Leonard Cohen Biography Coming Soon

Leonard Cohen, everyone’s favorite depressive genius, will be releasing a new biography December 1. Hallelujah will be written by Tim Footman, author of Welcome to the Machine: OK Computer And The Death of the Classic Album.

The book tells of Cohen’s “years growing up in Quebec in a middle class Jewish family, through a decade as a budding poet and author -- following the publication of his first collection in 1956.” It goes on to look at his “relocation to NYC and entry into the world of folk and rock [at the age of 37] and his successful career as a singer-songwriter.”

Footman’s work also focuses on Cohen’s new material currently being recorded after a decade of meditating 12 hours a day in a Buddhist monastery. It will be the first biography of the Canadian artist since 1998 and will be published by Chrome Dreams. Just in time, then, to make it onto those all-important Christmas lists!

RJD2 Dons Fake Beard and Red Suit, Gives Away Free Stuff Weekly Until New LP Drops in 2010

When you’re RJD2, every day is like Christmas. And by every day, I mean once a week between now and January 19. The formerly Def Jux-signed beatsmith will be giving away a free item each Monday until the release of his fourth LP, The Colossus, on RJ's Electrical Connections. First item up for grabs was (you missed it!) a vinyl test-pressing of his 2003 EP The Horror, of which only five were ever made. To see the original contest and read RJD2’s explanation of the whole shebang, check here on his blog.

Aside from releasing new albums and playing Santa, RJD2 is also planning some re-issues of old material. Both his 2004 LP Since We Last Spoke (TMT Review) and the aforementioned The Horror EP will receive re-issues on November 17, while his breakthrough 2002 LP Deadringer (TMT Review) will get one one on November 3. Merry RJDmas!

RIP: Norton Buffalo, harmonica player and longtime Steve Miller Band sessions musician

From the San Francisco Gate (via The Daily Swarm):

Norton Buffalo, harmonica virtuoso, one-of-a-kind performer and consummate accompanist to the stars, died Friday night from cancer in Feather River Hospital, near his home in Paradise (Butte County). He was 58.

“He was the antithesis of East Coast cynical,” said Raitt, who spent Sunday morning watching Buffalo videos on YouTube. “He was always in funny mode without being too gooey about it. He’s been that guy all this time. In one guy, you got all the hope and optimism of the ‘70s.”

Mr. Buffalo played on the Grammy-winning Doobie Brothers album “Minute by Minute,” and the recent children’s music CD by Kenny Loggins. With Bette Midler, he played in the band and acted in the film “The Rose.” He collaborated on tours and a series of recordings for more than 20 years with blues guitarist Roy Rogers. One of their songs, “Ain’t No Bread in the Breadbox,” was a cornerstone in the ‘90s live repertoire of the Jerry Garcia Band.

- Norton Buffalo official website
- Norton Buffalo Wikipedia entry

Weezer Release Their Own Snuggie Blanket Today

For $29.99, you too can be part of Weezer's promotional gimmick:

Publicist: "The Snuggie blanket is more than a fun idea, impulse buy or kitschy TV ad; it is a truly innovative and ultimately functional product. It's made of lightweight, soft fleece that keeps people of all ages warm indoors and out, with large, roomy sleeves allowing for free movement. It answers a basic need shared by many - staying warm and comfortable while having hands free to do what you please - channel surf, snack, read a book... or crank up the volume on your favorite Weezer song."

Raditude (TMT Review) is out today in stores. My recommendation? Wait a couple days and check the used bins first.

The Clash Set to Reissue London Calling

On December 14, The Clash will be reissuing London Calling. Details on the 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition are scarce but a “CD/DVD package is expected.” The re-re-release comes five years after the 25th Anniversary Edition, which featured The Vanilla Tapes, which was an earlier version of the album based on a lost master tape.

In 2014, fans can look forward to the 35th Anniversary Honorary Edition. The re-re-re-release will contain The Chocolate Mint Tapes – a postmodern take on London Calling by No Age.

Liars Confirm New LP for an Early 2010 Release, Sisterworld

Hey TMT readers, it's been a while. I've been off starting my own zine onethirtybpm, but I'm back and I have some pretty sweet news (which I posted there first):

It appears that the New York-based experiment group Liars have something up their sleeves. Today, the group's MySpace page has been updated with new artwork and several links to thesisterworld.com. Upon visiting that site, you’ll see the same artwork and be able to watch some pretty abstract beach videos. Clicking on the text ‘SISTERWORLD’ will forward you to the official Liars website.

It looks like there's a new album possibly entitled Sisterworld being released in 2010. We’ve contacted both of Liars’ publicists for confirmation, so we’ll keep you posted. The band's publicist has confirmed that the band is releasing an album in early 2010. Now let's just sit back and see whether they lean more toward beach ambience or more towards the stygian nautical themes of Ween's The Mollusk. I'm sure they could probably find a middle ground.

Until next time TMT readers! At least you know where to find me now.

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