to play his guitar with his penis. (left: The Black Lips' TV appearance was NOT a feel-good-story like Slumdog Millionaire.) The antics led to an international uproar, causing sponsors to pull out of the program which was cancelled altogether. Needless to say,... MORE »
Justin's Muxin' It Up Again
By Jim Shearer on 01/27/2009
Filed under: NEWSOur good ol' friend Justin Ouellette (watch him in action on our Indie Music Panels) is back in business. (left: Muxtape will never die!) The on-again/off-again venture known as Muxtape has returned. His third-party music sharing site that digitally mimicked the joy of friends sharing mixtapes was shut down last year after a problem with the RIAA. After his run in with "the man," Ouellette decided to use his Muxtape platform to promote bands. The latest incarnation of the site is up and running now, with 12 of Ouellette's "favorites" being the first official test subjects: Of Montreal, Cexman,... MORE »
Silver Jews Done, Berman To Screenwrite
By Jim Shearer on 01/26/2009
Filed under: NEWS2008 saw the death of the following indie-minded music acts: Phantom Planet, Wolfmother, Be Your Own Pet, Junior Senior, Dirty Pretty Things, Georgie James, and Dirty On Purpose. Three full weeks into 2009, and we've already suffered our first casualty. David Berman, announced through his band's message board, that Silver Jews are no more. (left: Silver Jews call it a day.) On January 31, Silver Jews plan to play their farewell show at Tennessee's Cumberland Caverns (which will be broadcast on Nashville's WSM radio). According to Berman's post (read below) he plans on giving screenwriting a whirl, so maybe... MORE »
Life After Grandaddy
By Jim Shearer on 01/22/2009
Filed under: NEWS, SOONIn January of 2006, after releasing four laid-back-folky-indie-rock albums, Grandaddy announced that they parting ways. The brainchild of the group, Jason Lytle, has recently finished his first solo offering, Yours Truly, The Commuter, which will be released later this year on May 19 (ANTI-). Here's the initial press on what to expect from the album: (left: Gone are Jason Lytle's Grandaddy bandmates...and his signature mesh ball cap.) On Yours Truly, the Commuter, dreamy soundscapes mirror the dramatic environment of Lytle's newly-adopted Montana, where the record was written and recorded, while the twang of central California farmland remains in the... MORE »
MC Joaquin Phoenix
By Jim Shearer on 01/21/2009
Filed under: NEWSLate last year, Oscar-nominated actor, Joaquin Phoenix, announced his retirement from acting, setting his sights on a career in music. After engulfing himself in all things Johnny Cash for his role in Walk The Line, the move to music seemed to make good--although not perfectly good--sense. Keep in mind Phoenix performed all his songs in Walk The Line (no lip syncing) and won a Grammy Award for his work on the film's soundtrack. No stranger to the music industry, Phoenix has also directed various music videos, crafting clips for acts She Wants Revenge, Albert Hammond, Jr., and Silversun Pickups. Last... MORE »
Jason Schwartzman Is Coconut Records
By Jim Shearer on 01/14/2009
Filed under: NEWSMany of you know Jason Schwartzman the actor, some of you know him as the ex-drummer of the now defunct Phantom Planet, some geek out over the fact that he's Adrian's (Talia Shire) son, while others may know him for his latest musical endeavor, Coconut Records. (left: Schwartzman, not just an actor, not just a drummer, apparently he's doing it all.) Speaking of the latter, Schwartzman recently finished Coconut Records' second offering, an album called Davy, which is currently being streamed in its entirety on the act's MySpace page. Although Schwartzman (from the best of my knowledge) handles most... MORE »
Hey, America Kinda Feels Cool Again
By Jim Shearer on 01/12/2009
Filed under: NEWS, SOONThat's the name of the event being held a week from now (Jan. 19) at Washington DC's 9:30 Club (doors at 8PM, show at 9PM). In conjunction with Rock The Vote, Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow, Citizen Cope, and Justin Jones will be playing full sets to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration. MORE »
So Much For That Idea
By Jim Shearer on 01/09/2009
Filed under: NEWSIn 2007, THE Led Zeppelin got together to play a one-off reunion show at London's O2 Arena. Obviously, John Bonham wasn't behind the drums, but his son, Jason, took the throne, providing monsterous beats for three Gods of Rock: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. The show went so well, there was serious talk of the band staying together and even going out on a full-fledged reunion tour. (I had friends ready to mortgage their house just to witness this live.) Last year, Robert Plant said he was out, but Led Zeppelin management marched on and said... MORE »
Paul's Boutique Turns 20 Years Old
By Jim Shearer on 01/09/2009
Filed under: NEWSI deserve a pat on the back, damn it. I held out nine long days before I posted my first Beastie-related blog of the year. That might be a new record for me. Speaking of which, not only are the Beastie Boys hard at work on theirs--which has been rumored to drop in May (although, because the Beasties like to take their time with things, that could mean May of 2010, 11, 12, etc.)--but they are also re-issuing their now legendary sophomore album, Paul's Boutique. Late last year, the Beastie Boys mentioned it on their website, but this week... MORE »
R.I.P., Ron Asheton (The Stooges)
By Jim Shearer on 01/07/2009
Filed under: NEWSYesterday morning the body of guitarist, Ron Asheton (age 60), was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Michigan home. The cause of death is thought to be a heart attack (though an autopsy is being conducted). Asheton was a founding member of The Stooges, a band that always gets name dropped when talking about the foundation of punk rock music. The Stooges broke up in 1974, and a year later thier founding bassist, Dave Alexander, died of pulmunary edema (respiratory failure). The Stooges reunited in 2003 with Mike Watt (whose band The Minutemen also gets name dropped quite often... MORE »
First the Price of Gas, Now the Price of Music
By Jim Shearer on 01/07/2009
Filed under: NEWSI'm sure you've heard by now--I've already seen the story on two local newscasts--that iTunes will be raising their prices come April. Apple made the announcement yesterday at their annual Macworld Conference and Expo (just imagine all the geeky brain power floating around in that room). (left: Besides a 30 cents price increase, Apple also introduces the 69 cents bargain-bin price to iTunes). Popular songs (aka: bangers, smash hits, bomb tracks, must-have singles, jammy jams) will increase from 99 cents to $1.29. Moderately popular songs (aka: NOT bangers, smash hits, bomb tracks, must-have singles, jammy jams) will stay at... MORE »
The Bouncing Souls, Once a Month
By Jim Shearer on 01/05/2009
Filed under: NEWSEvery first of the month in 2009, D.I.Y.-feel-good-punk-rockers, The Bouncing Souls, will be releasing a brand new digital download to celebrate their 20th Anniversay as a band. The year-long subscription is $11.99, and the first track, "Gasoline," is available now through Chunksaah Records (the band's original record label). MORE »
Now Everybody, Have You Heard?
By Jim Shearer on 12/22/2008
Filed under: NEWSThis weekend, Billy Squier (yes, the Billy Squier) wrote me a letter. I guess I shouldn't feel so special, since I am on his fansite's e-mail list and a whole bunch of people received his hand-type letter which was filled with tidings of comfort and joy. Here's the the good news: Billy Squier will be touring next year! He's also writing new material. Squier toured this year as part of Ringo Starr's backing band, but in 2009, he will tour with the spotlight shining solely on him (the way it should be). A few years ago, I started to... MORE »
2009: Year Of The Bouncing Soul
By Jim Shearer on 12/17/2008
Filed under: NEWSThe Bouncing Souls, one of my favorite groups of all-time, will be celebrating their 20th year of existence in 2009. (left: The Pete and Greg chipping away in the studio.) For those that don't know, New Jersey's Bouncing Souls have been making catchy east coast punk anthems since 1989, and besides bringing a smile to the mosh pit, they have also kept up a steady regimen of touring and have never signed to a major label (though they've been courted several times). For their debut full-length album, 1994's The Good, The Bad & The Argyle, the Bouncing Souls even... MORE »
The Thermals Set Release Date
By Jim Shearer on 12/17/2008
Filed under: NEWSPortland-basement-rockers, The Thermals, last released an album in 2006; the catchy The Body, The Blood, The Machine. Since then they've lost a drummer (then added one, Westin Glass) and switched indie record labels (Sub Pop to Kill Rock Stars). (left: Kathy and Hutch have a new label, a new drummer, and a new album set to be released.) The Thermals announced that their new album, Now We Can See, will be released on April 7, 2009. Their self titled single will drop on March 10, which will be followed by a trip to SXSW. Here's a peak at the... MORE »
Brody's Back
By Jim Shearer on 12/11/2008
Filed under: NEWSBrody Dalle. She came into our lives about eight years ago when her last name was Armstrong and she was in a band called The Distillers. Her last name was Armstrong, you see, because her husband was Tim Armstrong of the punk band Rancid. Tim and Brody were the most punk rock couple around and they both lived happily ever after (but not really). (left: Smile? Yeah right.) While on the festival circuit in the early 2000's Brody fell in love with Josh Homme from Queens of The Stone Age and ended up divorcing Tim, marrying Homme, dissolving The... MORE »
Girl Talk Exposed
By Jim Shearer on 12/10/2008
Filed under: NEWSI do love me some girl talk, and I'm not just talking about the kind I overhear from the ladies' powder room. I'm also a fan of Girl Talk, the mash-up artist from my hometown of Pittsburgh who not only managed to release an album this year, Feed The Animals, with hundreds and hundreds of uncleared samples (and he wasn't sued once!), but also landed himself a Microsoft PC ad. His album (the one I was talking about in the previous paragraph) is also in contention for my Top 10 Albums of the year. All in all, Girl Talk... MORE »
Bonnaroo '09 Announced (Kind Of)
By Jim Shearer on 12/04/2008
Filed under: NEWSThe 8th Annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has officially been confirmed for June 11-14, 2009. The 4-day music and camping festival will be held, once again, in Manchester, TN. Even though the line-up will not be announced until "late January/early February" you can take a great leap of faith with the festival promoters and purchase General Admission or VIP tickets at 12PM today, as part of a holiday pre-sale. (left: Christmas is the time to say "I love you" by buying your significant other tickets to Bonnaroo.) Though Bonnaroo has always kept true to its jam-band roots, the... MORE »
iTunes' Indie Ear
By Jim Shearer on 12/03/2008
Filed under: LISTS, NEWSThought you might find this interesting... iTunes Indie Spotlight series recently named their best albums of 2008. Apparently, the list is not in any particular order, although iTunes did mention in an intro paragraph that The Morning Benders' Talking Through Tin Cans (left) "made the biggest impression on us." The Morning Benders, Talking Through Tin Cans Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend Of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping Foals, Antidotes Port O' Brien, All We Could Do Was Sing Black Mountain, In The Future Sigur Ros, Med sud I eyrum vid spillum endalaust TV On The Radio, Dear Science Blitzen Trapp, Furr Miles... MORE »
Wishing You A Rave Christmas
By Jim Shearer on 12/03/2008
Filed under: NEWSBesides releasing a proper studio album, Lust Lust Lust, earlier this year, The Raveonettes have put out three digitial EP's throughout 2008, the most recent one being the holiday-themed Wishing You A Rave Christmas. 1.) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) 2.) Come On Santa 3.) Christmas Ghosts 4.) Christmas In Cleveland If you purchase the album through Amazon you also get the stocking stuffer, "Forever In Your Arms," a b-side from Lust Lust Lust. (left: Ah, what a beautiful album cover. Too bad it's for a digital release.) As you may know, The Raveonettes are no strangers to Christmas... MORE »
It's Never Too Early
By Jim Shearer on 11/26/2008
Filed under: NEWSThat's right. It's never too early to start planning your summer music festival. This week, Bamboozle announced that Fall Out Boy and No Doubt will be headling thier festival (good news for me, cause I've been waiting seven long years for the follow up to No Doubt's Rock Steady). (left: Yes, let it be known, I do love me some No Doubt.) All Tomorrow's Parties has also announced a handful of artists that will be performing at their 2nd annual ATP New York festival:... MORE »
Wow, It's Really Happening
By Jim Shearer on 11/20/2008
Filed under: NEWSAfter what, 14 or so years? Wow, I almost can't believe that I'm saying this, but Guns N' Roses are really releasing Chinese Democracry. It's done?! (left: Whoa, is that a pig I see flying?) Even though there have been some published album reviews, I thought it was all part of an elaborate practical joke, but today GN'R are streaming Chinese Democracy in its entirety on their MySpace page. 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Shucks, No More Mux
By Jim Shearer on 09/29/2008
Filed under: NEWSAs many of you probably heard last week, Muxtape, the third-party music sharing site created by Justin Ouellette has officially closed up shop. As a final farewell, Ouellette who wanted his visitors to experience the same joy he received while trading mixtapes as a youngster, posted a detailed essay on why his site is no more. Just a week before Muxtape was put on indefinite hiatus, Ouellette contributed to IFC News' Independent Music Panels discussing, you guessed, third-party music sharing sites. You can watch the epsidoe HERE.... MORE »
Ted's Rapid Response
By Jim Shearer on 09/15/2008
Filed under: NEWSToday, in "rapid response" to the way protesters were treated at the recent Republican National Convention, Ted Leo released a surprise 4-song digital EP titled, Rapid Response. Besides recording two new songs and two cover songs, Leo also includes some thought provoking liner notes about the candidates in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. It's good to see protest music is alive (and being done well by one of the hardest working men in indie music). MORE »
Have You Seen This Guitar?
By Jim Shearer on 09/11/2008
Filed under: NEWSR.E.M. recently broke the following news on their website: "As we reported late last night Peter's guitar went missing from the Finnair Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. Though the guitar has not yet been located, there is an active investigation and we are all hopeful that the guitar will eventually be returned. We still would like to hear from anyone with information which could assist us, which may be shared anonymously if desired: Email information to fanclub@remtour.com or phone (001) 706 353-6689... Finally, we are hopeful that the guitar will eventually be found. After all, one of band's most beloved... MORE »
Sonic Youth Go Back Home
By Jim Shearer on 09/10/2008
Filed under: NEWSSonic Youth, a band synonymous with indie music, is once again, officially independent. Having fulfilled all of their contractual obligations with the Universal Music Group--their last major release being Rather Ripped (2006)--Sonic Youth will release their 16th studio album through Matador Records. (left: You can now call Sonic Youth an "indie" band without any hesitation.) This is somewhat of a big deal, because Sonic Youth has now come full circle. Throughout the 80's, Sonic Youth were an indie phenomenon, and quite amazingly, inked a major label deal with DGC in 1990, which gave them--an experimental-noise-rock-art-act--complete creative control! Being called... MORE »
Weezer Needs Your Help!
By Jim Shearer on 09/08/2008
Filed under: NEWSThis past weekend, Karl Koch, Weezer historian/webmaster, asked Weezer fans to help the band out on their upcoming North Amercian tour, starting September 23 in Boston, MA. (left: Weezer needs your help to help rock the masses.) Fans have been asked to create original video shorts (5-30 seconds in length) that will play behind the band during their on-stage performances. Koch's official e-mail message reads: MORE »
Be Your Own Pet Play Final Show
By Jim Shearer on 08/28/2008
Filed under: NEWSLast night, spunky-garage-rockers, Be Your Own Pet, played their final show in London England. At the beginning of the month, the band posted the following on their website: To all of our fans, we are sad to bring you the news that our upcoming shows in the UK are going to be our last as a band. We thank you for all your love and support these past few years--it's been a blast but the time has come for the four of us to go our separate ways. (left: Be Your Own Pet down for the count, R.I.P. B.Y.O.P.)... MORE »
Indie Rock for Barack
By Jim Shearer on 08/27/2008
Filed under: NEWSAs the Democratic National Convention continues, the Young Democrats are throwing an event tonight called, Unconventional '08, featuring performances from DJ Z-Trip, Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, and Nada Surf. (left: Barackin' at the Democratic National Convention.) A VIP (invite only) stage will then feature performances from Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Jonathan Rice, and Zooey Deschanel (She & Him). Sarah Silverman is also scheduled to appear, so if there are any Young Republicans going deep cover tonight, I'm sure you can get a whole... MORE »
Get Intimate With Bloc Party Right Now
By Jim Shearer on 08/21/2008
Filed under: NEWSCue cheesy-late-night-sex-hotline-commercial instrumental music. Wanna get intimate with Bloc Party? Ah yeah you sexy boy (or girl), you can do it right now. If you order Bloc Party's new album, Intimacy, which comes out on October 27, you can get a free digital download starting today. Why wait for the hard copy when you can get the flaccid one right now? Sorry, I'm usually good about staying away from sexual innuendos, but it's just so easy (and to think there's a whole industry that makes millions of dollars by doing it everyday).... MORE »
Can You Read Music?
By Jim Shearer on 07/23/2008
Filed under: NEWSSan Francisco indie rock odd-balls, Deerhoof, are asking fans to contribute cover versions of their song "Fresh Born," which will be included on their forthcoming album, Offend Maggie (October 7). The song hasn't officially been released yet, so unless you've heard it performed live, you probably have no idea what it sounds like. You may be asking yourself, "How can fans make a cover for a song they haven't heard?" Simple, Deerhoof has released sheet-music for the song right HERE. Here are some current re-makes of "Fresh Born" (sheet music was passed out at a recent show in Brooklyn).... MORE »
The Mighty Return of Zack De La Rocha
By Jim Shearer on 07/17/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONI waited seven years for Rage Against the Machine to reunite (which finally happened last year), and I've been waiting even longer for Zack De La Rocha's solo album to drop, an album which he supposedly teamed up with DJ Shadow, NIN's Trent Reznor, The Roots' ?uestlove (who, by the way, called the recordings "dangerous, scary") and a slew of other musicians. I don't know whether De La Rocha suffered from a case of self consciousness or perfectionism, but sources have told me not to expect the album anytime soon (which probably means "never"). So you could imagine my... MORE »
Maria Taylor Robbed in San Francisco
By Jim Shearer on 07/11/2008
Filed under: NEWSTwo days ago with only two dates remaining on her current tour, Saddle Creek's Maria Taylor was robbed during a tour stop in San Francisco. Thieves broke into her tour van and got away with six guitars, two suitcases, pedals, and a lot of Taylor's merch. If anyone has any information, please send a message to info@saddle-creek.com, as the gear has lots of sentimental value to Taylor. Not that it will make Taylor feel any better, but I remember back in the mid 90's when thieves in Denver stole Radiohead's equipment. The band never retrieved any of it, but... MORE »
Another Chemical Brothers Greatest Hits?
By Jim Shearer on 06/30/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONLast week The Chemical Brothers announced that they would be releasing a best-of collection, Brotherhood, on September 2. Brotherhood is a 2-disc set that is comprised of 13 "undeniable benchmark singles" including a new track called "Keep My Composure" featuring Spank Rock. The second disc will exclusively feature Electronic Battle Weapons 1-10, the Chemical Brothers' experimental fodder that has only previously been available through limited formats. The first single from the 2-disc set will be a track called "Midnight Madness," which finds its home on the second disc. Don't get me wrong, I love the Chemical Brothers and I'm... MORE »
Rock and Roll Through Bob Gruen's Eyes
By Jim Shearer on 06/26/2008
Filed under: NEWSIn late April, The Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City (former home of CBGB's Gallery) opened the exhibit, Rockers, showcasing over 280 photographs (featuring the likes of John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley) of famed music photographer, Bob Gruen. The first exhibit of Rockers took place in in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where it drew over 40,000 visitors. (left: Gruen with Yoko Ono on the opening night of Rockers.) Gruen was not only John Lennon and Yoko Ono's personal photographer, he also toured with early punk bands (The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones) and swung on the... MORE »
My Morning Jacket Take Over NYC
By Jim Shearer on 06/25/2008
Filed under: NEWSEarlier this year at SXSW, while I was watching My Morning Jacket in a small club show, I thought to myself, "Why in the heck aren't these guys playing arenas?" Their sound, stage moves, improvisational skills, and epic back-lighting were screaming for a bigger venue. Well, I guess I got my wish. It was just announced that My Morning Jacket will not only be playing the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, but will be doing it on the biggest night of the year, New Year's Eve. Finally, something in the world of music makes perfectly good sense!... MORE »
Tokyo Police Club Are Friends of P.
By Jim Shearer on 06/19/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGS, NEWSMany of you may remember that while in Weezer, bassist Matt Sharp formed a side-project called The Rentals (with fellow Weezer-mate, Pat Wilson, on drums). After Sharp left Weezer, he concentrated full-time on the band. The Rental's biggest hit to date is "Friends of P.", a quirky new-wave college rock fave released off the group's debut album, Return of The Rentals. I was overjoyed to recently find out that Tokyo Police Club did a cover of this tune to help raise money for lupus research (an incurable disease that affects over 1.5 million Americans). The cover song is currently... MORE »
ME LIKEY: Street Dogs
By Jim Shearer on 06/09/2008
Filed under: ME LIKEY, NEWS, SOONJust received an advanced copy of the Street Dogs brand new album, State of Grace (no I won't illegally burn it for you). Good stuff! If you don't know, their lead singer, Mike McColgan served in the Gulf War before becoming the founding singer of the Dropkick Murphys in 1996. He left the band in 1998 to pursue his dream of becoming a fire fighter. He served as a Boston fireman until 2002, when he got the itch to play music again. That year he formed Street Dogs. On July 8, McColgan's band will be releasing their fourth studio... MORE »
Bo Diddley, 1928-2008
By Jim Shearer on 06/04/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSSinger, songwriter, and guitarist, Bo Diddley, aka "The Originator," died on June 2 of heart failure, he was 79. Diddley helped introduce driving rhythms and aggressive guitar sounds into the world of blues, which found itself quickly transitioning into the powerful beast known as rock and roll. As a youngster, the following commercial (see below) was one of my first introductions to Bo Diddley. Since superstar athlete, Bo Jackson, knew practically everything, I figured Bo Diddley most be someone important if Bo Jackson couldn't master his respective craft:... MORE »
Here Cometh Deerhoof
By Jim Shearer on 06/03/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSExperimental-melody-makers, Deerhoof, have just finished a new album, Offend Maggie,which will be released later this year on October 7. One track from the album will soon be available from an interactive website as a downloadable written score. Fans can then record the song and share their mp3s with others on the website. It is not yet known which song the band will choose. In the meantime, Deerhoof will join the Roots this weekend by performing at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia along with Gnarls Barkley and others, before heading off to tour Japan.... MORE »
Scarlett Johansson Drops Album Tomorrow
By Jim Shearer on 05/19/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONSo what do you think of this one? You've probably heard by now that Scarlett Johansson is releasing an album tomorrow (May 20). The Dave Sitek-produced Anywhere I Lay My Head features Johannson singing 10 Tom Waits cover songs with one original. David Bowie also lends a helping hand in the proceedings. The jury inside my head is still undecided on this one. Is this just what indie-minded music needs? Or the complete opposite? (Or neither?) I know our society doesn't look kindly on actors turned singers and vice-versa, but the whole Tom Waits thing with Dave Sitek and... MORE »
Cursive Begin Work On New Album
By Jim Shearer on 05/12/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGS, NEWSCursive recently stopped by Daytrotter Radio Studios to record a short live session, which includes two new songs ("Let Me Up" and "Donkeys") and "Sierra" from The Ugly Organ (one of my favorite albums of 2003). (left: Cursive, tightening up their new songs by playing live.) In the age of free music (which I'm lovin'), you can download all three songs for free right HERE. Cursive are about start recording their follow-up to Happy Hollow. Saddle Creek's answer to Dr. Dre, Mike Mogis, will be handling the early production duties. Apparently the band has 15 songs ready to go.... MORE »
Holy Productivity Nine Inch Nails!!
By Jim Shearer on 05/05/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGS, NEWSWow! There was a time when it took NIN years and years and years to put out a new album, but within the last calendar year alone, Trent Reznor finished producing a Saul Williams album (The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Niggy Tardust), put out a 36-track Nine Inch Nails instrumental album, and today, just released another brand new NIN's album, The Slip--for FREE! For the album purist, NIN's website also included the following, "For those of you interested in physical products, fear not. We plan to make a version of this release available on CD and vinyl in... MORE »
Madonna Premieres I Am Because We Are
By Jim Shearer on 04/25/2008
Filed under: NEWSThe documentary, I Am Because We Are, written and produced by Madonna, premiered at yesterday's Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The film exposes the tragic stories of the millions of Malawi children orphaned by AIDS. There will be three more screenings of the film before the festival wraps up on May 4. Just a reminder, you can follow all of the latest Tribeca Film Festival happenings right here on IFC.com/tribecafilmfestival In related Madonna news, she will be releasing her brand new album, Hard Candy, this Tuesday, April 29. Because my wife and many close friends are diehard... MORE »
Mates of State's "Get Better" Video
By Jim Shearer on 04/24/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONThis is the first video from Mates of State's (a charming, feel-good, husband/wife indie-pop duo) forthcoming album Re-Arrange Us, which is set to be released on May 20th. Oh yeah, the video's called "Get Better." MORE »
Danny Federici (1950-2008)
By Jim Shearer on 04/18/2008
Filed under: NEWSI'm sure you've heard by now, but Danny Federici, longtime keyboard player of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band passed away yesterday after battling melanoma for three years. He was 58 years old. "Danny and I worked together for 40 years," Bruce Springsteen said on the band's website. "He was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure, natural musician. I loved him very much. We grew up together." Federici's last live appearance with the E Street Band was on March 20, 2008. The E Street Band is packed with a cast of characters and stars, led by the... MORE »
CBGB's, say hello to John Varvatos Bowery
By Jim Shearer on 04/16/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONTomorrow, April 17, there will be a party thrown at 315 Bowery (New York, NY) to celebrate the grand opening of John Varvatos Bowery, a brand new contemporary menswear fashion boutique. For those more into punk rock history than fragrance and skincare products, this story may be of particular interest to you, because 315 Bowery is the former site of the seminal punk rock club CBGB's. (left: 315 Bowery, Then and Now). Fashion Designer John Varvatos made sure to preserve a lot of the graffiti and drunken artwork that adorns the former club's walls, in order to keep CBGB's... MORE »
Slug and Ant's New TV Show
By Jim Shearer on 04/10/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWS, SOONOne of underground hip-hop's most beloved groups is two weeks away from dropping their brand new album (whose title cracks me up every time I say it). Atmosphere will be releasing, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, on Tuesday, April 22. (left to right: Ant and Slug, turnin' lemons into gold.) In a move that was designed to either answer all Atmosphere-related questions before the usual album press-cycle, or just to kill time during a frigid Minnesota winter, Slug and Ant have created a web show, Paint it Gold, which tapes in Slug's basement and... MORE »
Hot Chip's New Video, "One Pure Thought"
By Jim Shearer on 04/10/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWS, SOON(left: Hot Chip, catch 'em now while they're playing some U.S. East Coast dates) Here's Hot Chip's brand new video, "One Pure Thought", off their album Made in the Dark. Watch it HERE. They're playing live at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia tonight: MORE »
Lollapalooza Announces 2008 Line-Up
By Jim Shearer on 04/07/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONLollapalooza, the 3-day concert festival (which used to be a complete summer tour back in the '90s), recently announced its line-up for this year's event, which is taking place on August 1-3 in Chicago, IL (Grant Park). (left: Lollapalooza is takin' it back to its roots in 2008) Fittingly, the big headliners of this year's Lollapalooza are products of the 90's: Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, and NIN (some of you may have even been on hand in 1991 and 1992 when a young NIN and Rage Against the Machine respectively played their first Lollapaloozas). Here's how the rest... MORE »
Indie Ear Celebrates 100th Blog Posting!!
By Jim Shearer on 04/04/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSIn February of 2008, IFC re-launched their website which included a brand new music blog, The Independent Ear. A struggling out-of-work VJ (i.e., me) was scooped up off the streets to contribute to this online blog-nificent publication. Right now, you are reading the Indie Ear's 100th blog posting (cue the balloons and confetti falling from the ceiling)! (left: I plowed through our yearly budget by purchasing these balloons, but it was well worth it! Ain't no party like a 100th Blog Posting Party!)... MORE »
Nirvana to Play Coachella With Rivers Cuomo?
By Jim Shearer on 04/01/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONIn what was supposed to be the "best kept music secret of 2008," an official press release leaked earlier this morning, reporting that Weezer's Rivers Cuomo would join Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic for a Nirvana reunion at this month's Coachella Music Festival (Indio, CA), as well as a headlining slot at this summer's annual Lollapalooza Music Festival (Chicago, IL). (left to right: Cuomo, Novoselic, and Grohl will play as Nirvana at this year's Coachella and Lollapalooza) MORE »
Ultra Music Festival Caps Off WMC This Weekend
By Jim Shearer on 03/27/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONA couple weeks ago the indie folks had SXSW down in Austin, TX. This week, the DJ/electrtonic/dance folks have been getting their groove on at the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami, FL. The week-long festivities culminate in the Ultra Music Festival (celebrating its 10th year), happening on Friday (Mar. 28) and Saturday (Mar. 29) at Bicentennial Park, which is the largest electronic music concert in the country. I could give you a list of who's performing, but basically, just about every big name in electronic music will be there. Underworld? Justice? Paul Van Dyk? Pete Tong? Moby? Tiesto?... MORE »
Moby: New Album, Free Music for Filmmakers, & One Pissed-Off Chicken
By Jim Shearer on 03/26/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWS, SOONMoby, makes his triumphant return this Tuesday, April 1, as he releases his brand new dance-inspired, Last Night, a loosely based concept album following around the lovable bald-headed socialite as he bounces from club to club on a NYC night. Dance fans will be happy to know that Moby, who has been known to shelve his groovin' beats for more experimental fodder, returns to the dance floor on Last Night, especially on its lead single, "Disco Lies." Speaking of which, if you ever wanted to see a pimped-out chicken get medieval on Colonel Sanders' ass, this Even Bernard directed... MORE »
Adam Yauch is Gunnin' For That #1 Spot
By Jim Shearer on 03/20/2008
Filed under: NEWSAdam Yauch (aka, MCA of the Beastie Boys) is set to premiere his brand new basketball documentary, Gunnin' For That #1 Spot at next month's Tribeca Film Festival. The film, which Yauch produced and directed for Oscilloscope Laboratories, follows eight of the top-24 high school basketball players in the country as they prepare to compete in an all-star game held at the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem, NY. The documentary, which combines "Yauch's unique directing style with raw hip-hop music," was shot in 2006. One of the players highlighted, Michael Beasley, is currently playing college ball at Kansas State... MORE »
National Sweater Day Tomorrow
By Jim Shearer on 03/19/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSTomorrow would have been Mr. Rogers' 80th birthday. To honor the late, great children's television pioneer, Family Communications, Inc.--the company Roger's created to produce his show Mr. Roger's Neighborhood--is asking everyone wear a sweater tomorrow, Thursday, March 20. I'm letting you know a day before, so you can plan accordingly. As part of my personal festivities I will also awake to playing of Weezer's "Undone - The Sweater Song." I will then put on a sweater and a cool pair of sneakers and treat everyone like my neighbor!... MORE »
The Raconteurs Have a New Album Coming Out...NEXT WEEK?!
By Jim Shearer on 03/18/2008
Filed under: NEWSUm, wow, The Raconteurs are releasing a new album one week from today. This was announced yesterday on The Raconteurs website. On March 25, Consolers of the Lonely will be available in all formats (vinyl, CD, digital). For anyone familiar with Jack White, co-frontman of the Raconteurs, you should know that he is a bit of a music purist. He still records on tape and still believes that an album should be listened to as a complete album (let's face it, MP3's and iPods have turned us into a singles world). In order to prevent any album cuts from... MORE »
2008 Plug Award Winners...
By Jim Shearer on 03/07/2008
Filed under: NEWSHere are your 2008 Plug Award Winners: MORE »
New Indie-Metal Supergroup, Kingdom of Sorrow
By Jim Shearer on 03/05/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, NEWSWhen you become a VJ (video jockey), you enter an underground society with many unwritten rules and privileges. Besides secret handshakes, monthly dues, and a rigorous hazing process, we also have monthly bake sales and a bi-annual pizza party. Former colleague and host of Headbanger's Ball, Jamey Jasta has just joined forces with Kirk Windstein (Down, Crowbar), Steve Gibb (Crowbar), Derek Kerswill (Seemless, Unearth) and Matthew Brunson, to form the indie-metal super group, Kingdom of Sorrow. (left to right: Jamey Jasta, Kirk Windstein) I'm not just giving Jamey a plug, cause he's a good guy (and--oh yeah--a member of... MORE »
Indie Music's Version of the Grammy Awards Tonight
By Jim Shearer on 03/05/2008
Filed under: NEWSThursday, March 6 Tonight at 8PM, Terminal 5 in New York City will host the annual Plug Independent Music Awards. Think Grammy Awards with an Independent twist--all artists, albums, songs, and videos nominated must have been released from an independent record label (i.e., record labels not owned by Universal, Sony BMG, EMI, Warner). MORE »
Beastie Boys Tonight in NYC!
By Jim Shearer on 03/04/2008
Filed under: NEWS, SOONFor any of you that don't know by now, I'm a bit obsessed with the Beastie Boys. I'm sure somewhere at their Oscilloscope studios there's a black-and-white photo of me in a file-box labeled: NOT PERMITTED WITHIN 20 FEET OF BEASTIE BOYS. I'll try to keep my distance tonight, but it may be a bit difficult. The Beastie Boys will be performing in New York City tonight (hosted by Moby--don't know exactly what that entails?) at Terminal 5 (56th St./11th Ave.). Doors are at 7PM. Make sure you check back tomorrow for a detailed blow-by-blow recap of the entire... MORE »
NIN: 36 Chambers
By Jim Shearer on 03/04/2008
Filed under: NEWSMuch like the Wu-Tang Clan had 36 Chambers, Nine Inch Nails has 36 new songs to unleash to the public. A couple weeks ago Trent Reznor posted a blog on NIN's website that read: "2 Weeks." Many fans speculated that Nine Inch Nails might be a releasing a new album. Well, the fans were right (sort of). MORE »
Myron Cope 1929-2008
By Jim Shearer on 02/27/2008
Filed under: NEWSEven though I write the music blog here at IFC.com, it's almost impossible for me to conceal my love for sports. I grew up in Pittsburgh, and everyone there (and I mean everyone) loves sports. We lost a true legend this morning as Myron Cope, longtime Pittsburgh Steelers announcer, died of pneumonia. Cope spoke with a thick Pittsburgh accent and during radio broadcasts would come up with memorable (and yes, bizarre and enigmatic) catch phrases. He made the word "Yoi" famous (utter it in the streets of Pittsburgh and everyone will know exactly what you're saying). When I was... MORE »
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