NEWS
Cursive Begin Work On New Album
Monday, May 12, 2008 | 3:22 PM
Cursive 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.
In order to get the new songs a little bit tighter, Cursive have booked three live performances in May and June (see below).
May 19, Omaha, NE, Waiting Room
June 3, New York, NY, Mercury Lounge (SOLD OUT)
June 27, Chicago, IL, Subterranean
Holy Productivity Nine Inch Nails!!
Monday, May 5, 2008 | 12:00 PM
Wow! 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 july. Details coming soon."
Happy Cinco De Mayo--Nine Inch Nails style!
Madonna Premieres I Am Because We Are
Friday, April 25, 2008 | 10:52 AM
The 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 Madonna fans, I'm pressured daily to post blogs about her. Today, however, it seemed to make perfectly good sense, since this is IFC (Independent Film Channel), and Madonna just premiered an independent film of significant social importance. (I'd also be lying to you if I told you I wasn't a little excited to hear her new album --I guess when you're around it 24-7, Madonna-fever is contagious).
Mates of State's "Get Better" Video
Thursday, April 24, 2008 | 9:45 AM
This 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."
Danny Federici (1950-2008)
Friday, April 18, 2008 | 2:13 PM
I'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 legendary Bruce Springsteen, but listen to any one of their songs right now, and I guarantee the first thing that's going to jump out at you is Federici's work on the keys, which laid the foundation for many of the E Street Band's hits.
To donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation, click HERE.
CBGB's, say hello to John Varvatos Bowery
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 | 7:30 AM
Tomorrow, 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 aura alive.
Is having a fashion boutique (w/ lots of original CBGB's graffiti and stickers) better than having a bank or Starbucks at 315 Bowery? Maybe.
Is having a fashion boutique better than having a historic punk rock club at 315 Bowery? Maybe not.
Slug and Ant's New TV Show
Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 8:35 AM
One 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 is already seven episodes deep. What may be most amazing to Atmosphere fans is that the group's once-shy producer, Ant, joins Slug as a co-host on the show. Fans can e-mail on-air questions to: paintitgold@hotmail.com
If you haven't done it yet and you're yearning for some Atmosphere material while awaiting the new album, you could always download Strictly Leakage, a free internet release the group put out at the end of last year.
Speaking of web-shows, Slug will be joining me on Lunchbox Tuesday, April 22.
Hot Chip's New Video, "One Pure Thought"
Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 8:03 AM
(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:
Lollapalooza Announces 2008 Line-Up
Monday, April 7, 2008 | 1:48 PM
Lollapalooza, 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 of the line-up looks for this year's event:
Indie Ear Celebrates 100th Blog Posting!!
Friday, April 4, 2008 | 11:38 AM
In 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!)
Nirvana to Play Coachella With Rivers Cuomo?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 | 10:13 AM
In 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)
Ultra Music Festival Caps Off WMC This Weekend
Thursday, March 27, 2008 | 2:04 PM
A 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? MSTRKRFT? Sasha & Digweed? Carl Cox? Yes, yes, and yes. Like I said, everyone will be there.
Here's all the info. If you're down in Miami, have a blast!
Moby: New Album, Free Music for Filmmakers, & One Pissed-Off Chicken
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 | 1:57 PM
Moby, 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 clip is probably right down your alley.
Adam Yauch is Gunnin' For That #1 Spot
Thursday, March 20, 2008 | 9:21 AM
Adam 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 and is being projected as the #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Allison Willmore, our resident Film Blogger here at IFC.com, will be covering the Tribeca Film Festival which runs from April 23-May 4. I'm going to try to bum a ride with her to the Gunnin' For That #1 Spot premiere.
Gunnin' For That #1 Spot will hit theaters on June 27.
National Sweater Day Tomorrow
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 | 10:58 AM
Tomorrow 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!
The Raconteurs Have a New Album Coming Out...NEXT WEEK?!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | 10:49 AM
Um, 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 prematurely leaking to the internet (which is a near impossibility these days), The Raconteurs made the surprise announcement yesterday without any press, publicity, blog-fare, etc.
New Indie-Metal Supergroup, Kingdom of Sorrow
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 | 10:52 PM
When 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 that secret VJ society). I've been known to enjoy a good Hatebreed album, and I also wanted to let you know of his current whereabouts (in case you were inclined to ever ask me in person).
Kingdom of Sorrow is touring in support of their self-titled debut (Relapse Records) and is playing Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago tonight.
Indie Music's Version of the Grammy Awards Tonight
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 | 9:54 PM
Thursday, 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).
Beastie Boys Tonight in NYC!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 | 9:06 AM
For 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 show...
NIN: 36 Chambers
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 | 7:33 AM
Much 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).
Myron Cope 1929-2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | 10:02 AM
Even 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 old enough to appreciate Cope's genius, he became an inspiration to me. Here's a guy who fumbled through his words, had trouble pronouncing players' names, and had a voice that had no right being on radio. Yet his love and excitement for the game transcended it all. He was to announcing what Nirvana was to hair-metal bands. He made it seem realistic for people like me to land an on-air job in television.
Cope's claim to fame was his invention of the Terrible Towel. Before a 1975 Steeler's playoff game, Cope was pressured by the front office to come up with a gimmick that would get fans excited for the game. Since Cope didn't want the fans to spend money (we like to pinch pennies in Pittsburgh), he told the Pittsburgh faithful to bring something to the game that they already owned--a hand towel. Cope got on the airwaves and instructed everyone to bring either a black or gold towel to the game and wave it over their heads. He christened the invention "The Terrible Towel."
Any time you go to a sporting event, or concert for that matter, and see someone twirling a t-shirt or towel over their head, just remember who started it.
I'm sending a "double yoi" up to heaven today.
Myron Cope 1929-2008
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