In Most Disappointing News of the Day News, Warp Records’ Online Store, WarpMart, Merges with MP3 Si
By Tiffani Harcrow on 02-12-2009
Warp Records, home to such artists as Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, and Gang Gang Dance, recently merged their online store Warpmart with its MP3-peddlin’ sister site Bleep.com in celebration of Bleep.com’s fifth anniversary. Feeling somewhat obligated to actually look at the new website before writing this article, I was greatly disappointed when my browser pointed not to an online store for the Warped Tour, but to a regular ol’ respectable online music store. Now what will I do with all my lip-ring jokes and Scary Kids Scaring Kids quips?
I once went to Shabat at my local synagogue once and was surprised to discover a veritable gift store in the lobby, replete with Star of David beanie babies, Jordanic water bottles, and bedazzled yarmulkes. This is kind of what I was I was hoping for with Warpmart — you stop by to pick up your Less Than Jake tallit prayer shawl before entering the temple so that you’ll fit in.
The new mega-Bleep is regretfully absent of all Judeo-nu punk regalia, but check it out for yourself here.
In Most Disappointing News of the Day News, Warp Records’ Online Store, WarpMart, Merges with MP3 Si
By on 02-12-2009
Warp Records, home to such artists as Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, and Gang Gang Dance, recently merged their online store Warpmart with its MP3-peddlin’ sister site Bleep.com in celebration of Bleep.com’s fifth anniversary. Feeling somewhat obligated to actually look at the new website before writing this article, I was greatly disappointed when my browser pointed not to an online store for the Warped Tour, but to a regular ol’ respectable online music store. Now what will I do with all my lip-ring jokes and Scary Kids Scaring Kids quips?
I once went to Shabat at my local synagogue once and was surprised to discover a veritable gift store in the lobby, replete with Star of David beanie babies, Jordanic water bottles, and bedazzled yarmulkes. This is kind of what I was I was hoping for with Warpmart — you stop by to pick up your Less Than Jake tallit prayer shawl before entering the temple so that you’ll fit in.
The new mega-Bleep is regretfully absent of all Judeo-nu punk regalia, but check it out for yourself here.
Does Bill Callahan’s New Album Signal the End of the Depression? One Writer Thinks So.
By Kat Gardiner on 02-12-2009
In 2007, Bill Callahan, contemplative folkster, shifted away from his dark moniker of 10 years (Smog) to his given name (Bill), and with that shift resolved positivity. At nearly the same time, financial institutions around the world began to crumble. Callahan's new album, Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle is coming out April 14 on Drag City, and we are all fairly sure by then the world will be in complete financial collapse.
So why are otherwise sedate, thoughtful people so giddy? Did I not say that Bill Callahan is releasing a new album? I mean Shirley Temple was the biggest hit of The Depression, right? And those creepy songs about putting on a happy face? Remember, Bogart went from being a scary gangster in the ’20s to being a leading lover in the ’30s. Maybe Bill Callahan is our Bogart, and his continuation out of the land of sadness will in turn make all other things in our lives a little brighter. Maybe we're just looking for some more upbeat news from the former companion of our misery. Then again, maybe he's just happy cause he's really into that Joanna Newsom chick, and it has nothing to do with us. I mean, she is pretty hot. In either case, here's the tracklist.
1. Jim Cain
2. Eid Ma Clack Show
3. The Wind and The Dove
4. Rococo Zephyr
5. Too Many Birds
6. My Friend
7. All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast
8. Invocation of Ratiocination
9. Faith/Void
Architecture in Helsinki to Release That Beep – Not An Expletive Censor Beep, But An LP Single
By Shelley Su on 02-12-2009
While we wait for Architecture in Helsinki's next full-length album (which is expected sometime this year), we can at least look forward to the release of their latest single "That Beep,", which is available now digitally and due February 17 on CD and 12-inch on Polyvinyl Records. The single is already getting considerable airplay in their homeland of Australia (Australia? Yes, not Finland. Australia) and generating quite the buzz for its infectious, head-bopping, and danceable synth beats in the UK music scene. Four remixes from friends Radioclit, Haima, and Vandergaff accompany the original track.
Also garnering attention for the Aussies is the single's video, directed by Krozm, who's also notably worked with Van She and indie darlings Cut Copy. Listen to it. View it. It's Smurf-tastic. Bottom line is: Architecture in Helsinki's "That Beep" will likely have you tapping your piggly wigglies, rather than wagging your finger.
Tracklisting for "That Beep":
1. That Beep
2. That Beep (Radioclit's French mix)
3. That Beep (Radioclit's Swedish mix)
4. That Beep (Haima's mix)
5. That Beep (Kasper Vandergraff mix)
And, of course, we'll keep you updated on their next full-length.
John “Johnny Rotten” Lydon Sells Out… For Butter
By Kid Midnight on 02-12-2009
Ah, John Lydon: punk stalwart, experimental musician (with PiL), loud-mouthed jerk. We all know the many ways our society labels The Rotten One, but now you can add “spokesman” to the list. Yeah, right, we know all about that Kid Midnight. He is obviously one of the biggest “spokespeople” for punk rock who ever lived. Tell us some real news! No, wait…you’re not listening. John Lydon is helping to sell butter now!
Wait... what?
It's true: John Lydon has recently been appearing in a series of advertisements for “Country Life” butter. ‘Cause he might have “Problems,” but at least he’s got butter!
Dairy Crest, owners of the Country Life brand, are even reporting to Reuters that their sales for the formerly sinking Country Life brand have risen by an astounding 83% since the ads began appearing.
In case you’re wondering: the TV ads carry the slogan “It’s All About Great Butter.” Yes, it is, isn’t it, at least once you hit middle-age, run out of ideas, and find yourself slumping down in a comfy chair to spend your time buttering bread.
As expected, fans of The Sex Pistols have created quite the wave of backlash in response to the ads. Most fans find themselves angry that Lydon has “finally” sold out his punk values. One fan even sent me a telecommunique by way of passenger pigeon. The note read: “I just can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it. Johnny Rotten has been lying to us the whole time!” Yes well, that’s to be expected from the Great Rock ‘n’ Roll swindler.
On the flipside, Chicago area grocery store manager and punk fanatic Ben Gomez had this to say: “Hey, as long as the butter is great, I don’t care HOW rotten he was. Oh, and stop calling me Armenian; I’m Hispanic and Irish -- now get back to work!”
Okay, Boss!
