Stream the First Single Off the New Grinderman Record

The first single, "Heathen Child," from the upcoming Grinderman 2 record is streaming. Nick Cave's side job fronting Grinderman with Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey, & Jim Sclavunos continues to produced outstanding music. Not bad for the first taste of their sophomore effort. I think these guys have a bright future (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

Heathen Child by MuteRecords

Dave Rawlings Machine

Here are a couple of videos from December 3, 2009 in store appearance at Grimey's New & Preloved Music in Nashville. The record has been out for even longer. If you don't have it, then get of your ass & go get it. It really is a terrific record.

Ruby


To Be Young (is to be high)

New Modest Mouse EP & Video Directed By Heath Ledger

Modest Mouse released their EP 'No One's First, and You're Next
' yesterday which culls b-sides as well as tracks from several 7" vinyl releases over the past year. Coinciding with this release, is the appearance of the video for King Rat conceived and directed by the late Heath Ledger. Ledger's vision, to bring added awareness to illegal commercial whale hunting, wasn't fully realized until after his death. Ledger was a partner in a film/music company known as THE MASSES, who took it upon themselves to complete the video true to the original vision and in honor of the fallen actor. The video can be downloaded from iTunes with proceeds from the first month going to the non-profit Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Enjoy.

New Pearl Jam Track "The Fixer"

Really solid track from a band that has been slowly coming back to me. BTW, check the video at YouTube for a surprise.

New Track From The National (MP3 Added)

The National traveled north of the border and dropped in on Canada's Studio Q recently. They played a few tracks including this new one. Given my absolute love for both Alligator & Boxer, I really can't wait for a new record.

The National - Runaway (mp3 rip from video)

U2's Get Your Boots On is...

Meh. We now have the first single off the new U2 record, No Line of the Horizon (due March 3), and still all I can muster is meh. Personally, I kinda think it sounds as if "Vertigo" had been recorded during the POP sessions. Maybe it will grow on me. I'm still holding out hope for the new record.

Get On Your Boots - U2

Download The New Neko Case Single & Help The Best Friends Animal Society

Anti- Records is offering up a free download of "People Got A Lotta Nerve," the first single from Neko Case's new album Middle Cyclone If that wasn't enough, they are also donating $5 to the Best Friends Animal Society for each blog posting the song and $1 for each iLike user who adds it to his/her profile.

Best Friends Animal Society operates Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, an enormous no-kill shelter in Utah. The Natural Geographic Channel series Dogtown is one part of the sanctuary.

Middle Cyclone, set to drop on March 3 will follow 2006's critically acclaimed Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Personally, I could listen to both Fox Confessor and 2002's Blacklisted on an endless loop. Neko is equally comfortable and adept working in Alt. Country as she is in Pop or Rock. The new track is more in the vein of her part-time band, The New Pornographers, than the dark Alt. Country tinged Blacklisted. No matter what she is doing though, the beautiful voice and melodies are Neko through and through.

Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve (mp3)

Election Day

Here's a quick playlist to get you through this afternoon.

X - The New World

Eddie Vedder - Here's To The State Of Mississippi (Original Phil Ochs with updated lyrics)

Pete Seeger - We Shall Overcome

The National - Mr. November

The Pharcyde - If I Were President

The Replacements - Election Day

Woody Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land

This is just too damn awesome not to post

No comments necessary.

Happy Birthday/Anniversary to Scott Ford Radio

Congrats to Scott Ford on the one year anniversary of his little radio show. Tune in today at 1 pm PST for the live anniversary show. Hell, tune in anytime to the stream for good music.

http://fordradio.blogspot.com/

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New Todd Snider Out Now And It Is Free

Todd Snider celebrated his 42nd birthday last Friday by making his new album/EP, Peace Queer (due out October 14), available free as a digital download. Todd puts together a witty, but passionate, commentary of eight folk songs as few singer-songwriters of this day are capable. Guest artist like Patty Griffin (on a plaintive cover of CCR's "Fortunate Son"), Kevin Kinney, and Will Kimbrough all lend a hand. The following is Todd's description of the story told through the songs from a Cokie Roberts piece for NPR.

"It begins like the Iraq War began: by declaring victory and then plowing forward into the long night," Snider said. "We started our drive with an end-zone dance. Peace Queer is a six-song cycle, starting with a song called "Mission Accomplished." In six sentences, the record goes like this: Here's the kid being told everything's going to be great. Here's the reality of that. Here's that kid when he comes home a sad and banged-up and angry 'winner'." Here's the breakdown of why I think that's happening. Here's the guy in our culture that I think is causing that to happen, and it's not a president. And then here's what I think is going to happen to that guy. And then we roll credits."

Stuck On The Corner (Prelude To A Heart Attack) (mp3)

Peace Queer is available as a free download through October 31 at Todd Snider's Store.

My New Favorite Show & TV On The Radio

In case you missed it, MSNBC premiered The Rachel Maddow Show this past Monday (9 p.m. ET weekdays). I can think of no one that I would rather have a show. She is tough, intelligent, witty, and best of all, unashamed to be a liberal. Wonky and wonderful. The thing I absolutely love about Rachel is that she will stand up to anyone, and she has the intelligence and insight to more than hold her own.

I have been a fan since the inception of Air America Radio when she co-hosted Unfiltered along with comedian Liz Winstead, and Public Enemy's Chuck D. Every Friday, they would devote some time to the discussion of music. They would choose songs to play and discuss or host musicians and bands. Their show was my first introduction to TV On The Radio. I was familiar with the band only by name. Fast-forward to today. I am counting down the days until the latest TV On The Radio record, Dear Science, drops on September 23. TVOTR has been at the forefront of indie music since they burst onto the scene earlier this decade. They defy boundaries mixing elements of jazz, a cappella, and fuzz rock to name just a few. Most impressively, the are able to replicate their sounds live. Below are two tracks; the first, "Wolf Like Me," is one of the standout tracks from the bands second album, Return to Cookie Mountain and the second, "DLZ," is one my favorites from the upcoming album.

Wolf Like Me (mp3)

DLZ (mp3)

Website | MySpace

Okkervil River's "The Stand-Ins" Out Today

Okkervil River landed on a lot of year end lists last years with The Stage Names. Today, Will Sheff and crew release The Stand Ins, a record mean to append the The Stage Names. It is Sheff again at the top of his game as a singer-songwriter and another beautiul offering by one of today's best bands.

Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 1979 (mp3)

Website | MySpace

One of the really cool things the band did in the run up to the release was to solicit other musicians to perform the songs and submit videos which have been posted on the Okkervil River YouTube Channel. I hope you enjoy one of my favorites, "Blue Tulip" peformed by Bon Iver.

Catching Up

Funny how things go. I had been in a real funk as far as new music goes (and really busy) so I really haven't bothered posting anything in a long time. Then, a few weeks ago I noticed that more recent and new stuff was getting queued up quite regularly. So I figured it was about time to jump back into this. Here are a couple of tracks from recent releases that I've been digging.

Albert Hammond, Jr. released his sophomore record, ¿Cómo Te Llama? in July. It is every bit as good as The Strokes in my opinion.

GfC (mp3)

Website | MySpace


Muy Cansado! I'll be honest, I don't really know a lot about this Massachusetts trio. Their debut album, Stars & Garters, showed up in my mailbox a month or so ago, and I finally got around to giving it a spin. However, I can say that it is an exciting and impressive debut of driving rock filled with hook after hook. Personally, I hear a lot of different influences, but you really should judge for yourself.

Telemundo (mp3)

Website | MySpace

Soundgarden Reunites (with picture)

A reputable well-read news source posted an article last week on a chance reunion by the members of Soundgarden.

Soundgarden Inadvertently Reunites At Area Cinnabon

August 8, 2008 | Issue 44•32

SEATTLE—Members of the popular 1990s grunge band Soundgarden shocked critics and fans alike Tuesday, appearing together publicly for the first time in more than a decade after accidentally running into one another at the Northgate Mall Cinnabon.

The unplanned 15-minute reunion was the result of a number of unrelated events, including lead singer Chris Cornell stopping by the baked-goods franchise to buy a Caramel Pecanbon, drummer Matt Cameron taking a break from shopping at the nearby Banana Republic, bass player Ben Shepherd walking by and noticing his one-time bandmates in the food court, and former guitarist and Cinnabon daytime supervisor Kim Thayil working the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift.

According to those in attendance at the packed fast-food venue, the highlight of the incidental Soundgarden reunion came when the rockers reconciled their differences and teamed up for the first time in years to finish off an order of Cinnabon Stix.

"At first it was pretty awkward and none of them seemed like they were really into it," said Al Helbling, 30, a Northgate Mall Sam Goody employee and Soundgarden fan. "But then the drummer comes in and right after that the bass player comes in, and it was like, 'Yes, Soundgarden is back.' It was so intense."

The former members of Soundgarden, who have not released an album together since 1996's Down On The Upside, reported that it was initially difficult to find common ground, but once they began exchanging ideas and riffing on which sugar-filled dessert they were going to order, the chemistry felt "as strong as ever."

While Shepherd told reporters he enjoyed seeing his old bandmates, he admitted to experiencing some last-minute doubts about going through with the encounter.

"I got all the way there, but then I just didn't know if I could do it," Shepherd said. "I had a huge lunch that day. And Cinnabon, that's some really sugary stuff, even if you have a sweet tooth like me."

Thayil, who joined the band shortly after it was formed in 1984, said some tension arose between himself and former front man Chris Cornell early on in the reunion, after Thayil scolded Cornell for entering the cinnamon-bun snack purveyor without a shirt.

"Honestly, I didn't even recognize Chris at first," Thayil said. "All I saw was this bare-chested guy entering the store, and that's unacceptable in the food-service industry. I hate to be the enforcer, but just because we were in a band together doesn't mean I can allow him to create an unhygienic environment."

The heated situation was quickly settled, however, when Thayil offered Cornell a complimentary 12-oz. CarmeLatta Chill. In turn, the 44-year-old lead singer responded by serenading Thayil with a version of the group's hit song "Black Hole Sun" in which he replaced the titular phrase with the word "Cinnabon." Cornell, former singer for the now-defunct group Audioslave, then stuffed his pockets with napkins, saying he needed them for a later solo project.

The two soon moved to a back table, where they joined Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron, the latter of whom said he was overjoyed to see his old bandmates, since he had to "kill some time" before Pearl Jam practice.

Although Tuesday marked the first time the group has fully reunited, the members of Soundgarden have had a few near-misses in the past 10 years. In August 2000, all four members were seen entering Seattle-area Arby's restaurants, but the reunion never materialized: Cornell and Cameron visited the Meridian Avenue location, while Thayil and Shepherd decided to visit the Michigan Street franchise. The afternoon did, however, mark the largest Temple of the Dog reunion to date, when Cornell and Cameron ran into the rest of the supergroup's members in the restroom.

After the success of the Cinnabon reunion, Soundgarden is reportedly planning a tour of the Sunglass Hut and Piercing Pagoda.

Here is a classic form the band's 1989 major label debut, Louder Than Love, to mark this historic event.

Hands All Over

Mudhoney Baby

In case you missed it, Mudhoney, pioneers of lo-fi rock; as synonymous with Seattle as coffee, Sub-Pop, and rain; the Alpha and Omega of the grunge rock scene, blessed us with two releases in May. Here's what you get with The Lucky Ones, the 8th full length record in the band's scant 20 years: 36+ minutes of pure rock goodness split into 11 different sordid segments, songs if you will; though it has not been medically or scientifically proven, I am of the belief that tracks like "I'm Now" and "Tales of Terror" may enable the blind to hear and the deaf to walk; if nothing else it will make you want to get off your ass and move. Here's what you don't get: extended jazz-inspired instrumental noodling; If you are sexually active, condoms, not Mudhoney, (used consistently and properly) provide the most effective method of birth control available without a prescription.

In addition to a new collection of music, they re-released their seminal classic, Superfuzz/Bigmuff, as a Deluxe edition with a host of live and rare tracks. Anyone that loves rock music, lo-fi or not, should own this record period.

Mudhoney - Tales of Terror
Mudhoney - In 'n' Out of Grace
Mudhoney - Touch Me I'm Sick (Live)

If I May Interupt the Crickets' Chirping

Damn the last 6 months have been crazy. I'll summarize: I made a new friend named Bill; I experienced the U.S. recession firsthand ; I got to see Radiohead live for the first time, and it was absolutely incredible. So enough of my bullshit, I'm going to highlight a few things that I didn't get to comment on over the next several posts. In the meantime. Here are two songs that I have been listening to incessantly.

Radiohead - All I Need
Josh Ritter - Girl in the War

Scott Ford Radio Returns

Scott Ford, on leave from his latest tour of duty playing with The Gutter Twins, is back hosting his radio show each weekday from 12 pm PST to 2 pm PST (the show streams 24/7). The boys christened a new larger server with today's show. Tune in and call in to request a song, chat, or get some life advice.

Scott Ford Radio

The Shoutcast page URL: http://208.53.147.183:8912/index.html

The Stream URL: 208.53.147.183:8912



The Gutter Twins - Front Street (mp3)

Saturday Night Music

Above: The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville.
Below: A handful of songs that have been ringing in my ears. As always, support the artists. If you hear something you like, buy the record, CD, song, or whatever.

My Morning Jacket - I Will Sing You Songs (Live)
Jeff Klein - All I Want
Tunng - Pioneers (Bloc Party Cover)
M. Ward - Post-War
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Josh Ritter - Girl In The War
Shawn Smith - Wrapped In Your Memory (Live)
The Black Angels - You On The Run
The Twilight Singers - I Wish I Was (Instrumental)

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Announce U.S. Tour Dates

The boys are coming to the states.

Via NCATBS MySpace Blog: Hot on the heels of the US release of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds' fourteenth studio album, DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!! the band announce a return to North America for their first live dates in five and a half years. The tour, featuring their first appearances at the famed Hollywood Bowl and New York's WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, is brief, eagerly awaited and expected to sell out quickly.

Look for most shows to go on sale this week.

Tue 16th Sept - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
Wed 17th Sept - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
Sat 20th Sept - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
Mon 22nd Sept - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
Tue 23rd Sept - Seattle, Wa -Showbox SoDo
Fri 26th Sept - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
Mon 29th Sept - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
Wed 1st Oct - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
Thu 2nd Oct - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
Sat 4th Oct - New York, NY - WaMu Theatre at MSG
Sun 5th Oct - Washington, DC - 9.30 Club