Andrew Bird Whistles While He Works… And Finishes New Album!
By Scott Lauer on 10-07-2008
Just the other day, I was thinking to myself “Isn’t it about time for a new Andrew Bird album? Because I could really use one.” Turns out, it is that time, which is great! Due January 27, 2009 from Fat Possum Records, Bird will bring us Noble Beast, the follow-up to 2007's Armchair Apocrypha (TMT Review). The new album will consist of 12 tracks, with the new single “Oh No” ready to be heard right here. In typical Bird fashion, this song is very literate and features his signature violin and whistle.
To prepare for the unleashing of Noble Beast, Bird will be making a few live appearances to road-test some of his new material. (The inclusion of Bird’s alter ego Dr. Stringz may or may not rear his head on these dates.) Meanwhile, the Bird man will be appearing on the new Final Fantasy EP, Plays to Please, out October 21.
Noble Beast tracklisting:
Asobi Seksu Announce U.S. Fall Tour, Only If That’s Alright With You, White People!
By Emceegreg on 10-06-2008
Asobi Seksu are often compared to My Bloody Valentine, but they've also proven that they do have their own special sound. That's partly why Polyvinyl has signed the band and are set to release the single "Me & Mary," both digitally and on 7-inch vinyl, on November 18.
Now, to be blunt, Asobi Seksu's lead singer Yuki Chikudate is very attractive and Asian. We all know that white guys like Asian girls. This is fine and dandy, of course, but how is it helping Asobi Seksu record sales to non-whites? Well, it's not, which is why they've gotta expand their demographic! I've scribbled a few ideas that Polyvinyl is free to steal if it wants:
- Sell the single at Taco Bell.
- Give a free Seksu digital download to anyone who buys a mahjong set in Chinatown.
- Put up posters in hospitals in the ghetto (Okay, okay -- this was a joke. There are no hospitals in the ghetto).
Early in 2009, the group will release their third LP, produced by Chris Zane (The Walkmen, Les Savy Fav). But for now, go see them play at one of their many U.S. dates.
I'm talking to you, white people!:
Word Is Bond: Wu-Tang Documentary Set For November Premiere on BET Followed by DVD Release
By Mike McHugh on 10-06-2008
All right, ya’ll! Get your white owls, get your meth, get your skins, don’t forget your 40oz, cuz the stirring saga of the incomparable Wu-Tang Clan is gonna give it to your TV raw-butt-nekkid with Wu: The Story of the Wu Tang Clan. According to Billboard, the Gerald P. Barclay-directed doc will air on BET from November 13 to 16 and drop on DVD November 18, along with an additional CD of greatest hits of the Clan proper and their approximately nine million side projects.
The documentary includes interviews by Wu-Tang insiders, as well as all nine Clanners themselves (or ten depending on your opinion of Cappadona), who will also appear on BET’s 106th and Park on the DVD drop date. In addition to all this Wu news, the Killa Bees have joined forces with The Orchard to re-release their entire discography digitally.
And oh yeah, you can still grab 8 Diagrams (TMT Review) anywhere that totally sweet records are sold. Finally, this is a picture of the Wu-Tang sweatshirt I wore while writing this story.
Wu-Tang is the greatest.
Fucked Up Celebrate New Album By Playing Free 12-Hour Show in New York City
By Annapocalypse on 10-06-2008
To celebrate the release of The Chemistry of Common Life, out October 7 on Matador, Fucked Up are playing a free TWELVE-HOUR-LONG SHOW at a storefront in New York City. Yes, TWELVE STRAIGHT HOURS of live music FREE. Now, that’s Fucked Up*!
The show, which takes place October 14 from 2 PM - 2 AM at the Rogan store (corner of Bowery and Bond), is free. And, according to Matador, "All ages are welcome to attend, though the free alcohol will be limited to those 21 and over." (Wait, free alcohol?) But, don’t worry, little kids, there’s something in it for you too: Fucked Up are giving away a free limited-edition 7-inch of “Royal Swan” to the first batch of show attendees.
Of course, Fucked Up will need help to make it through 12 hours of live music. So, they're having their buds join them on stage. Guests include:
The Vivian Girls, John Joseph, Matt Sweeney, Chain Gang, Mobb Deep, Ryan Sawyer from Tall Firs, Jeff Jensen, David Cross, John Cale, K-Taro, Chris Doherty, E.K., DJ Chris, DJ Anarki, Michael Gira, members of the Australian Scapa Flow, Jeanne Bovet, Gods & Queens, Akon, The Edge, Ben Blackwell, Russell Simins, the Boogie, and more TBA.
Freshly expanded tourdates:
% Vivian Girls
# Don Caballero
* Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
