Radiohead to be Included in New Peter Gabriel Covers Project; Rivers Cuomo Jealous
As the woozy North African-core, power-folk, trance-hop, whatever-the-fuck ambient outro track of “2009” seamlessly crossfades into the global-glitch, holler-hush, Christian-grind, rock-boom-bap rave-up track that is “2010,” one thing is infinitely clear: no one knows what the fuck music sounds like anymore. Seriously. It’s like a goddamn Jefferson Airplane song up in here. There’s white knights talking backwards through auto-tune boxes, hookah-smoking caterpillars dueting with 10-foot-tall dormice, and Rivers Cuomo's chumming around with Kenny G and Chamillionaire. I’m freaking out, man.
And as if your head still isn’t fed enough, here’s another trip for you: Peter Gabriel (yes, that Peter Gabriel) is getting set to release his first new album in seven years. And su-prize, su-prize, the dang ol’ thing is an “all-star collaborative song swap” containing “orchestral reinterpretations” of classic tracks. And... the tracks feature “no guitars, drums, or world instruments” of any kind... AND, the thing will feature (among a wealth of weird others)... yes, Radiohead.
No release date has been scheduled as of yet, but the album, recorded with producer Bob Ezrin at London’s Air Studios this past July, is said to include Radiohead’s “Street Spirit,” though it seems to be unfortunately unclear who performed on the track. Other tracks slated to ambiguously appear in one form or another in all of their orchestral glory include “Heroes” by David Bowie, “The Book of Love” by Gabriel himself but seemingly featuring The Magnetic Fields (whose cover of the song kicks much more sentimental ass than the original), “Flume” by Bon Iver, “My Body Is A Cage” by The Arcade Fire, “Listening Wind” by Talking Heads, “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks, and “Philadelphia” by Neil Young. So, uh, yeah, basically a bunch of songs that are already pretty orchestral. Get ready to weep, I guess.
John Metcalfe, who worked on some orchestral reinterpretations for the record, has shed a little bit of light on the as-of-now pretty confusing subject, alluding to the fact that that artists will “cover each others’ songs” on this monstrosity. “There are some very, very famous singers and bands involved,” Metcalfe said. “It sounds amazing, even though I say it myself. It is literally Peter with an orchestra, sometimes the orchestra is quite large, then there are some more chamber music-style, sparse songs. But the songs are not simply covers, they are quite major reinterpretations of some famous stuff. It’s quite radical and we’re hoping that people really get it and enjoy it.” So... um, HOW are the other artists involved?? Oh well. There’s still hope that this is just a bum trip, I guess.
B-Rakes-ing Up Is Hard to Do: Brit Band in Split Shocka!
Top 6 "Famous Last Words" *
6. "Wonderful! Wonderful this death!" -- William Etty, English painter (1787-1849)
5. (To a priest) "Hold your tongue! Your wretched chatter disgusts me!" -- Chrétien Malesherbes, French politician (1721-1794)
4. "Die, my dear doctor? That's the last thing I shall do." -- Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount of Palmerston, English politician (1784-1865)
3. "The executioner is, I believe, very expert... and my neck is very slender." -- Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII (1504-1536)
2. "Why not, why not, why not. Yeah." -- Timothy Leary, American counter-culture guru (1920-1996)
1. "The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we've ever played. If we can't give it everything then we won't do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one. After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can't give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day. We are sorry to let down all the people who were coming to see us on the U.K. & U.S. tours. Writing your own obituary is a surreal thing to do but we want to give particular thanks to our much-loved fans, all the great people we've worked with over the years, our management and loyal record label. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to write music together and perform around the world. Genuinely, thanks for the good times.... That was one hell of a party! But now, we really must get some sleep." -- The Rakes, British music group (2004-2009)
Alright. I'll admit number 1 is a bit long-winded and out of place on this "famous" list but what it lacks in creativity and pizzazz it makes up for in timeliness and pertinence in this forum. As the above statement claims, British indie, arty, post-punk band The Rakes have split up, cancelling all outstanding, previously-announced tourdates. Although often overshadowed by their impeccably mod sense of dress, the London quartet was a firm favorite on the live circuit since its birth and was adept at capturing, celebrating, and escaping the realities of life in memorable singles like "Strasbourg," "22 Grand Job," and "Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)." The Rakes leave behind a three album legacy -- Capture/Release, Ten New Messages, and Klang (all on V2).
* Why "Top 6"? Why not, why not, why not. Yeah.
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.
Q: Why Is Bill Callahan Going on Tour with Lights This December? A: So He Can See Through the (Smog)!
That’s right, Mr. Smog, a.k.a. Mr. (Smog), a.k.a. Mr. Callahan, is touring with Drag City newbies Lights. Six dates hardly makes a tour, but we here at TMT are going to tell you about it anyway cause it’s the news and we pride ourselves in giving our readers up-to-date news on anything we damn well please. So, let's get to the point: If you wanna see Bill Callahan or Lights, you have six options, which I have listed in an easy-to-read format below.
Now without further ado, here are the dates:
12.04.09 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
12.06.09 - Memphis, TN - Hi Tone
12.08.09 - Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
12.09.09 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
12.12.09 - Tallahassee, FL - The Engine Room
12.16.09 - Birmingham, AL -The Bottletree
Four Tet, Clinic, Maps, and Pram Make Guest Appearances on Comp to Benefit Homeless Population
Admired alternative artists and krautrockers Four Tet, Maps, Clinic, Damo Suzuki (of Can) and Michael Rother (of Neu! and Harmonia) have joined together to create exclusive recordings for Audioscope, a nine-year-old music festival with the purpose of raising funds for the homeless. All musical contributions will appear on an album titled Music for a Good Home, where Dieter Moebius, Pram, and Clinic are also slated to make an appearance. Music for a Good Home's profits will go towards national housing and Shelter, a U.K. charity organization for the homeless.
Four Tet is reportedly contributing original work for the compilation, as well as Maps performing a Bob Dylan track. And that's not all... oh, that's not all. Damo Suzuki's contribution to "Home" will be a live track recorded at Oxford's Truck Festival. Only 300 physical copies of the album will be released, but that's okay, because who really buys those? For the forward-thinking donator, digital copies will also be sold on iTunes. The tracklist is below.
1. Michael Rother - Maus-Mann-Motiv
2. Piano Magic - Never It Will Be the Same Again
3. Four Tet - Audioscope
4. The Oscillation - The 3rd Harmonic
5. Damo Suzuki - Truck on Track
6. Dieter Moebius - Popst
7. Maps - Not Dark Yet
8. Pram - Tumblin
9. Shooting at Unarmed Men - Death by Decaf
10. Vibracathedral Orchestra - Gat Rot
11. Clinic - Earl Mallard
12. Blood Red Shoes - Carry Knots
13. Einstellung - Und Die Ruhe Ist Donner
The Books Set to Premiere New Songs on Fall Tour
After a brief hiatus, The Books will premiere new material on their upcoming tour beginning November 19. Looking to cash in on their 125th placing in Pitchfork’s decade-end album list, Paul de Jong and Nick Zammuto are hoping to make their audiences “verrry sleepy.”
The new record will explore new age themes and features samples from self-help and hypnotherapy cassettes. It is set to be released in 2010, and there’s no better way of establishing your 2010-19 credentials by getting in before every other motherfucker. Just look at Kid A.
The Books’ Fall tour:
11.19.09 - Waltham, MA - Rose Art Museum
11.21.09 - Bellingham, WA - Mainstage
11.23.09 - Los Angeles, CA - Masonic Lodge @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
11.24.09 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door (2 sets, early and late)
11.25.09 - Vancouver, BC - The Clutch
11.26.09 - Calgary, AB - Broken City
11.27.09 - San Francisco, CA - Noe Valley Ministry
11.28.09 - San Francisco, CA - Noe Valley Ministry
11.29.09 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
11.30.09 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre
12.01.09 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center
