Killers Ex-Manager Files 16 Million Dollar Lawsuit

Braden Merrick, the fellow who discovered The Killers, has recently filed suit in Las Vegas. He's claiming that the band breached their contract when they severed ties with him. He's also claiming that The Killers have grossed in excess of $25 million all because of his promotions.

Brandon Flowers says of the band's relationship with Merrick:

"Braden was a rep for Warner Bros. and he was just looking for bands. Las Vegas was in his territory, so he was checking out LVlocalmusicscene.com," Flowers said. "He wanted to sign us to Warner Bros. initially. He got us some showcases, and they didn't want us. He stayed with us and ended up being our manager until we got a record deal, and he's still here."

Artist Spotlight: Dead Next Door

Recently, I have been in communication with a London-based quartet called Dead Next Door, and have been listening to their debut EP consistently over the past couple of weeks trying to get a feel for the songs. The band released the six-song disc, titled Time to Fight, in mid-January on their own DIY label, Prison Records, and has been working hard to make a name for itself.
Having played energetic live shows throughout London and Wales over the past two years, getting two tracks featured in the independent thriller, Splinter, and having just finished a music video for the song 'Twenty Seven', making a name for itself is precisely what DND has been up to.

From the last couple weeks that I have been spinning the cd during my commute, I have come to the conclusion that I really enjoy the album. Though I don't like to marginalize a band by summarizing its sound into defined boundaries of comparisons, I find that such associations are often a manageable way of sorting my thoughts on what I listen to - hence, several names are going to be dropped here. From my very first listen to DND's album, two primary names have stuck in my head: Nirvana and The Church.

While both alternative rock in nature, these two groups were from very separate places in the genre, which is what makes such a combination unexpected. Nirvana was fueled by a certain self loathing and societal angst, and possessed a raw punk attitude which favored guitar distortion and strung-out vocals. The Church, on the other hand, was a culmination of that softer side of emotion and reflection that could distinctly be described as "college rock in the late 80's." To combine these two different bands successfully, there would be a need for both feedback-driven chords and a clean, reverb-drenched lead guitar. The rhythm section would straddle between the need to headbang and the need to dance like a fool. To top things off, the vocals would be in a particularly difficult place - with lyrics that require a sense of both insecurity and pain, but still try to maintain a careful introspection of feelings to remain uplifting. Regardless of the band's personal intent, I feel like Dead Next Door encompasses these traits pretty accurately. Obviously, I wouldn't want to narrow a band's entire sound so entirely, but as a knee-jerk reaction, Nirvana and The Church seem to have recurring places throughout the album.

Sharing the name of the EP, the opening track 'Time to Fight' begins with steady drums and builds in with softly echoing guitars, and eventually into the calm verse, heavy chorus structure that made groups like Nirvana popular. On a personal favorite track, 'Twenty Seven', elements of inspiration hint towards The Cure, and frontman Andreas' nasal, and somewhat muttered vocals take the lighthearted tempo of the track and seems to reduce it into feelings of elegy. In the lyrics he laments, "Can't start again when you're 27, can't leave your home at 37, can't start a life at 47, can't leave...your home is here with me", there is an understanding that life is short and you can't go home again. The fourth track, 'Metro', begins with the same sort of pristine lead guitar as aforementioned; however, it then morphs into an acoustic-led piece that would have sounded at home on Nirvana's Mtv Unplugged in NY.

While the vocals on Dead Next Door's debut don't always possess a wide range, Andreas doesn't try to sing as anything he's not, and in turn, works comfortably with the rest of the music. Dead Next Door may not emerge as the most original rock band in history, but a unique look at alternative genres and a working-class sound gives the band a strong performance for any debut - especially one that was self produced. I would definitely recommend giving DND a listen. For a further taste, you can visit the group's Official Website and Myspace pages. Time to Fight is available now through the band's merchandise section.

New Lacuna Coil Vid

The video for Lacuna Coil single 'Our Truth' is available on Yahoo! Music today. The song was featured on the soundtrack to Underworld: Evolution. The video was shot by directorial duo Fort Awesome.

This Sasquatch wants to rock

Yet again, there is another great festival to look forward to this year. The Sasquatch! Festival offers a great line-up featuring the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Death Cab For Cutie, and the Flaming Lips

The festival is hosted at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington on May 26-28. The event will mark the 5th year of Sasquatch! Festival’s existence.

To add some spice to the pot, the festival is the only scheduled performance of the summer for Sufjan Stevens.

The line-up is still being formed, but here is a list of confirmed artists:
Nine Inch Nails
Beck
Death Cab For Cutie
Queens Of The Stone Age
the Flaming Lips
the Shins
Ben Harper
Arctic Monkeys
Matisyahu
Sufjan Stevens
the Decemberists
HIM
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
Neko Case
Iron & Wine
Rogue Wave
Gomez
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Nada Surf
Wolfmother
the Tragically Hip
Pretty Girls Make Graves
the Constantines
We Are Scientists

On a final note, where the hell has Nada Surf been? Anyone remember their incredibly bad, yet amusing, teen-anthem “Popular?’

Latest News - T In The Park

The Magic Numbers and Richard Ashcroft are the latest artists to be confirmed to this year’s T In The Park festival. The major U.K. event takes place at Balado, near Kinross, for two days (July 8-9).

The Magic Numbers were the most recent addition to the line-up, when they confirmed a T In The Park appearance during their concert at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Ashcroft, the former Verve singer, is considered one of the most influential singer songwriters in the UK, thus promoting him to headline the R1/NME Stage on July 9.

Incredibly, the festival sold out tickets in one hour, so you better believe this is a big deal.

The rest of the confirmed line-up:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Who
Franz Ferdinand
The Strokes
Kaiser Chiefs
Artic Monkeys
Sigur Ros
Primal Scream
The Ordinary Boys
Slam
Damian Marley
Felix Da Housecat

Chuck Palahniuk Joins Band

The following is a direct crosspost from Aversion.com:

Chuck Palahnuik is taking a break from writing to try his hand at music.

Palahnuik, best known for penning Fight Club, will join Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting in a one-off performance that’s backed by a couple real musicians. Orbital’s Phil Hartnoll and Nick Smith will back the writers in a mostly improvisational performance at the Brighton Corn Exchange May 7.

According to Welsh's website, the band is to be named Longrange.

If this really takes place, it's going to be amazing and very disturbing. It's almost a guarantee that there will be a ton of references to intravenous drugs and violence in the musical content. Too bad I live nowhere near England, because that performance is going to be one of a kind. Stay tuned for more.

Ted's Song of the Week - 2/20/06

The W.A.N.D.
The Flaming Lips
At War With The Mystics

When I first listened to ‘The W.A.N.D.’, I was somewhat disappointed, because it was a major change from the progressive sounds of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, but it quickly grew on me. I mean, any song that includes clapping hands and buzzing guitars is going to reel me in. Singer Wayne Coyne, with his most unique vocals in rock, drives the track with a real sense of purpose. ‘The W.A.N.D.’ is a very fun song that could easily be a summer anthem.

According to the band’s website, The W.A.N.D. CD single will be released in the US on March 4th and contains two new non-album tracks: "You Got To Hold On" and 'Time Travel… Yes!!"

The Flaming Lips - 'The W.A.N.D."

Bono Fights Hunger.....One Guitar at a Time

In his latest effort to save the world, U2 singer Bono has donated one of his guitars to Brazil’s Zero Hunger campaign. An auction for the guitar will take place after U2’s concert in Sao Paulo.

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t usually associate Bono with a guitar. I think that’s a job for The Edge (a.k.a. Dave Evans). If anything, I’m thinking Bono should have auctioned off the sunglasses.

The Zero Hunger campaign's goal is to ensure all Brazilians have three meals a day by the end of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's presidential term Dec. 31.

The rock star-activist met with Silva at the Granja do Torto presidential resort to talk about the government's efforts to reduce hunger and develop renewable energy sources.

Bono’s generosity to the Zero Hunger campaign follows in the footsteps of fellow rocker, Lenny Kravitz, who donated a guitar last year. Kravitz’s guitar fetched $132,000 at last year’s auction.

Furtado Makes 'Poppy, Spooky Music' Third Time Around

She's like a bird. She's beautiful. She's also ready to release her third album. Nelly Furtado has collaborated with Pharrell and Chris Martin on Loose, her record that will hit stores in late May.

Teaming up with hip-hop producer Timbaland, Furtado says that her sound on Loose can be characterized as "punk-hop:"

"We were thinking, 'Let's do modern Eurythmics - You're Dave [Stewart] and I'm Annie [Lennox]. Let's make this modern, poppy, spooky music.' And we achieved that on some of the tracks."

Loose, produced by Nellee Hooper, will be available May 23.

Radiohead's Lost Track

Radiohead's masterpiece OK Computer was originally supposed to contain the song ‘Nude.’ Recent news has surfaced that the band is looking to add this lost gem to their upcoming album, which is expected to be released later in the year.

The song, also known as ‘Big Ideas’, has proven to be challenging, since it has taken Radiohead nearly ten years to get it right.

Frontman Thom Yorke comments on the track:

Writing online, he said: "Jonny (Greenwood) is hastily writing out scores for a string quartet who are coming tommorow. Right now we are working on 'Nude', it sounds beautiful, as far as I can tell."

For those interested, an early version of the song is to be found on Radiohead’s documentary 'Meeting People Is Easy'.

Cecil McCartney Offers Peace With Van Morrison

Painter Cecil McCartney, the inspiration behind Van Morrison's Astral Weeks, (and distant cousin of Sir Paul) has a peace offering for the Irish songwriter. McCartney has offered a self-produced abstract painting to Morrison for free as an attempt to resolve their 17-year long feud.

The feud resulted from of an argument the two had over Moors Murderer Myra Hindley in 1989. McCartney believed that Hindley's religious conversion was insincere, and a disingenuous attempt at gaining leniency. Morrison, a devout Christian, felt the opposite way and stormed out of the conversation. The two haven't spoken since.

"My message to Van is that he should let bygones be bygones," McCartney said as he touched up the painting he first started in the late Sixties. "All I was trying to do during that discussion was make it clear that asking for forgiveness doesn't erase a terrible crime. Sometimes pleading forgiveness is a cop out."

Ozzy Can't Believe It!

Ozzy Osbourne has become the latest face of the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” TV campaign. The commercial, featuring Osbourne and impersonator Jon Culshaw, began airing in the U.K. early this February.

Jon Culshaw impersonates Ozzy Osbourne in the TV ad, which plays upon the fact that it is as difficult to tell the two Ozzies apart as it is to distinguish between "I can't believe it's not Butter" and butter.

The commercial can be seen at Osbourne’s fan site Ozzyhead.com or simply by clicking here.

Fuse-In 2006?

So who will be performing at Detroit's Fuse-In Festival this Memorial Day Weekend? The Kevin Saunderson-organized electronic music event looks as if it won't happen this year. It seems the City of Detroit is looking to only accept events that can pay the festival fees up front. Fuse-In does not possess that kind of cash at this time. In fact, despite the event's apparent success in past years, the festival lost money in 2005.

Saunderson explains:

"...because of lack of promotion time on the festival, the festival sold less tickets generated less revenue than we would have hoped. The costs were tight and we had a very good handle on the operational aspects of this event. This was not about our operation of the event – it was about not having enough time to properly market the event and draw the crowds that still want to hear our music."

But when will Fuse-In come back? Saunderson again explains:

"This is too great a festival to keep down. If the city would allow enough time to promote it by awarding the festival permit months in advance instead of days in advance, this festival could continue to bring music and dollars downtown for years to come. As an ambassador of our music (Techno) and our city (Detroit), I will continue to do whatever I can to spread the word throughout the world."

Kevin Federline sucks

Deadbeat husband and overall dirtbag, Kevin Federline believes he has the strength to endure the media backlash to his musical career.

In an interview for Newsweek, Britney Spears' husband had an optimistic attitude in believing that it can’t get any worse. To prove this point, Federline quoted the worst of the insults he has received from the press:

"'He hates his children, he treats his wife like dirt, he gets high all day,'" he said, quoting his critics. "If I was that bad, you think anyone, let alone Britney, would put up with it?"

Federline’s album is expected to hit shelves this spring, but don’t expect to hear Britney contribute to the album. Apparently, this ass clown wants to step out from under his wife’s shadow. Federline sounds like a valley girl in this next quote:

"We have collaborated," he said. "But I'm not going to put the songs on this album because it's like, 'Respect me first; then I'll show you what I've done with my wife.'"

Like, okay Kevin, good luck being mediocre.

Check out Federline on this Family Guy clip.

Coldplay Not Splitting Up

Rumor had it a few days ago that Coldplay was calling it quits. Joking around at The Brits, the Chris Martin-led outfit proclaimed with a serious demeanor, “People are fed up with us" and "It's going to be a few years before you see us again." This series of phrases caused many to believe the band was splitting up.

Have no fear, says Martin:

“We’ve been working solid promoting the album and we need a rest. We’re having a break and then we’ll come back. We’ve already written half of a new album and it will be f****** brilliant."

Love Shack and Other Music Places Fade From Athens Landscape

Athens, Georgia isn't just the home to the University of Georgia. It's also the birthplace of college rock. In the 1980s it was here where bands such as the B-52s and R.E.M. first crafted their genre-defining sounds.

The music legacy of this town of 100,000 is so great, in fact, that 10% of its tourists each year stop by strictly to explore the music spaces where these bands first recorded and performed. The Love Shack is one of those places, but only its rusted tin roof remains--the same tin roof mentioned in the B-52s song.

As this college town begins to modernize and clear out musically relevant edifices to make way for condos and parking lots for tailgaters, many fear that with those razings will go Athens' very important musical past. For instance, "The Church," where R.E.M. lived and recorded, no longer stands. Only its steeple remains.

But even with the clearing out of Athens' rich musical structures, some remain hopeful for the future:

"We understand that change happens, but to just disregard the past is something we all want to make sure doesn't happen," Sleppy said. [Sleppy is director of non-profit music resource center Nuci's Space].

HENRY ROLLINS Cited As 'Possible Threat' By Australian Government

Here's a great story about Henry Rollins and his latest problem with society. The following was taken directly from blabbermouth.

According to News.com.au, American punk rock icon and writer Henry Rollins was reported to the National Security hotline during his recent Australian tour because of a book he was reading on a flight to Brisbane.

A furious Rollins was informed he was "nominated as a possible threat" for reading "Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam In Central Asia", writes Kathy McCabe.

The incident happened on a flight from Auckland on the recent Big Day Out tour.

Rollins told Australian fans during his tour that he received a letter from a "nice woman" who worked "in one of those government areas that deals with anti-terrorism matters."

He posted the letter on his web site.

Please tell your Government and everyone in your office to go fuck themselves. Baghdad's safer than my hometown and your PM is a sissy," he wrote.

I don't care what anyone says. Rollins is the man!

Henry Rollins Spoken Word Shows:
Henry Rollins Australian Tour – January / February 2006
Friday Jan. 20th: Auckland, New Zealand for Big Day Out
Sunday Jan. 22nd: Gold Coast, Australia for Big Day Out
Monday Jan. 23rd: Byron Bay Community Centre, Australia @ Byron Bay Community CentreThursday
Jan. 26th: Sydney, Australia for Big Day Out
Friday Jan. 27th: Hobart, Tasmania @ Wrest Point Casino Sunday
Jan. 29th: Melbourne, Australia for Big Day Out Tuesday
Jan. 31st: Geelong, Australia @ Geelong Performing Arts Centre Wednesday
Feb. 1st: Canberra, Australia @ University of Canberra Thursday
Feb. 2nd: Newcastle, Australia @ Newcastle City Hall Friday
Feb. 3rd: Adelaide, Australia for Big Day Out Sunday
Feb. 5th: Perth, Australia for Big Day Out

HENRY ROLLINS “25 YEARS OF BULLSHIT” EUROPE TOUR DATES
Wednesday March. 15 Tongeren , Belgium De Velinx Thursday
March. 16 Mainz, Germany Frankenfurter Hof Friday
March. 17 Cologne, Germany Ewerk Saturday
March. 18 Schorndorf, Germany Manufaktur Sunday
March. 19 Berlin, Germany Passionskirche Monday
March. 20 Hamburg, Germany Kampnagel Theatre Tuesday
March. 21 Amsterdamn, Netherlands Paradiso Wednesday
March. 22 Antwerp, Belgium Arenbergschouwburg Friday
March. 24 London, UK Hammersmith Apollo Saturday
March. 25 Edinburgh, UK Usher Hall Sunday
March. 26 Newcastle, UK Carling Academy Monday
March. 27 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy Tuesday
March. 28 Dublin, Irleand Vicar St

A Bored on a Saturday Story: Steve Discovers Lisa Loeb's Sister

Watching MTV's 'Fat Camp' this afternoon, I noticed a slight resemblance between fat-camper Dianne and Lisa Loeb. (Others have related Dianne's look to that of serial killer John Wayne Gacey). The resemblance would have proved stronger, of course, if Lisa Loeb was obese and 15. But we all know that the cutesy indie rocker from the 90s is nowhere near the portly side and is on the right side of 18 years of age.

I decided, after the show, to do a standard Google search on Lisa Loeb to see what she'd been up to for the past decade or so. It appeared she hadn't been up to much of anything. However, I was astonished to discover that her sister, on the other hand, has been much busier. In fact, she's a full-fledged singer. That's right. Lisa Loeb's sister is a singer now also.

Based on the one song that was functional on her official website, her sound is nothing like Lisa's. The tune was a sappy piano ballad. And based on her pictures, she has made a wise fashion decision. She doesn't sport goofy glasses. I couldn't really gather much after that, since most of her webpages are still under construction.

I really don't have much more to offer on the subject. However, if you are intrigued and want to find out more, you can read Debbie Loeb's biography by going to her official site.

Velvet Revolver Goes Hip-Hop?

Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum has revealed some of the band's latest developments. Apparently, the GNR/STP hybrid is planning to move in a different direction on their latest musical effort, which has the working title of Libertad.

Our first album was very aggressive and just in-your-face. and we made it very quickly," Sorum explained. "And this album we just really want to, like, you know, we want to pull it back a bit, groove a little harder, [make it] a little more danceable. We've talked about working with people like [pop superstar] Pharrell [Williams] just for the… just to check it out. I mean, it's not rock and roll, but it might be different. Who knows?! I don't know.

In related news, it was recently announced that Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland will be joining "super cover band" Camp Freddy. The band already has a roster of Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), Billy Morrison (The Cult) and Chris Chaney (Alanis Morrisette).

Sorum says that the band are hoping to finally release their debut album next summer. Macy Gray, Steve Jones (SEX PISTOLS) and Jerry Cantrell (ALICE IN CHAINS) have already recorded guest spots, and Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH) has been asked to participate.

New Polyphonic Spree Album Set For July

The following was originally published by CMJ. This is a direct crosspost:

With winter depression soon to be over and done with, its apt that the overtly-gleeful Polyphonic Spree have a new album in the works. The record, titled The Fragile Army, is due July 3, and the insanely-huge collective is currently finishing up 14 songs in a Minnesota studio. While other album details are sparse, the band have been documenting the recording process on their own blog, where member Evan Hisey notes that "it's been such an interesting, fresh experience watching the songs evolve over the past month."

On a personal note, I just watched "Thumbsucker," starring Lou Pucci, Keanu Reeves, Vincent D'Onofrio, etc. etc. While this particular fact seems to have no significance to the post, it should be noted that the soundtrack was put together by the Polyphonic Spree and Elliott Smith. For those of you who can't wait until July 3, I'd recommend checking out the soundtrack for your Spree fix.

Elton Takes Crap From No One!

Sir Elton John has won a libel suit against a British newspaper for a story it published in 2005. The story, entitled "Rock royals get too grand," focused on John's AIDS Foundation Summer Ball. John was upset because the newspaper had described him as acting "in a self-important, arrogant and rude manner." Additionally, the story said John had issued a "bizarre and absurd edict to guests at his annual charity fundraising White Tie and Tiara summer ball not to address him unless spoken to".

The suit was filed, in large part, to the possible damage to John's fundraising efforts. The story apparently caused the singer to feel embarassment and distress.

John will be donating the damages to his AIDS foundation.

The Vines Album Release

The Vines have recently announced that their third studio album, Vision Valley, is to be released on April 3. The first single is yet to be determined, but should be expected to precede the release.

The band's website currently features the new tracks 'Gross Out' and 'Don't Listen To The Radio.' To listen to the tracks, click here.

I Predict a Riot: Kaiser Chiefs Take Home Three Awards

British act Kaiser Chiefs took home three trophies at the Brit Awards yesterday. Their debut album Employment helped the band earn Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Live Act.

The Brits is the British equivalent of the American Grammys

Mission: Impossible gets the 'Ye Makeover

The theme song for the Mission: Impossible film franchise will be re-done for the third time. Following in the footsteps of U2 and Limp Bizkit, Kanye West has been chosen to update the classic theme song for Mission: Impossible 3, starring everyone's favorite scientologist, Tom Cruise.

"My goal is to take the Mission franchise and re-interpret it to make a movie that is familiar, but absolutely brand new," added M:I III director J.J. Abrams, also via statement. "Kanye has done just that with his version of the classic Lalo Schifrin theme, and we're thrilled to be working with him."

In related 'Ye news,
While recording the aforementioned theme song at London's Abbey Road Studios, Kanye ran across Chris Martin of Coldplay. Rumor has it that the two artists got together for a jam session, the result being a track that may end up on West's highly anticipated Graduation.

"Kanye didn't mind being interrupted and after Coldplay's show, Chris joined him in the recording booth for a jamming session," an industry insider told Virgin's Newswire. "They did a track together which sounded amazing. Fingers crossed it will see the light of day."

Where will Kanye end up next?? Stay tuned in the event of a slow news day.

DLR Speaks Out Against Van Halen's 'Rock Star' Idea

Apparently Van Halen is thinking about finding a new lead singer to replace Extreme flop, Gary Cherone (like the double entendre?), by way of CBS's 'Rock Star.' 'Rock Star' is the television show that landed INXS with their "awesome" Michael Hutchence replacement, J.D. Fortune, a former Elvis impersonator.

In no big surprise, Van Halen's original vocalist, David Lee Roth, has expressed his disapproval, claiming that if the band chose its newest singer on TV, the band would turn into a "novelty act."

So what is DLR's counteridea? Why, a Van Halen reunion of course!

"People want the reunion," said Roth. "No one will pay respect to what any of us do [musically] until we get the reunion out of the way.

CBS will announce its new 'Rock Star' band next month.

And for those who miss the Van Hagar phase of the band, here's a little something something for ya:

Van Halen - 'Runaround'

The M's

Do they melt in your mouth and not in your hand? The band from Chicago, known as The M's, are anything but sweet and sugary. They've been compared to "UK Rock" and their music has been described as combining "modernist sheen with retro muscle."

You can pre-order their album Future Women here.

30 Seconds To Mars Tour

The "Forever Night Never Day" tour will be 30 Seconds To Mars' first official headlining tour. According to the band's website, one can purchase tickets for select shows by clicking here. Along for the ride are fledging bands Aiden and Emanuel.
The tour will be in support of 30 Seconds to Mars' latest musical effort, A Beautiful Lie, which was voted Number 8 on Metal Edge's best records of 2005.

Tour Dates:
03/04 - Salt Lake City, UT Avalon
03/05 - Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
03/07 - Tulsa, OK Cains Ballroom
03/09 - Dallas, TX Lakewood Theater
03/10 - Houston, TX Engine Room
03/11 - San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
03/13 - Jacksonville, FL Freebird Live
03/14 - Tampa, FL State Theatre
03/16 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
03/17 - Orlando, FL House of Blues
03/18 - Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
03/19 - Norfolk, VA Norva Theatre
03/21 - Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts
03/24 - New York City, NY The Avalon
03/25 - Washington, DC American University
03/26 - Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
03/28 - Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
03/29 - Clevaland, OH House of Blues
03/30 - Toronto, Canada The Opera House
03/31 - Toledo, OH Headliners
04/01 - Chicago, IL Cabaret Metro
04/03 - Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
04/04 - Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
04/06 - St. Louis, MO Pageant
04/07 - Milwaukee, WI The Rave II
04/08 - Minneapolis, MN The Quest Club
04/09 - Winnipeg, Canada West End Cultural Centre
04/11 - Edmonton, Canada Starlite Room
04/12 - Calgary, Canada The Whiskey
04/14 - Vancouver, Canada Commodore
04/15 - Seattle, WA Showbox
04/16 - Boise, ID The Big Easy
04/18 - Reno, NV New Oasis
04/19 - Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst
04/20 - Bakersfield, CA Montgomery World Plaza
04/21 - Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
04/22 - Phoenix, AZ The Marquee
04/24 - San Diego, CA Soma
04/25 - Santa Ana, CA The Galaxy
04/26 - Cabazon, CA Key Club at Morongo Casino
04/27 - Ventura, CA Ventura Theatre
04/29 - Sacramento, CA The Boardwalk
04/30 - San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall

Amazon Wants A Piece of the Action

Amazon.com is preparing a download service to rival Apple's itunes. This may be quite a challenge, seeing as how itunes is fast approaching the one billion downloads mark. However, if any online company has a shot at taking a sizable fraction of the market, it could very well be Amazon. It may be assumed that Amazon believes their online clout will be strong enough to break Apple's stronghold over the downloading industry.

The Financial Times reported that the retailer has met with representatives from major labels and is at work putting the final touches on its system. The site plans to launch the service as early as this summer, according to the Times’ report.

Franz Ferdinand Champion Downloading

The following was originally published by Contact Music. This is a direct crosspost:

Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos is confident legal downloading will shake up the music industry - because lazy pop and rock stars will no longer prosper.

The Take Me out singer thinks choosy fans will stop buying records just because they like certain acts, and start purchasing the songs they like instead.

He says, "I like the idea that, because of downloading, people are gonna buy songs only if they are good.

"It means lazy bands aren't going to get away with giving you the one hit single and an album full of filler."

Ted's Song of the Week - 2/13/06

Smoke And Mirrors
Action Action
An Army of Shapes Between Wars

From the moment I popped this disc into my car's CD player, I was blown away by the first track "Smoke And Mirrors." The eerie 43 second intro leaves the listener totally unprepared for the brilliance that immediately follows. An unbridled keyboard surges the song forward, while a loopy bass riff does the grunt work in keeping the track structured. The icing to the cake would have to be singer Clarke Foley's amazing sense of ryhthm and interesting lyrics.

There are some songs out there that may persuade you to move to the beat. "Smoke And Mirrors" gets right to the point and forces that movement. Synth-pop at its finest.

Listen to the sample:

Action Action - Smoke and Mirrors



This track can also be heard at Lonely Note Radio.

Lyrics:
Comatose
Feed my head with liberty; I've got an appetite for deceit
I'm done, well done, stick a fork in me
cover me in apathy
Discreetly and distinct able
I am trying to break your heart
I'm plagued with doubt
no frogs or murdered first born
My thoughts are just a little sun burnt
Dismantle all that ever was
Strip it down; withdrawal the blood

Something going to break real soon, who's covering whose eyes?
Safety in knowing others lies pulled by the strings of time
Hold me back; I'm going to throw it all down on the table
Do you expect us to believe in these fables?
Oh, what to do with you?
With you, with you, with you
Hold me tight
It seems all I really have is in front of me
Is the rest just a dream or a fallacy?
Oh, what to do with you?
With you, with you, with you

A throwback to all those 80's slasher flicks
You're a cheap thriller, and I'm getting sick of it.
God's dead and all bets have waived their rights
All is fair in love and time
Who will win the game of war?
Illusion, a delusion, a terrible secret
What one does sees another's lost prophet

Hold me close
I can see right through you
Challenge all you've ever heard
Incite the search and motivate
Something going to break real soon, who's covering whose eyes?
Safety in knowing others lies pulled by the strings of time

Please read between the lines
A simple compromise between the sands of time
Please say with me, say with me…

Walk the Line Spurs Success For Cash in Australia

Johnny Cash has three Top 25 albums in Australia even though he's dead. Due to the popularity of biopic Walk the Line, Cash has experienced posthumous success as viewers of that film take to stores and buy his records. The recordings currently on the Australian Top 25 list include two compilations and the soundtrack to Walk the Line.

Des Moines Students May Learn the Three R's Via Hip-Hop

Ako Abdul-Samad, a member of the Des Moines, Iowa schoolboard, has proposed using hip-hop as a tool to teach children in the school district. Proponents of the "hip-hop learning method" claim the music helps to get students more engaged about a subject than traditional means. Philadelphia and San Francisco already use the music for teaching in its respective schools.

But not everyone is warm to the idea of using hip-hop as a teaching tool. For a significant number, the fact that the genre is often full of lyrics that demean women and lyrics that promote violence is enough for some to oppose Abdul-Samad's proposal altogether. Supporters argue that songs can be cleaned up before use in the classroom, thus deleting the aforementioned offensive lyrics.

A good idea? Will Abdul-Samad's proposal be integrated into the Des Moines curriculum? Abdul-Samad plans on holding a workshop on the matter in the spring.

The Grammys Don't Care About Black People??

Rap phenomenon and Bush-basher, Kanye West, has another grievance. Despite picking up three Grammys from the rap category, Kanye feels he should have been the one to take home Album of the Year. Instead, the honor went to U2 while Kanye cried about it to the press.

"I didn't win it by a technicality, not because I didn't deserve it. Even [U2 lead singer] Bono was like 'Come on.' Everybody knows it." - Kanye West

The whole experience may turn into a positive one for West, as he embarks on another campaign to win the coveted award. Can you say Golddigger 2?

"Now it gives me another goal to go and work on Graduation and show them 'Yo, I really deserve this album of the year,'" he said. "I'm gonna keep on delivering albums of the year that are so undeniable to the point where you finally let a rapper come up and accept this award."

Radiohead's Tennessee Adventure

For those people out there with tickets to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, consider yourselves extremely fortunate to witness such a star-studded line-up. It has recently been confirmed that "The Best Band in the World" (according to Q Magazine), Radiohead, has agreed to perform at the festival. This will be Radiohead's first U.S. festival appearance since headlining Coachella in 2004. Bonnaroo is a three-day music festival that will take place June 16th through 18th in Manchester, Tennessee.

Other confirmed artists for the event include:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Phil Lesh & Friends
Beck
Elvis Costello & the Imposters
Oysterhead
Bonnie Raitt
Death Cab for Cutie
moe.
Bright Eyes
The Neville Brothers
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones
Buddy Guy
Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
Ben Folds
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Dr. John
Les Claypool
Matisyahu
G. Love & Special Sauce
Umphrey's McGee
My Morning Jacket
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Steel Pulse
Mike Gordon & Ramble Dove
Cat Power
Medeski Martin & Wood
Nickel Creek
Gomez
Atmosphere
Steve Earle
Blues Traveler
Disco Biscuits
Amadou & Mariam
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
The Dresden Dolls
Son Volt
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Jerry Douglas
Soulive
Rusted Root
Devendra Banhart Band
Donavon Frankenreiter
Mike Doughty
Sasha
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
The Magic Numbers
Bill Frisell
Seu Jorge
Bettye LaVette
Dungen
Shooter Jennings
Rebirth Brass Band
Robinella
Andrew Bird
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Steel Train
Jackie Greene
Devotchka
The Wood Brothers
dios (malos)
Toubab Krewe
The Motet
Marah
I-Nine
Balkan Beat Box
The Cat Empire

Rock's Newest Feud?

Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson has recently criticized his hero, Paul Weller, calling him a "fuddy-duddy." Weller, a former member of The Jam, denounced several British musicians from James Blunt to Sir Bob Geldof to Freddie Mercury last week.

Wilson responded to the "slagging" by saying:

"You shouldn't just slag people off just because you don't like their music, when you don't even know them or when you'll bump into them next week."

Is a Wilson-Weller superfeud in the mix? Will the Wilson-Weller exchange put The Killers vs. The Bravery dissing to shame? Stay tuned...

It's Going To Be Expensive!

A near priceless piece of Beatles memorabilia will be hitting the auction block in the days to come. The original lyric sheet for "A Day In the Life," off of the classic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, will be available for bidding until March 7.

"It's absolutely the finest rock and roll artifact to survive the 20th century," Martin Gammon, a book and manuscript analyst at Bonhams & Butterfields, said Thursday

The lyric sheet, which was drafted in 1967, is estimated to sell for as high as $2 million at the auction. The music relic is currently on display at Bonhams San Francisco office until February 12.

The value of the manuscript has increased exponentially in a little more than a decade, Gammon said. An unidentified American collector purchased the lyrics for "A Day in the Life" for roughly $100,000 in 1992 — considerably less than the likely winning bid in 2006. They originally belonged to former Beatles road manager Mal Evans.

U2 Maintains "Biggest Band in Universe" Label

For those of us who missed this year’s Grammy Awards, here were the winners of the top eight categories:

Record Of The Year
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Green Day

Album Of The Year
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
U2

Song Of The Year
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
U2

Best New Artist
John Legend

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Since U Been Gone
Kelly Clarkson

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
From The Bottom Of My Heart
Stevie Wonder

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
This Love
Maroon 5

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Feel Good Inc.
Gorillaz Featuring De La Soul

Of course, U2 had to dominate this year’s ceremony by taking home five Grammys for their latest album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The same album that garnered them three awards for the previous year. Seriously, is that fair?

In related news, walking time-bomb, Mariah Carey, snagged three Grammys for her latest musical effort, The Emancipation of Mimi. Some in the media believe that she was slighted because of her leading eight nominations going into the event. I don’t know if she has much room to complain. Three out of eight Grammys isn’t too bad.










Who out there wonders if Bono will auction off his awards and use the proceeds to help some third world country?

To check out the entire 48th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List, click here.

Massive Attack Trip-Hops to Coachella

Massive Attack has recently announced that they will be joining the already stellar line-up of the seventh annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, to be performed in Indio, CA. This will be the trip-hop band's first U.S. appearance in more than eight years.

"We are playing Coachella, dusk till dark, before Tool on the Sunday night. It's going to be a blast," announced Robert Del Naja on the band's website forum. Continuing his comment on the band's plans for the summer, "the main bulk of the tour will be June-September in Europe, USA, Middle East, Africa and Japan with recording and mixing in-between."

Another point of interest for Coachella is the re-emergence of Daft Punk on the social scene. The French electronica group will be performing for the first time in six years at this year's festival.

The Coachella line-up is currently:

Saturday, April 29th
Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Common, Atmosphere, Carl Cox, My Morning Jacket, TV on the Radio, Ladytron, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Tosca, Cat Power, Animal Collective, HARD-Fi, Derrick Carter, Devendra Banhart, She Wants Revenge, The Walkmen, The Juan Maclean, Imogen Heap, Audio Bullys, Lady Sovereign, Deerhoof, The Duke Spirit, Eagles of Death Metal, Lyrics Born, Matt Costa, The New Amsterdams, The Zutons, Platinum Pied Pipers, White Rose Movement, Chris Liberator, Colette, Joey Beltram, Hybrid, Living Things, Wolfmother, The Like, Nine Black Alps, Celebration, The Section Quartet, Shy FX & T Power, Infusion

Sunday, April 30th
Tool, Massive Attack, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, Paul Oakenfold, Scissor Sisters, Matisyahu, James Blunt, Sleater-Kinney, Mogwai, Coheed and Cambria, Wolf Parade, Coldcut, Phoenix, Digable Planets, Gnarls Barkley, Amadou & Mariam, Little Louie Vega, Mylo (DJ Set), Seu Jorge, Ted Leo / Pharmacists, The Go! Team, Kaskade, Metric, Editors, Art Brut, Dungen, The Dears, Jamie Lidell, The Magic Numbers, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jazzanova, stellastarr*, Michael Mayer, Murs featuring 9th Wonder, Mates of State, Gilles Peterson, Infadels, Gabriel & Dresden, The Subways, Minus the Bear, OneRepublic, Be Your Own Pet, Youth Group, Giant Drag, Kristina Sky, The Octopus Project.

Rick Moranis' Singing Career Takes Off

In an effort not to buck my trend of only posting Canadian-related posts this week, I bring to you an article on funny man from the north, Rick Moranis. After a ten year absence from making movies, Moranis has reemerged with, of all things, a country album!

Inspired by his children, who were occupied listening to alt-country and bluegrass, Moranis made his album available via the artistShare network. Eventually, as word caught on and The Agoraphobic Cowboy's popularity increased, Moranis reached a deal with Warner Canada to make the album widely available in stores.

For those who cannot imagine the transition from comedy films to country music, here's what Moranis had to say on the subject:

"As much as it is somewhat of a departure, it's not completely a departure because I've always done a lot of music," said Moranis, who started out as a radio DJ in Toronto before moving on to standup comedy."I don't know if I'm capable of writing anything straight. I just can't take myself that seriously."

Moranis said country music seemed a natural genre for his humour.

"Country music is a place where from time to time you hear some really funny stuff," he said pointing to artists like Johnny Cash, The Statler Brothers, Roger Miller and Ray Stevens.

Moranis has considered a small club tour of Canada in support of his album.

B.B. King Misses His Pooch

Music legend and animal lover, B.B. King, has experienced quite a loss recently. While under the care of his co-manager, Matthew Lieberman, King's 2-year old maltese, Lucille, has gone missing. The bluesman has offered an autographed copy of his signature "Lucille" guitars as a reward for the recovery of the animal.

"We're not sure how she got out of the yard, perhaps a gate was ajar," Lieberman said in a statement Monday. Canvassing nearby animal shelters and putting up some 500 signs failed to turn up any trace of Lucille so the 80-year-old musician decided to offer a signed guitar as a reward.

Anyone with information about the dog's whereabouts should call Lieberman at (917) 885-1950.

Bryan Adams Heads to Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Canadian hero, Bryan Adams, will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this April. While the award ceremony will be held in Halifax, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame will reside in Toronto upon that museum's completion in the summer of 2007.

For those of you who don't know, Adams is famous for such hits as 'Summer of '69,' 'Run to You,' and '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.' The latter was featured in blockbuster Robin Hood (Prince of Thieves).

Adams is also infamously known for causing similarly named artist, Ryan Adams, to experience an identity crisis and turbulent relations with fans in Nashville.

A Canadian Perspective: The 30 Greatest American Rock Bands

It seems everybody has their list of the top everything when it comes to music: top band, top album, top singer, top guitarist, top whatever. But not everybody asks the Canadians what they think on the matter. Read Mote Magazine's "Top 30 Greatest American Rock Bands of All Time" here.

Superbowl Convinces Me That the Rolling Stones Need to Retire

Roughly half an hour ago, the Rolling Stones performed the halftime show of Superbowl XL. I would have to say it was one of the worst halftime shows I've ever seen. I don't care if the Rolling Stones were one of the most innovative bands of all time, and I don't care that they are in their sixties and still performing strong. The show was horrible. When I watch something as exciting as the National Football League's world championship, I want a halftime show with the intoxicating thrill to match. To borrow a line from George Carlin, watching the Rolling Stones tonight was about as exciting as trying to "watch flies f***."

Was it Neil Young who said, "It's better to burn out than to fade away?" The Rolling Stones are immortal---or rather, they were immortal. After seeing their lackluster show tonight, I'm not so sure their legacy can continue to maintain it's once-godly status.

To the Rolling Stones, from one lowly music fan, I urge you to throw in the reins before you embarrass yourselves further.

Thank-you, and back to the music.

Madonna Teams Up With the Gorillaz

The original "material girl" will be mixing it up with those primates from across the pond, the Gorillaz, at the 48th Annual Grammy awards. Their special performance will take place during the live awards telecast on February 8th. As expected, the Gorillaz will be featured on stage in their 3-D holographic forms, while Madonna prances about and endorses Kabbalah.

The Gorillaz and Madonna join previously announced performers U2 and Mary J Blige; Mariah Carey and the Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir; John Legend; Kanye West and Jamie Foxx; Bruce Springsteen; Coldplay; Faith Hill and Keith Urban; Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock; Sugarland; and an all-star tribute to Sly And The Family Stone featuring Maroon 5, Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Robert Randolph, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Joss Stone and John Legend.

The awards ceremony will be hosted at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8th. For more information on the artists and awards, check out www.grammy.yahoo.com.

The Return of Nothingface

Recently, I was excited to learn that one of my all-time favorite metal bands, Nothingface, has reunited. After recording and touring together since the mid-nineties, the group called it quits in 2003; not long after the release of their fourth album, Skeletons. This was a disappointment for me; so when it was announced that they were reforming with plans to record new material, I was quite pleased. With the exception of founding member and bassist/songwriter Bill Gaal being replaced by ex-Deadlights/Danzig bassist Jerry Montano, the band looks and sounds much like they have picked up where they left off. The two new songs they have posted on their website sound like the Nothingface of old. I'm particularly fond of the track 'Walking on Bodies.' Few bands have the ability to successfully be both brutal and delicate at the same time. Here is what vocalist Matt Holt says on their website about the return of Nothingface:

"I think I speak for us all by saying that our next record will surpass every other record we had ever been a part of," says Holt, "I feel that our music has grown and has the ability to change the face of our genre, spawning others that will only attempt to achieve what we do so naturally."

For more information about the hiatus and reformation of Nothingface, as well as to hear the new tracks and see upcoming tourdates, check out the band's Official Website and Myspace

Rolling Rock Town Fair No More

There will be no more Rolling Rock Town Fair. Instead, the Latrobe brewing company is partnering with E Street Bander Steven Van Zandt for a series of shows to be played nationwide. It will be called “Garage Rock.” Cities planned for the tour include New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and Seattle, among 26 others.

Ft. Minor Will Play Malaysia

Mike Shinoda, along with trip-hopsters Tak and Ryu, are set to play Kuala Lumpur March 1. Fort Minor, Shinoda's side project, has been touring the States for the last few months. When the tour raps up later this year, work on a new Linkin Park album is scheduled to begin. Linkin Park is Shinoda's original band.