Posted on 20 April 2009
“Major Lazer is a Jamaican commando who lost his arm in the secret Zombie War of 1984. The US military rescued him and repurposed experimental lazers as prosthetic limbs. Since then Major Lazer has been a hired renegade soldier for a rogue government operating in secrecy underneath the watch of M5 and the CIA.” Press release WIN. Under the Major Lazer umbrella, Switch and Diplo have concocted a Jamaican dancehall-inspired party album featuring vocal cameos from friends like Amanda Blank and Santigold. First single “Hold The Line” features a machine gun surf riff and toasting from Mr. Lexx and Ms. White. On the ID3 genre field, it said “Raggamuffingangsterkrunkdubstepsurfrock,” so file under that. Diplo and Switch produced “Paper Planes” so don’t be surprised to hear ringing phones and cash registers along with neighs. Did I mention Major Lazer “fights vampires and various monsters” and has a rocket powered skateboard? Basic concept album stuff.
Continue reading “Paper Planes” Producers Recruit Santigold For Monster War…
Posted on 20 April 2009
Although the Cambridge quintet was pretty green when Amrit and I checked out its Pianos residency last summer, kids were going apeshit for Passion Pit’s synthpop hooks and helium vocals. MTV got on board during CMJ and these days a Lily cameo seems inevitable (almost there, guys). HypeM support has also been strong, but Passion Pit aren’t in danger of being classified as Blog Rock. Blog Howard Jones maybe. Nevertheless, given that the Internet has them tipped for greatness, expect a backlash by summer with NME fanning the fire. And in the meantime, let’s enjoy their cool new video. Think rock, paper, scissors…
Continue reading New Passion Pit Video - “The Reeling”…
Posted on 20 April 2009
For you get at least five studio updates per week over the course of three months, with an update defined as at least five minutes of “unique audio/video material” that’ll be part of a “substantial ‘art film.’” Says Billy, “I am excited to make this offer to anyone who might be interested what goes on behind the wizard’s curtain. It is my goal to far exceed the normal docmentary [sic] process.” More details at his site. Stay tuned to Stereogum.com for minute-by-minute updates on everything Billy Corgan does, apparently.
Posted on 20 April 2009
We just saw Perry Farrell and his wife practically fuck onstage at Coachella. Things between members of Jane’s Addiction aren’t as amorous. In a Reuters interview yesterday, the band’s frontman says tourmate Trent Reznor tried and failed to mediate after watching JA “explode” on each other in the studio. The silver lining, Perry says, is that at least this reunion’s not a bore. “As long as they can handle it, I can handle it. … It could be worse. We could be drafted.” In happier news, you can expect Jane’s to start giving away more free MP3 singles soon, starting with a song called “Embrace the Darkness.” “I don’t even believe in selling music,” he told The Los Angeles Times in a separate Q&A. “I believe in giving it away in creative ways, and beautiful parties and festivals.” I’ll have what he’s having.
Posted on 20 April 2009
Posted on 20 April 2009
No coke rap at Coachella. “Unfortunately, Clipse had to cancel and there’s nothing Coachella can do about it,” a fest rep announced two minutes after the Norfolk duo were scheduled to play the Gobi tent last night. Consolation: a DJ Kahli-produced Gayfish collab from Till the Casket Drops featuring artwork by Kaws. Hear it at reupgangrecords.net/blog (via Pitchfork).
Posted on 20 April 2009
On Friday night, the Smashing Pumpkin took a break from rehearsals to join Mavis Staples at WTTW’s Chicago Tonight 25th Anniversary Benefit. The pair sang “For What It’s Worth,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and “I’ll Take You There.” SmashingPumpkins.com has pics. The next day Billy went shopping at his favorite record store, Vintage Vinyl in Evanston, IL. He didn’t know it was Record Store Day, though! Just a coincidence. Billy Corgan doesn’t need a holiday to support indie record stores. In this sharp-looking impromptu Q&A, a friendly Billy is asked to share thoughts on record stores anyway. He also talks about the superiority of vinyl and the drawbacks of music blogs.
Continue reading Billy Corgan Accidentally Celebrates Record Store Day…
Posted on 20 April 2009
Sonic Youth recently road tested some of The Eternal in South America and since then have been working on a bunch of projects that actually have nothing to do with their much-anticipated Matador debut. Thurston Moore curated one of Spencer Sweeney & Stereogum’s Santa’s Sessions and laid down guitar and vocals on Jemina Pearl’s new album. He and the rest of SY then hooked up with John Paul Jones to score Nearly Ninety, a new production from legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham. Their energy remains eternal.
Continue reading New Sonic Youth - “Sacred Trickster”…
Posted on 18 April 2009
Indie music shops are struggling, and today we lend a hand with our combined foot traffic. The array of exclusive vinyl is impressive, and many stores are staging concerts. Find the nearest participating retailer here (even if you’re at Coachella!) and share your purchases and sleevefaces in the comments.
Posted on 17 April 2009
I know you’ve been wondering about newlyweds Ryan Adams and Mandy Moore. Who programs the DVR? Does Ryan sneak Marlboro Lights? Are the two going to record together? EW caught up with the musician/actress/lingerie model whose new album Amanda Leigh is out 5/26 (don’t be too judgmental, she has good taste). Says the Mrs., “There’s a lot more metal being played in the house than ever before. It’s like, ‘No, no, that’s hair metal, that’s not black metal. And that’s more melodic Scandinavian metal.’ It’s hard to discern, but I’m starting to get there.” Sounds like me and Stosuy. Also, she’s obsessed with Fleet Foxes.
Continue reading Mandy Moore Talks Ryan Adams, Robin Pecknold…
