Alan Moore - Unearthing (August 31 Release)

Unearthing is an audio and visual project uniting legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, award-winning photographer Mitch Jenkins, and a cast of high calibre musicians. This unique creation consists of an epic, bewitching story written and narrated by Moore set against a mesmerizing score from Crook&Flail, Stuart Braithwaite, Zach Hill, Justin Broadrick, Mike Patton and others.

Alan Moore is best known for his groundbreaking graphic novels, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, From Hell, V For Vendetta, and The Watchmen. These, along with work for 2000 AD and DC Comics, have established Moore as one of the most influential and important writers in the history of comics. His output has sold millions, lead to numerous awards and been adapted for feature films- Moore has even made a cameo appearance on The Simpsons.

The musical score for Unearthing is produced by Crook& Flail, a partnership between Andrew Broder and Adam Drucker. Broder is the multi-instrumentalist behind the band Fog, whilist Drucker's adventures under his Doseone solo guise- and with cLOUDEAD, Themselves and Subtle. Together the pair have listed an impressive array of talented collaborators, including Strart Braithwhite of post rockers Mogwai, drummer Zach Hill from acclaimed experimental band Hella, the trailblazing and prolific Justin Broadrick of Napalm Death, Godflesh and Jesu and alternative rock hero and Faith No More/Mr. Bungle/Tomahawk/Fantomas frontman, Mike Patton.

David Bowie "Station to Station" Deluxe due out September 28th

Courtesy of Pitchfork:



On September 28 in the U.S. (September 20 in Europe), EMI reissues David Bowie's coke-fueled 1976 freak out Station to Station in two bonus-laden packages. The three-CD Special Edition features the album and audio from a concert at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum that took place March 23, 1976.

The decidedly more outlandish Super Deluxe Limited Edition (pictured) features those same three CDs along with LPs, DVD audio, an EP of single versions from the record, and tons of photos and paraphernalia including a replica of a Bowie fan club membership card. It's serious. Both editions feature new liner notes from music writer and director Cameron Crowe.

Full tracklist and list of insane bonuses below:

Station to Station Special Edition:

Station to Station (original analog master):

01 Station to Station
02 Golden Years
03 Word on a Wing
04 TVC15
05 Stay
06 Wild Is the Wind

Live Nassau Coliseum '76 (part one):

01 Station to Station
02 Suffragette City
03 Fame
04 Word on a Wing
05 Stay
06 Waiting for the Man
07 Queen Bitch

Live Nassau Coliseum '76 (part two):

01 Life on Mars?
02 Five Years
03 Panic in Detroit
04 Changes
05 TVC15
06 Diamond Dogs
07 Rebel Rebel
08 The Jean Genie

Station to Station Super Deluxe Limited Edition:

All of the above plus:

Singles Versions E.P.:

01 Golden Years
02 TVC15
03 Stay
04 Word on a Wing (first time on CD)
05 Station to Station (previously unreleased version)

-- Station to Station and Live Nassau Coliseum '76 on LP
-- Station to Station DVD audio
-- Station to Station 1985 RCA CD master
-- 24-page booklet with never before seen photos
-- Poster
-- Backstage pass replica
-- Concert ticket replica
-- Press photos
-- Replica fan club folder
-- Replica fan club membership card
-- Two collectors cards
-- Replica four-page biography
-- Two badges

Black Keys "Brothers" Deluxe Edition

* A collectible 56 page hardbound book with never-before-seen live photos, intimate backstage and studio shots of The Black Keys
* The full album 'Brothers' on CD housed in the back panel of the book
* A 9 3/4in x 6 1/2in lithograph featuring an exclusive photo of the band - a limited number will be Autographed!

Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Dark Night of the Soul Deluxe Edition

Dark Night Of The Soul is an album by audio auteur Danger Mouse and the already much-missed Sparklehorse. The record sees the pair joined by the following remarkable roll call of guests: The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Black Francis (The Pixies), Iggy Pop, David Lynch, James Mercer (The Shins/Broken Bells), Nina Persson (The Cardigans), Suzanne Vega and Vic Chesnutt. Rumors of this mysterious collaborative project began to circulate in early 2009 sparking widespread anticipation and excitement. Now, following months of talks, Danger Mouse and EMI are excited and proud to announce that Dark Night Of The Soul will be released worldwide in July.

While this beautiful, haunting record being made widely and legitimately available is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, the news is shadowed by sadness following the recent passing of Mark Linkous, who released and performed under the Sparklehorse pseudonym. Dark Night Of The Soul will now stand as a de facto tribute to this well-loved, stunningly talented yet often-overlooked artist. In addition to featuring on two songs, celebrated film director David Lynch has created a series of original photographs for Dark Night Of The Soul adding a spectacular visual dimension that will be incorporated in to the artwork for this already unparalleled project.

The deluxe version includes: 2xLPs, CD, instrumental CD, poster, lobby cards and 48-page 12x12 booklet features photos by David Lynch

Rolling Stones "Exile on Main St." Fan Packs

On June 29th, the Stones are releasing some super deluxe fan packages. Expensive but very cool. Details are below. Each set can be ordered with the desired t-shirt size. (Medium, Large or X-Large)

1) Stones Touring Party Deluxe Road Case Box





This is the ultimate fan piece! The high end, deluxe road case pays homage to the legendary 1972 North American Tour. Packaged in a replica heavy-board road case construction with antiqued metal locks, hinges, and handle.

This high end, exclusive box set includes:

* Deluxe edition CD of "Exile on Main St." with 10 unreleased tracks
* "Exile on Main St." double LP Record
* 24in x 18in frameable lithograph print of famous tour poster art; features plate stamp of band signatures; packaged in archive black sleeve with foil stamp of Licks symbol - exclusive to this edition
* The Rolling Stones - 1972 North American Hardcover Tour Book by Bob Gruen; shot during the final shows of the tour in New York's Madison Square Garden; Legendary photographer, Bob Gruen captures the band at the peak of the tour with rare and intimate photos - A must-have for all Stones collectors
* Recreation of the vintage early-Licks "72 Tour T-Shirt worn by Mick Jagger" - exclusive to this edition
* STP flight crew pin - exclusive to this edition
* 2 replica backstage passes
* 8 replica ticket stub set of various concerts on the tour
* 3 replicas of Mick, Keith, and Charlie's 1972 STP laminate badges with custom STP lanyard
* A replica '72 hotel room keychain from LA's Continental Hyatt House where band stayed

Weight: 15 pounds
Dimensions: 25in W x 6in H x 19in D

2) Stones Touring Party Fan Pack







1972 North American Tour fan pack! The high end, mini road case pays homage to the legendary S.T.P. Tour. Packaged in a replica heavy-board road case construction.

This high end, exclusive box set includes:

* Deluxe edition CD of "Exile on Main St." with 10 unreleased tracks
* The Rolling Stones - 1972 North American Softcover Tour Book by Bob Gruen; shot during the final shows of the tour in New York's Madison Square Garden; Legendary photographer, Bob Gruen captures the band at the peak of the tour with rare and intimate photos - A must-have for all Stones collectors
* Recreation of the vintage early-Licks "72 Tour T-Shirt" sold on tour- exclusive to this edition
* 24in x 36in (folded) replica poster of original promo Ad from "Exile on Main St."
* 2 replica backstage passes
* 8 replica ticket stub set of various concerts on the tour
* 3 replicas of Mick, Keith, and Charlie's 1972 STP laminate badges with custom STP lanyard
* A replica '72 hotel room keychain from LA's Continental Hyatt House where band stayed

Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 12.5in W x 9.5in H x 6.5in

3) Stones - Transmission Box Set





This Limited Edition Box Set contains the re-mastered 180 gram Double Vinyl "Exile On Main St." album with exclusive vintage black "Exile on Main St." album art t-shirt.

4) Stones - Tumbling Dice 45s Singles Case







This exclusive, high-end 45's Case Box Set includes:

* Reproduction of original "Tumbling Dice/Sweet Black Angel" 45 & "Happy All on the Line" 45; re-masterd and re-produced with original artwork - exclusive to this set
* Tumbling Dice T-Shirt
* 45's travel box featuring "Exile on Main St" album artwork
* Vintage Licks Belt Buckle; Re-creation of Licks Buckle sold during early 1970's "Exile On Main St." Era

Under the Radar: Henry Clay People

New album "Somewhere on the Golden Coast" out June 8th on Glassnote.

From the L.A. Times:

HENRY CLAY PEOPLE
There’s a big part of Los Angeles holding its breath waiting for these boys to break out. Bands like the Hold Steady, Pavement and the Replacements are often cited when talking about the Henry Clay People, but an affinity for those is not necessary. THCP stands on its own, delivering songs with heart to those who are hungry and turning the mundane into straight-up American rock. On “Working Part Time,” Joey Siara (who fronts the band with brother Andy) sings, “We were working part time all the time…We got drunk and called in sick.” Who can’t relate to that? The group’s live show is a blast of fist-pumping chaos—bodies crashing, spilled drinks. And that’s just onstage. THCP kicks off a U.S. tour with Silversun Pickups and Against Me! on June 15. With a third CD, Somewhere on the Golden Coast, about to hit on the same label that released Radiohead’s In Rainbows, everything is in its right place for great things to come. —Kat Corbett

Cool Soundtracks Alert: Friday Night Lights Vol. 2 and True Blood Vol. 2

On May 18th, the soundtrack for Friday Night Lights Vol. 2 is being released. Cool lineup of artists. Here is the tracklisting:

1. Percussion Gun - White Rabbits
2. Sway - Heartless Bastards
3. Killed Myself When I Was Young - A.A. Bondy
4. Fire - Augustana
5. Something Good This Way Comes - Jakob Dylan
6. I Know What I Am - Band of Skulls
7. Meanest Man In the World, The - John Doe
8. If It's the Beaches - The Avett Brothers
9. What You Hide - The A.M.
10. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Sufjan Stevens
11. This is the Thing - Fink
12. Friday Night Lights Theme - W.G. Snuffy Walden



And on May 25th, True Blood Soundtrack Vol. 2 will be released with an even cooler lineup of artists including a new song from Beck. Here is the tracklisting:

01 M. Ward: "Howlin' for My Baby"
02 Jace Everett and CC Adcock: Evil (Is Going On)
03 Beck: "Bad Blood"
04 Robbie Robertson: "How to Become Clairvoyant"
05 Jr. Walker and The All Stars: "Shake and Fingerpop"
06 Screamin' Jay Hawkins: "Frenzy"
07 Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello: "Kiss Like Your Kiss"
08 Buddy and Julie Miller: "Gasoline and Matches"
09 Chuck Prophet: "You Did (Bomp Shooby Dooby Bomp)"
10 The 13th Floor Elevators: "You're Gonna Miss Me"
11 Eels: "Fresh Blood"
12 Thievery Corporation: "The Forgotten People" (Bon Temps Remix)
13 King Britt and Sister Gertrude Morgan: "New World in My View"
14 Bob Dylan: "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'"

Cool Re-issue Alert: Kris Kristofferson - Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends: The Publishing Demos 1968-72

Over 5 years in the making, and with the attention to detail and elaborate packaging the label is known for, LITA 050 is none other than the never-before-released 1968-1972 demos of Texas-born Renaissance man and maverick songwriting pioneer, Kris Kristofferson. With the outlaw Highwayman's full blessing, Light In The Attic is proud and honored to present Kristofferson s honest and upfront formative takes on the tunes that would eventually become part of the great American songbook.

Since penning these numbers (many of which were written during the mid-to-late 60s while working as a janitor for Columbia Records in Nashville), over 500 artists including patron saint Johnny Cash, one-time lover Janis Joplin, and co-actor Bob Dylan (to name but three), have covered Kristofferson's material. While we shouldn't forget his vast commercial accomplishments as an award-winning recording artist and actor, it's these soul-stirring demos that laid the groundwork for his rough and tumble creative journey. Drop the needle and be transported into the intimate candle lit studio session like a fly on the wall.

Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends: The Demos 1968-72 features comprehensive liner notes by Michael Simmons (MOJO, LA Weekly), including interviews with Kristofferson, the musicians, and other related-folks from these landmark sessions. Plus, dig into a handful of testimonials from friends Dennis Hopper and Merle Haggard. Includes full lyrics housed in a massive 60 page full color booklet featuring unseen photos and archival material, plus a gloriously mastered audio soundtrack.

The Cure - Disintegration 20th Anniversary Box Set Due Out May 25th

The new edition includes a remastered version of the original album and a disc of outtakes and demos. The third disc contains an expanded version of the live album Entreat, containing live versions of every song on Disintegration recorded during a 1989 three-night stand at London's Wembley Arena.

You also get a 20-page booklet with previously unreleased photos and art and a period overview from Cure frontman Robert Smith. Smith is responsible for compiling, producing, and supervising the mastering of the whole shebang.

Disintegration: Deluxe Edition:

CD1 (remastered album):

01 Plainsong
02 Pictures of You
03 Closedown
04 Lovesong
05 Last Dance
06 Lullaby
07 Fascination Street
08 Prayers for Rain
09 The Same Deep Water as You
10 Disintegration
11 Homesick
12 Untitled

CD2 (rarities):

01 Prayers for Rain (RS Home Demo [Instrumental])
02 Pictures of You (RS Home Demo [Instrumental])
03 Fascination Street (RS Home Demo [Instrumental])
04 Homesick (Band Rehearsal [Instrumental])
05 Fear of Ghosts (Band Rehearsal [Instrumental])
06 Noheart (Band Rehearsal [Instrumental]) *
07 Esten (Band Demo [Instrumental]) *
08 Closedown (Band Demo [Instrumental])
09 Lovesong (Band Demo [Instrumental])
10 2 Late (Alternate Version) (Band Demo [Instrumental])
11 The Same Deep Water as You (Band Demo [Instrumental])
12 Disintegration (Band Demo [Instrumental])
13 Untitled (Alternate Version) (Studio Rough [Instrumental])
14 Babble (Alternate Version) (Studio Rough [Instrumental])
15 Plainsong (Studio Rough [Guide Vocal])
16 Last Dance (Studio Rough [Guide Vocal])
17 Lullaby (Studio Rough [Guide Vocal])
18 Out of Mind (Studio Rough [Guide Vocal])
19 Delirious Night (Rough Mix [Vocal]) *
20 Pirate Ships(RS Solo, Rough Mix [Vocal]) *

CD3 (Entreat Plus -- Disintegration performed live at Wembley Arena in 1989):

01 Plainsong *
02 Pictures of You
03 Closedown
04 Lovesong *
05 Last Dance
06 Lullaby *
07 Fascination Street
08 Prayers for Rain
09 The Same Deep Water as You *
10 Disintegration
11 Homesick
12 Untitled

* Previously unreleased

(details courtesy of Pitchfork.com)

Band of Horses - Deluxe Package Details

INCLUDES:

*180G vinyl

*CD (slipcase)

*Download card of full album

*Collector's Edition poster

*10 High Quality Photos by Christopher Wilson

*All packaged in custom/limited edition box set (cardboard)

Trent Reznor's New Group: How to Destroy Angels

6 song EP due out this summer.

More details here:

http://pitchfork.com/news/38633-trent-reznor-and-wife-mariqueen-maandig-are-how-to-destroy-angels/

01 from How To Destroy Angels on Vimeo.

Details of Super Deluxe Rolling Stones - Exile on Main St. Release

Super deluxe package features the original 18 track release, bonus CD with 10 special bonus tracks, the original 18 track vinyl, a 30-minute documentary DVD with footage from Cocksucker Blues, Ladies and Gentlemen... the Rolling Stones and Stones in Exile, and a 50-page collector's book with photos from the Exile era.

Regular 18 track CD, deluxe CD with a bonus CD feat. 10 bonus tracks and the 18 track LP will also be available separately.

L.A. Times Article on Record Store Day

"The holiday season comes in April for independent retailers. Sales for the third-annual Record Store Day were reported to be their highest ever, with a large uptake in vinyl and single sales reflected in Nielsen SoundScan's weekly numbers."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/04/on-the-charts-record-store-day-is-more-important-than-christmas.html#more

Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse - Dark Night of The Soul

Finally coming out. July 13th.

Cool Re-Issue Alert: Otis Redding - Live on the Sunset Strip 2CD Set

On May 18, old-school soul fans can purchase a slice of music history in the form of a 2-CD box set featuring the recordings of a series of 1966 live performances by Otis Redding at Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles. Live On The Sunset Strip covers three live sets, sequenced exactly as the sets unfolded, including Redding’s spoken intros. The set also includes a booklet with rare photos and liner note commentary by NPR Morning Edition‘s Ashley Kahn. “In 1966, Redding was 24 and defined not only the sound but the style and look of a true soul man. Tall and lanky, he was ready to drop to his knees and tear off the thin-lapelled jacket of his sharply pressed suit when it was time to deliver the goods," Kahn’s notes read. "His ten-piece band was his personal, traveling amen-corner, urging him to testify night after night . . . His out-of-breath stage patter was warm and downhome. ‘Ladies and gentlemens,’ he addressed his fans, ‘holler as loud as you wanna — you ain’t home!’” The set marks the first time the live sets, which include "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Security,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Satisfaction,” “Respect,” “These Arms of Mine” and “Just One More Day,” have been available in their entirety. (courtesy of Paste Magazine)

My Record Store Day 2010 Purchases

Soundgarden Play First Reunited Show in Seattle

http://www.spin.com/articles/reunited-soundgarden-play-secret-seattle-show

Cool Re-issue Alert: Iggy Pop & the Stooges - Raw Power

2CD Deluxe Edition out April 13th!

First released on Columbia Records in 1973, the savagely bombastic Raw Power is perhaps the first record that could truly be called punk. It was the confluence of The Stooges' ages, hormones, creativity, ability, experience, tastes, lack of supervision, contempt for authority and ambition that has made Raw Power one of the most influential albums of all time. This Legacy Edition features the original 1973 David Bowie mix along with a second disc of previously unreleased live recordings from the Raw Power tour and studio outtakes.

Cool Re-issue Alert: David Bowie - David Bowie

2CD Deluxe Edition out now!

David Bowie's 1967 debut album for Decca finally receives the Deluxe Edition treatment. Disc One features the original stereo and mono mixes of the album stunningly remastered by Peter Mew and Tris Penna at Abbey Road Studios . This is the first time that the mono mix has been available in any format since the late '60s and is obviously the first time on CD. Disc Two features the singles, unreleased stereo mixes, the legendary unreleased single "London Bye Ta-Ta" and 5 Previously Unreleased tracks recorded for John Peel's Top Gear programme in 1967. All in all, there are a total of 53 tracks over the two CDs with 26 appearing on CD for the very first time! Sleeve notes by Tris Penna and Kevin Cann.

Message from Josh Homme, 2010 Record Store Day Ambassador

This is What All CD Packaging Should Look Like

New Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in a cool, cardboard slipcase with a pullout sleeve for the CD and a poster/lyric sheet. Packaged like an album. Very cool.

Under the Radar: Fang Island

Pitchfork just gave them a Best New Music rating, a solid 8.3. Here is part of their write up:

Brooklyn's Fang Island describe their aesthetic as "everyone high-fiving everyone." So it's appropriate that the band's website features a video of them jamming out with kindergartners and another with Andrew WK-- people so caught up in having a good time that you sometimes wonder if they're bullshitting you. What helps Fang Island steamroll past cynicism is how "fun" isn't just an ornament for them, it's embedded in the band's musical DNA.

Fang Island's self-titled second album is joyous despite its general lack of verses or choruses. It's fractured like any post-punk record while also speaking the language of classic rock, yet often feels like an intricate collage pieced together from elements that make songs memorable-- palm-muted power chords following wide-open intros, blistering solos, double-time outros. Pretty much all of that is crammed into the deleriously infectious "Daisy", an emphatic crossbreed of the Go! Team and the Promise Ring's "Is This Thing On?" The dance routine in the song's video feels like the only natural reaction to hearing it.

Album out now on Sargent House thru Redeye.

Under the Radar: Acrassicauda

Acrassicauda is an Iraqi thrash metal band formed in 2001. They are often credited as being the first heavy metal group to emerge from Iraq. They became well known outside of the local Iraqi metal scene after Vice magazine did a profile of them. They received even greater coverage when they were profiled in a feature length documentary about the band and their troubles in Iraq called, Heavy Metal in Baghdad.

Fun fact: Acrassicauda (the scientific name for black scorpion).

Only The Dead See The End Of The War EP out now on Vice Records

Under the Radar: Zeus

Zeus was born from the musical friendship of Mike O'Brien and Carlin Nicholson. The two Toronto-based musicians have been living on the road for the past few years as the backing band for singer/songwriter and Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett. With a lineup rounded out by longtime friends and musical compatriots Rob Drake and Neil Quin, Zeus draws upon classic influences to craft timeless songs, complete with fuzzed out guitars and shimmering harmonies. As astute students of the history of rock n' roll and purveyors of a sound that cross-references the British Invasion with `70s southern U.S. rock, these producer extraordinaires create powerful and infectious music and do so as though it's an entirely natural process.

CD & LP out now on Arts & Crafts.

Under the Radar: The Heart is a Drum Machine DVD

The movie was made by the same folks who created the quirky, popular 2006 doc Moog, and features a long list of musicians and actors, including Wayne Coyne, Jason Schwartzman, Elijah Wood, Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, Britt Daniel of Spoon, Juliette Lewis, John Frusciante, Maynard James Keenan, etc. The original score was created by The Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd.

DVD out now.

Wired Magazine review here:

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/03/review-heart-is-a-drum-machine/

Cool Article About 6 Record Stores in Seattle.

MATT VAUGHAN AT EASY STREET WEST SEATTLE “The days of ordering 1,000 copies of a Modest Mouse CD… are over.”

Are We in a Music Retailspin? An Interview with Six Seattle Record Store Heads on How Their Stores are Surviving: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/are-we-in-a-music-retailspin/Content?oid=3581853

OK Go Leaving Capitol Records

Courtesty of LAtimes.com:

On Feb. 20, Damian Kulash of OK Go published an op-ed piece in the New York Times expressing annoyance at his label, Capitol/EMI, that his band’s wildly popular videos are forbidden from being embedded on sites other than YouTube. He’s not going to have that problem in the future -- the band officially announced today that it's parted ways with Capitol to go it alone on its own label.

“Major labels are facing a difficult future,” Kulash told Pop & Hiss. “The conditions we were signed under have passed, and we were likely to wind up funding ourselves anyway. I just didn’t think we were going to be able to do this so quickly. I don’t feel bilious about it. They’re not bad people at Capitol. They’re really doing us a favor.”

Kulash stressed that there was no tension between band and label over the op-ed piece. He said that OK Go had been more or less seriously planning to leave Capitol for months, and that the New York Times just happened to schedule his piece at a moment when the band had begun earnestly pursuing a dissolution of its contract. His list of difficulties with the label was more prosaic -- slashed budgets for the band’s much-beloved videos, less tour support and small, infuriating gestures such as unembeddable videos. (A representative for EMI was unable to comment yet.)

“All the people we worked with at the label wanted to see our videos embeddable. They aren’t morons,” Kulash said. “That was just a decision that made its way down the chain. Now, it’s just having one less useless cook in the kitchen.”
The band has a new album, “Of the Blue Colour of the Sky,” to promote, and OK Go's members admit that the burden of self-financing is simultaneously liberating and daunting. But they feel that the goodwill they’ve built up from their videos and constant touring will be enough to carry them forward.

“We’re one of the small percentage of bands that are actually fiscally solvent,” Kulash said. “The issue is just start-up capital; the business is already running well. A larger business like Capitol needs to aggregate its risk, and while we’re sorry not to have access to their pockets, they were only really available to the biggest acts anyways, and we’re not Coldplay.”
The band will release new material through its own new label, Paracadute, and the group's marketing savvy (the band’s embeddable clip for “This Too Shall Pass” pulled more than 6 million views in its first week online) makes it as likely a candidate as any to survive as a self-sustaining act. But Kulash also has a creeping fear that the new necessity for business savvy among young artists might distort the question of who gets to make art.

“We only want to understand the logistics of the record business as long as it keeps us afloat creatively,” Kulash said. “Whenever I read music business magazines or blogs, I get nauseous. With the op-eds, we’re usually just chugging along as band, and when something gets in the way, I’ll say, ‘This counters common sense’ and write about it. But my great fear now is that if every musician is their own business, we’ll be self-selective towards very calculating musicians. I don’t think that being a clear thinker and being a great musician are mutually exclusive, but that’s not historically the trend."

-- August Brown

Band of Horses "Infinite Arms" Due Out May 18th

Animal Collective DVD Due Out June 29th

Details courtesy of Pitchfork.com:

You have until June 29 to get yourself some really comfortable floor pillows. That's when the DVD version of ODDSAC, the new movie (or, if you prefer, "visual album") from Animal Collective and frequent collaborator Danny Perez, will be released.

The DVD will include some bonus content besides just the film, though we don't yet know what that bonus content will be. In the meantime, the film will screen in various cities around the U.S. during the month of March, with Perez and members of the band on hand at all screenings. Check below for the list of screenings, and for the film's freaked-out trailer.

Meanwhile, Animal Collective and Perez teamed up to take over New York's Guggenheim Museum last week. We've got a bunch of photos of the big event here. Oh, and A.C. member Panda Bear is totally playing the Pitchfork Music Festival.

ODDSAC screenings:

03-17 Chicago IL - Music Box Theatre
03-20 Minneapolis MN - The Cedar
03-22 Los Angeles CA - ArcLight Cinerama Dome
03-25 San Francisco CA - Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
03-29 Portland OR - Cinema 21
03-30 Seattle WA - The Egyptian Theatre

Record Store Day 2010 Titles

Record Store Day Titles 2010 (probably something or somethings on this list won't end up being released but here is the most exhaustive, up to date list I've found so far):

Beach House “Zebra” 12”

The Album Leaf “There Is a Wind” 12”

Dum Dum Girls/ Male Bonding 7”

Happy Birthday “Shampoo” 7”

Soundgarden “Hunted Down” 7” Reissue

CocoRosie “Lemonade” 7”

SP20: Casual Nostalgia Fest CD

telekenesis - dirty thing 7"

superchunk -misfits & mistakes (AUTOGRAPHED) 7"

Hundred in the Hands-Undressed in Dresden 7"

Jamie Lidell-Compass 7"

Deerhoof-Apple O-LP

Deerhoof-Green Cosmos-LP

Daedelius-Righteous Fist of Harmony 12"

Bonobo-Eyesdown 12"

Josh Ritter-So Runs the World Away LP+CD

Dave Holland Octet-Pathways LP

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez-Solar Gambling LP

RX Bandits-Live at Park Avenue CD

Budos Band/Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Day Tripper/Money 7"

David Bazan-Live at Electrical Audio-LP

David Bazan-Live at Electrical Audio-CD

Menomena+Helio Sequence-Pilgrim's Progress/Converter 7"

Thermals/Cribs - split 7"

Apples in Stereo-Future Vintage Covers of the Apples in Stereo-LP (with Ted Leo, Elf Power, Maps & Atlases, more...)

let's wrestle/love language 7"

Integrity - brand new 7" w/etched B-side

This Will Destroy You "Moving on the Edges of Things" 10"

The All-American Rejects "Bad Eggs" 12"

Bouncing Souls - some record - no info yet

HOLD STEADY / HEAVEN IS WHENEVER LP 24.98

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY ( WYLDE,ZAKK ) / SKULLAGE LP 29.98

LENNON,JOHN / SINGLES BAG: 7 INCH BOXSET 7” 18.98

SEX PISTOLS / GREAT ROCK N ROLL SWINDEL LP 25.98

SICK PUPPIES / LIVE & UNPLUGGED CD 4.98

BIRD & THE BEE / INTERPRETING THE MASTERS 1: A TRIBUTE LP 17.98

GABRIEL,PETER / BOOK OF LOVE 7” 6.98

GOLDFRAPP / HEAD FIRST LP 16.98

LACUNA COIL / SHALLOW LIFE: ACOUSTIC... 7” 6.98

MARY ONETTES / NIGHT BEFORE THE FUNERAL 7” 6.98

BAEZ,JOAN / JOAN BAEZ LP 20.98

MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT / TODAY LP 20.98

FAHEY,JOHN / YELLOW PRINCESS LP 20.98

WATSON,DOC / DOC WATSON LP 20.98

GUY,BUDDY / MAN & THE BLUES LP 20.98

PLANTS & ANIMALS / LA LA LAND LP 15.98

RADIO GALAXIA / VARIOUS LP 17.98

BIRD SONGS / VARIOUS LP 15.98

CYPRESS HILL / RISE UP LP 20.98

SPRINGSTEEN,BRUCE/WRECKING BALL,GHOST OF TOM JOAD 10” 6.98

COHEED AND CAMBRIA/GUNS OF SUMMER 7” 6.98

MATTHEWS,DAVE-REYNOLDS,TIM/SQUIRM-LYING IN… 7” 3.49

PRESLEY,ELVIS/THAT’S ALL RIGHT 7” 7.98

FUN/AIM AND IGNITE 12” 29.98

GOGOL BORDELLO/WE COMIN’ ROUGHER... 7” 4.98

GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS/LEGION SESSIONS CD 6.98

DYLAN,JAKOB & COURTYARD HOUNDS/SEE YOU IN SPRING 7” 4.98

HENDRIX,JIMI/LIVE AT CLARK UNIV 1968 12” 10.98

COSTELLO,ELVIS / LIVE AT HOLLYWOOD HIGH 7” 7.98

GODSMACK / GODSMACK RECORD STORE DAY 7” 4.98

LA ROUX / BULLETPROOF: LIVE & REMIXED 7” 4.98

OWL CITY / OWL CITY RECORD STORE DAY 7” 4.98

Exclusive Record Store Day titles available, more TBA...

POTTER,GRACE & NOCTURNALS / LIVE IN SKOWHEGAN CD 6.99

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE / FEEL GOOD HIT... (PICTURE DISC) LP 15.98

REM / CHRONIC TOWN LP 15.98

SONIC YOUTH / HITS ARE FOR SQUARES LP 29.98

THEM CROOKED VULTURES / MIND ERASER...(PICTURE DISC) LP 15.98

TV ON THE RADIO / DEAR SCIENCE LP 15.98

WEEZER / WEEZER RADITUDE: HAPPY RECORD STORE DAY CD 5.98

WHITE LIES / REMIX EP CD 5.98

YEAH YEAH YEAH’S / SKELETONS 7” 4.98

PHOENIX / FENCES (X2) 12” 4.98

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS / YOUR WOMAN IS A LIVING THING... 7” 7.98

CAGE THE ELEPHANT / LIVE AT GRIMEY’S CD 6.98

JENNINGS,SHOOTER & HIEROPHANT / DON’T FEED... CD 4.98

WHITE RABBITS / ANTLERS / LIVE FROM DAYTROTTER 7” 7.98

ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR / FRUIT LP 16.98

KUTI,FELA / FELA KUTI (10”) 12” 14.98

INFECTED MUSHROOM / KILLING TIME (X5) 12” 6.98

JACOB FRED JAZZ ODYSSEY / SENSATION OF SEEING LIGHT 7” 7.98

JENNINGS,MASON / FINGER PRINTS: SEPTEMBER 20 2009 CD 10.98

GET UP KIDS / SIMPLE SCIENCE CD 4.98

ROYCE DA 5’9” / STREET HOP LP 19.98

DIFRANCO,ANI / LIVE AT BULL MOOSE 4-17-2009 CD 0.98

RODRIGUEZ / INNER CITY BLUES / I’M GONNA LIVE TILL I DIE 7” 6.98

DIOS / WE ARE DIOS CD 7.98

CASABLANCAS,JULIAN/11TH DIMENSION-LONG ISLAND BLUES 7” 3.49

MANCHESTER ORCH/LIVE AT PARK AVE CD 9.98

MGMT/SIBERIAN BREAKS 12” 11.98

MODEST MOUSE/MOON AND ANTARCTICA LP 29.98

HAWKINS,TAYLOR & COATTAIL RIDERS/RED LIGHT FEVER LP 19.98

PASSION PIT/LITTLE SECRETS 7” 4.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS • FRAGMENTS FROM A WORK IN PROGRESS 12” 9.98

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS • THE LIFE OF THE WORLD TO COME: DVD 18.98

ARTHUR RUSSELL • CALLING OUT OF CONTEXT LP 19.98

FUCKED UP • DAYTROTTER SESSION 7” 5.98

TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS • THE OLDEST HOUSE 7” 5.98

PAVEMENT • QUARANTINE THE PAST: THE BEST OF PAVEMENT LP 18.98

NIRVANA • IN UTERO LP (COLORED VINYL)

NIRVANA • NEVERMIND LP (COLORED VINYL)

NIRVANA • UNPLUGGED LP (COLORED VINYL)

JASON COLLETT • TO WIT TO WOO CDEP

BADLY DRAWN BOY • IS THERE NOTHING WE COULD DO? CD

Sparklehorse R.I.P.

Mark Linkous, avid collaborator and creator of four solo albums as Sparklehorse, committed suicide Saturday by shooting himself in the heart outside a friend’s home in Knoxville, Tenn. He was 47.

Under the Radar: Various Artists: Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas

'Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas: Tropicalia Psychedelic Masterpieces 1967-1976' is the title of a newly issued compilation CD containing 16 extremely rare recordings from the heyday of early heavy Brazilian rock. Released on Tropicalia in Furs Records, the collection, compiled by Joel Stones, includes what is described in a press release as "some of the rarest and best examples of fuzzy, funky Brazilian psychedelia," all of it previously un-reissued and newly remastered.

The package also includes a 36-page full-color booklet stuffed with detailed annotation (in both English and Portuguese) and vivid images. In addition, also included is an enhanced CD, 'What are Fuzz Bananas?,' a documentary on the making of the album. A vinyl two-LP gatefold edition includes a 48-page booklet and 3-D glasses. Examples of the artwork can be found here and the album in either configuration can be purchased here.

(photo is the vinyl packaging)

Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street" Re-issue May 18th

Exile on Main Street will be available in two CD formats: the original 18 track release; a deluxe CD edition with the 10 special bonus tracks; and a super deluxe package that also includes vinyl, a 30-minute documentary DVD with footage from Cocksucker Blues, Ladies and Gentlemen… the Rolling Stones and Stones in Exile, and a 50-page collector’s book with photos from the Exile era. The 10 unreleased tracks were produced by Jimmy Miller, The Glimmer Twins and Don Was.

Upon its release more than three decades ago, Exile on Main Street innovatively wove varying musical genres, instruments and even artists into a compelling rhythmic masterpiece. This new compilation features 10 tracks originally recorded during the Exile era and only recently discovered while working on the reissue project. The unearthed tracks which include such titles as “Plundered My Soul,” “Dancing in the Light,” “Following the River” and “Pass The Wine” have undergone a unique evolution, while staying true to the essence of the 1972 album. Alternate versions of “Soul Survivor” and “Loving Cup” also are a part of the Exile bonus materials.

As a complement to the release of Exile on Main Street, a documentary, “Stones in Exile,” has just been completed for fans to view on US Network television and through BBC Worldwide internationally. The documentary features rare, never-before-seen archival film, photos and interviews as well as new conversations with the band and the artists they influence. Produced by Oscar -winning filmmaker John Battsek and directed by Stephen Kijak, who is known for award-winning work on Cinemania, and Scott Walker: 30 Century Man, “Stones in Exile” offers an uncommon glimpse into the lives of the band as they created one of the greatest albums of all time.

The original 18-track double-album was recorded in various stages at multiple locations, including Olympic Studios in London, Keith Richard’s mansion Nellcote in France, and in Los Angeles where the literal “Main Street” influenced the album title. These atypical circumstances surrounding the recording process greatly affected the album’s outcome which was highly reflective and influenced by the sociopolitical turbulence that marked the late `60s and early `70s. The Stones nixed the influences of a flower-child era and directed their creative process with the edgier, excessive, “more is more” approach of the `70s. Exile reveals a sprawling mix of genres with undertones of blues, country, R&B and gospel mixed with lyrics that fervently demand for release and liberation.

The album pulled together an electric array of talent including Dr. John, the late Billy Preston and pianist Nicky Hopkins. Guitarist Mick Taylor, who replaced Brian Jones in the band shortly before Jones died in 1969, is a magnificent blues player who brought an intensity and elegance to these epic tracks. At times, these musicians and others lived on the recording studio premises with the band creating an extremely open and creative collaboration for the album.

“The album’s riveting portrait of artists pushed – by the times, by themselves – to the very limits of their creativity has provided inspiration to every musical generation that has come along since Exile was released in 1972,” said author Anthony DeCurtis. “Every song on Exile on Main Street is elevated by its relationship to the music that comes before and after it. The album’s irresistible power is unlikely to diminish any time soon.”

Under the Radar: "Shutter Island" Soundtrack

Mainly a variety of very dark, classical stuff compiled by Robbie Robertson (The Band). Soundtrack is getting excellent reviews and critical praise. Here is the tracklisting:

Disc: 1
1. Fog Tropes (Orchestra of St. Lukes, conducted by John Adams)
2. Symphony #3: Passacaglia - Allegro Moderato (National Polish Radio Symphony, conducted by Antonio Wit)
3. Music For Marcel Duchamp (Philipp Vandre, prepared piano)
4. Hommage a John Cage (Nam June Paik)
5. Lontano (Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Claudio Abbado)
6. Rothko Chapel 2 (UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus)
7. Cry (Johnny Ray)
8. On The Nature Of Daylight (Max Richter)
9. Uaxuctum: The Legend Of The Mayan City Which They Themselves Destroyed For Religious Reasons - 3rd M (Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra; Peter Rundel, conductor)
10. Quartet For Strings And Piano In A Minor (Prazak Quartet)
Disc: 2
1. Christian Zeal and Activity (John Adams / Edo de Waart & San Francisco Symphony)
2. Suite For Symphonic Strings: Nocturne (The New Professionals Orchestra, conducted by Rebecca Miller)
3. Lizard Point (Brian Eno)
4. Four Hymns, II For Cello And Double Bass (Torleif Thedeen & Entcho Radoukanov)
5. Root Of An Unfocus (John Cage)
6. Prelude - The Bay (Ingram Marshall)
7. Tomorrow Night (Lonnie Johnson)
8. This Bitter Earth / On The Nature Of Daylight (Dinah Washington & Max Richter)

More info. about how the soundtrack came to be here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/shutter-island-as-a-new-music-paradise.html

Under the Radar: Good God! Born Again Funk & Fire In My Bones

Two great funk compilations available now. Good God! is available on LP too.

NPR covers both here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124010857

Hendrix Re-issue Details

Along with the "new" Hendrix album, Valleys of Neptune, coming out on March 9th, Sony will also be re-issuing deluxe CD versions of some classic Hendrix albums and 180 gram vinyl versions including:

Axis Bold As Love
Are You Experienced
First Rays of the New Rising Sun
Electric Ladyland

Here are the product details:
DELUXE CD/DVD EDITIONS OF JIMI'S CLASSIC STUDIO ALBUMS!
All titles in lavish 6-panel digipaks
36 page booklets include detailed session info, liner notes, photos and memorabilia
DVDs contain exclusive "making of" mini documentaries
Original Classic Albums also available on 180 gram audiophile LP with gatefold jackets and color LP booklets

The National New Album Release Date

New album due out May 11th

Raekwon, Method Man & Ghostface Killah New Album

Courtesy of www.pitchfork.com

Wu-Massacre, the collaborative album between Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man, has seen its release date pushed back a ton of times since last year, and it was starting to seem like we'd never get to hear the thing, especially with Meth facing tax-evasion charges.

But hey, looks like this thing is really coming out now! Wu-Massacre now has a firm release date, a tentative tracklist, and some ridiculously awesome comic-book-inspired cover art, as you can see above.

The album is set for a March 30 release from Def Jam. Wu guys RZA and Mathematics contribute production. Wu-Tang members Inspectah Deck and Cappadonna make appearances, as do associates like Streetlife, Solomon Childs, Trife, and Sun God. The live band Rhythm Roots Allstars plays on a few tracks, and Ghostface buddy Tracy Morgan shows up on a skit.

Check below for the tentative tracklist, and click here and here for our reviews of album tracks "Mef vs. Chef" and "Our Dreams", respectively. Click here to hear "Our Dreams".

Wu-Massacre:

01 Criminology 2.5 [ft. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man]
02 Mef vs. Chef [ft. Rhythm Roots Allstars]
03 Ya Moms (skit) [ft. Raekwon and Method Man]
04 Smooth Sailing Remix [ft. Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Solomon Childs, and Streetlife]
05 Our Dreams [ft. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man]
06 Gunshowers [ft. Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and Sun God]
07 Dangerous [ft. Rhythm Roots Allstars]
08 Pimpin' Chipp [ft. Rhythm Roots Allstars]
09 How to Pay Rent (skit) [ft. Tracy Morgan]
10 Miranda [ft. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man]
11 Youngstown Heist [ft. Trife, Sheek & Bully]
12 It's That Wu Sh*t [ft. Ghostface Killah and Method Man]

Watch: Vampire Weekend Video With RZA, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lil Jon, Joe Jonas

Under the Radar: Stroke - Songs of Chris Knox

Cool Feb. 23rd release through Merge and it's for a good cause.

In June 2009, Chris Knox suffered a life-altering stroke at his home in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. This album is a celebration of Chris and his music. Chris Knox was instrumental in bringing New Zealand punk and alternative music to international audiences with Tall Dwarfs, Toy Love and with his solo work. Artists from the US (Jeff Mangum, Yo La Tengo, Mountain Goats, Will Oldham, Stephin Merritt, Bill Callahan, Lou Barlow, Jay Retard), New Zealand (The Bats, The Verlaines, The Chills) and the world over have donated their time and talents so that all proceeds can go toward assisting his recovery. All proceeds from this LIMITED EDITION CD will go to aid Chris Knox s recovery. It features deluxe die cut packaging, designed by Alec Bathgate (Chris Knox s bandmate in Tall Dwarfs). The collection features the first new music from Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) in over ten years.

Tracklisting:

Disc: 1
1. Pull Down The Shades (Jay Reatard)
2. Rebel (The Checks)
3. Ain t It Nice (The Bleeding Allstars)
4. Don t Catch Fire (Peter Gutteridge)
5. Luck Or Loveliness (The Chills)
6. Nothing s Going To Happen (David Kilgour)
7. All My Hollowness To You (The Crying Wolfs)
8. Beauty (Stephin Merritt)
9. Nostalgia s No Excuse (Portastatic)
10. Crush (The Mint Chicks)
11. I ve Left Memories Behind (Jay & Sam Clarkson)
12. Burning Blue (Skygreen Leopards)
13. The Slide (Shayne Carter)
14. Grand Mal (Pumice)
15. Knoxed Out (Hamish Kilgour)
Disc: 2
1. Not Given Lightly (Boh Runga)
2. Bodies (Red & Zeke Featuring Bill Doss And Neil Cleary)
3. Sign The Dotted Line (Jeff Mangum)
4. Lapse (Bill Callahan)
5. Growth Spurt (Genghis Smith)
6. Coloured (Yo La Tengo)
7. Dunno Much About Life But I Know How To Breathe (AC Newman)
8. Glide (Alec Bathgate)
9. Inside Story (Don McGlashan)
10. The Outer Skin (Sean Donnelly)
11. What Goes Up (Lambchop)
12. Brave (The Mountain Goats)
13. Round These Walls (The Tokey Tones)
14. Just Do It (The Bats)
15. My Only Friend (Will Oldham)
16. It s Love (The Pyjama Party)
17. Becoming Something Other (Jordan Luck)
18. Driftwood (The Verlaines)
19. Song Of The Tall Poppy (Lou Barlow)
20. Napping In Lapland (The Nothing)
21. Sunday Song (Tall Dwarfs)

Under the Radar: Various Artists - The Minimal Wave Tapes Vol. 1

Vinyl and CD out now! Here is the product info. from Stones Throw:

The Minimal Wave Tapes
CD/2LP/Digital
Release Date: Jan 26, 2010

Minimal Wave: both a genre of underground DIY electronic music from North America and Europe in the late 1970s and 80s, and the name of the label devoted to unearthing these recordings. The Minimal Wave Tapes is the first official anthology (on CD, LP and digital) of Minimal Wave music from this label. Most of the songs were originally released on limited edition cassettes or vinyl by the artists themselves, and only a handful of people knew about them. They’ve been remastered from their analog source tapes and compiled here by Minimal Wave's Veronica Vasicka and Stones Throw's Peanut Butter Wolf.

The Minimal Wave musical genre was hallmarked by the use of the analog synths and drum machines manufactured in the 70s and 80s, and characterized by simple music structures made by musicians working in the early D.I.Y. asthetic: recording on tape in their home studios, creating their own album artwork, and often collaborating via postage mail. The fanzine CLEM (Contact List Of Electronic Musicians) was very influential in creating a worldwide community for this sort of music, before digital technology and the internet came into play.

Minimal Wave the label was founded in New York City in 2005 by Veronica Vasicka, who focused the label solely on obscure Minimal Wave recordings, remastering and releasing them on limited vinyl and digital.

The Minimal Waves Tapes fits neatly into Stones Throw Records' own tradition of compiling or reissuing the independent music of the past which influences the independent music we make today - 60s funk (The Funky 16 Corners), early 80s hip-hop (The Third Unheard) and West Coast Electro/Rap (Arabian Prince's Innovative Life) to name a few.

Pitchfork just gave the album an 8.0 Best New Music Rating:

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13910-the-minimal-wave-tapes-vol-1/