Paul Westerberg Self-Releases New Full-Length Album for 49¢ on Amazon
By Mango Starr on 07-22-2008
Artists are spoiled nowadays. No, I'm not talking about "artists" like Vampire Weekend (side note: I hope they die). I'm talking about artists like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and Girl Talk. They think they can do whatever the hell the want, with little-to-no regard for the perfectly fine, finely tuned, tunely perfected, perfectly-pitched, pitchfork media music distribution template.
Add Paul Westerberg, former Replacements dude, to the list of spoilers. Last Monday, the guy completed a new album called 49:00, delivered it to his manager the next day, and by the weekend, the entire album was selling for a measly 49¢ on Amazon, apparently the only digital retailer willing to sell the album for that price. Keep in mind, this is coming from an artist who doesn't own a computer and whose official website is a members.aol page.
We're on to you Mr. Westerberg. You and your kind are trying to shake up this capitalism-driven distribution system, but we aren't having a bite of it. What you're promoting is borderline communism, my friend -- do you really think you can get away with this?
Ani DiFranco To Release 20th Album, Napolitano Cites Concerns: Economy, Inability for ’90s Feminists to Experience Love
By AJ Pacitti on 07-22-2008
(New York – TMT) Feminist musician Ani DiFranco is set to release her 20th album, Red Letter Year, via her label, Righteous Babe, September 30. Though the album is apparently her “cheeriest, funkiest and most collaborative to date,” partner and producer Mike Napolitano addressed some concerns over Red Letter Year’s ability to engage listeners in a private interview yesterday.
Napolitano said label insiders cite United States economic downturn as affecting Birkenstock, oft-cited as an unofficial political hub for DiFranco – a circumstance which could negatively influence how the album is received.
“People can’t even afford Birkenstocks. This means they certainly won’t be in a position to accept Ani’s politics. See, liberalism is a learned thing, though Ani is afraid to admit that in some sense a corporation cultures her fanbase,” he said.
Additionally, Napolitano says the low childbirth rate of DiFranco’s former ’90s “free spirits” could distance longtime fans from the discussion of her loving a child in tracks like “Present/Infant,” something he says could cause a crucial rift between songstress and listeners.
“Frankly, I’m worried,” he said, adding that for this reason he urged DiFranco to include “Alla This,” a seemingly anti-government track.
“Plus, I made her start shaving. The fans don’t know that. Hey, don’t print that, though,” he added.
Brian Wilson Refunds Disappointed Fans After NYC Charity Benefit Fails to Make Them Feel Better About Themselves, Preps New Album
By Petey V on 07-22-2008
Following a series of complaints from disgruntled fans, Brian Wilson and Melinda Wilson (whom some press sources insist on calling his "manager-wife") will be refunding attendees of a July 11 show at which Wilson played for an allegedly scant 75 minutes. The show, a charity benefit for NYC-based non-profit Stand Up For a Cure, took place at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Fans who attended the show complained that their pricey seats offered poor visibility, that Wilson's band was too small, that the set was too short, and that Wilson did not play enough solo or Beach Boys rarities.
In response to these complaints, Melinda Wilson posted on her husband's official website to offer Brian's apologies and to announce that fans who wanted a refund from the July 11 concert could send their ticket stubs to Wilson's publicist and receive their money back. Explaining the decision, she said that Brian is "really sensitive to all of your feelings and doesn't want to offend anyone. He wanted to make this offer to keep everyone cool."
Wilson has a handful of U.S. tourdates currently scheduled for the rest of 2008. He also plans to release a new album, That Lucky Old Sun, September 2. The album was written in collaboration with Van Dyke Parks, who also worked with Wilson on Smile.
