The Black Crowes new record Warpaint is out today and they are kind enough to share a free mp3 download of "Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution." The new single entered the Mediabase Rock Chart at #10 this week and tonight is the big "one night only" show at Fillmore East in NYC where they will be joined by Luther Dickinson to perform the new album in its entirety.

Daughters is classic Black Crowes and one that shows that despite all the line up changes the Robinsons and crew can still put out some good old fashioned rock and roll. Download it now here: Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution Mp3

Labels: Mp3s, The Black Crowes

The Iraq war is not only front and center in the Democratic primary, it is also the subject of a new film focusing on an injured Iraq war veteran called Body of War that features original music by Eddie Vedder. In addition to Vedder, the soundtrack includes cuts from Ben Harper, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, The Nightwatchman and many more.

Bobby Bare Jr. is hitting the road in support of his new record The Longest Meow (mp3 below). Bare received some help on his new effort from, among others, Carl Broemel and Patrick Hallahan of My Morning Jacket and reportedly tracked all 11 cuts in a single long day in Nashville. Bare will take the new tunes on the road next week for some solo dates and then join Son Volt for a couple weeks in April.

Just call Joss Stone the Chicken Whisperer. In a new ad for Peta, the sexy songstress touts her vegetarian bona fides and love of chickens, the un-cooked kind. Speaking fondly of a feathered friend, Stone is quoted as saying "“The chickens were so adorable and really comfortable. I think one of them started to fall asleep in my arms. So sweet!” Almost makes me feel guilty about the rotisserie Perdue I had for dinner - almost.

MP3s:
Bobby Bare Jr.: The Heart Bionic
Nada Surf: See These Bones
Dr. Dog: A Long Time Ago
Apostle of Hustle: National Anthem of Nowhere (Spoon Remix)
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles: The Day We Met (live)
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles: Lord Only Knows (live)
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: Tae Parade
Donna Jean and the Tricksters: All I Gotta Say

James McMurty has a new record coming out next month. His Just Us Kids hits stores April 15. To celebrate, James' peeps are posting new tracks on his MySpace every Tuesday, where you can also get a free download of "Cheney's Toy." Yes, James continues his political themes on the new record - after all, 'tis the season.

Labels: Dr. Dog, James McMurtry, Mp3s, Nada Surf, Pearl Jam, Tom Morello

Loyal readers (okay, reader) will recall that back in July, I wrote that Jon McKiel was "a 'real deal' singer songwriter who will be among the next wave of great Canadian imports to charm the US music community." Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm not a braggart and I find the practice rather pedestrian. But, I have to admit it is fun to be right.

Jon's record, The Nature of Things, just released here in the States a couple weeks ago rocketed to the top spot (regardless of genre!) on eMusic yesterday. It is very cool to see his name right up there with great established acts like Cat Power, Sia and British Sea Power. I'm not much of a fancy orator when it comes to dissecting music, I just know what I like and don't like - and, I like Jon McKiel!

However, for those wanting a little for substance from your music writers I think the good folks at Berkeley Place sum up McKiel's music prett well: "His music is on the dark side of shoegazer, featuring moody hooks and introspective themes. It's reasonably accessible, but doesn't bend over too far to grab your ears: There's catchy stuff here, but most of it will make you concentrate a little too hard for me to call it indie pop. But I'd definitely call it indie. And I'd definitely call it worth a listen, too." I couldn't agree more, especially that last part.

You can stream the entire record over at Wednesday Records and get a download right here for "War On You."

Labels: John McKiel, Mp3s

Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Hold Steady and KT Tunstall all contribute songs for SERVE2, a charity compilation put together by Hard Rock International (remeber the Hard Rock Cafe?!?!). All net proceeds from the record will benefit World Hunger Year, a nonprofit organization fighting hunger and poverty in America and around the world. Many of the tracks on the record are live and most are previously unreleased.

Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü fame has signed to Anti- Records. Mould is working on a new disc to be released in February (talk about advance promo!) and will feature another old schooler - Fugazi’s Brendan Canty - manning the drum set. Mould is also out on tour now promoting Circle of Friends, which is a DVD shot live at one of my favorite venues, the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. The tour (dates here) features a screening of the film, an acoustic set from Mould and an interview "in front of the audience" (the PR person wrote that as if someone besides the audience will be asking Mould questions, which would be a bit odd in today's interactive society).

My friends over at Wednesday Records announced that Jon McKiel has finished his debut record for the label. Jon and the band recorded The Nature of Things at the old Fort Apache studios (Pixies' "Come on Pilgrim," Radiohead's "The Bends," and Dinosaur Jr.'s "Green Mind") in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The record was mastered by Noah Mintz (The Dears, Stars, and Broken Social Scene) at Lacquer Channel in Toronto, and will be released in the U.S. in early 2008. Meanwhile, McKiel is finishing up a Canadian tour swing and you can get the remaining dates and hear more songs (in addition to the stellar track below) from the new record on his MySpace page.

Division Day (from Beartrap Island): Tigers
Division Day (Depeche Mode cover): Enjoy the Silence
Division Day (Sponge cover): Plowed
Debbie Harry (Soul Seekerz remix): Two Times Blue
Robbers on High Street (from Grand Animals): Crown Victoria
John McKiel (from Nature of Things): War On You
Poison Control Center (from Glory Us EP): Glory Us
Hellogoodbye (from Serve2): Baby It's Fact (Live From New York, NY)
British Sea Power (from Krankenhaus? EP): Atom

Cutie pie Jennie Owen Youngs is heading out on tour with Sean Hayes that includes a stop in Philadelphia's World Cafe Live on Tuesday October 30th. Get all the dates here and if you haven't seen it yet check out Jenny's funny send up of Nelly's "Hot In Herre" complete with a little "Global Warming" message. Al Gore would be proud! As much I'd like to see Jenny "take off her clothes" I kinda dig this school girl outfit. It's gettin' hot in here indeed.

In case you missed it, here is a video of Bloc Party debuting their new single "Flux" on Conan O'Brien. The single is a preview of a new EP and will also be available on a re-release of A Weekend in the City, both of which are set to hit stores on November 20th. For those international travelers out there, you can catch Bloc Party at the Iceland Airwaves Festival on October 20th or catch them back in the UK on one of several fall dates they have lined up in the Old Country.

Labels: Bloc Party, Jenny Owen Youngs, Jon McKiel, Mp3s

A name like Birdie Busch is just begging for some pun-ishment, but this Philadelphia song bird is no joke. American Songwriter sums up her music this way "Every folk-pop debut should be as buoyant as Birdie Busch's The Ways We Try. Charming, unpretentious and hooky, it's refreshing for it's simplicity." I couldn't agree more. As you'll hear below her new material fits that same description.

Her new record Penny Arcade is set for a September 25th release and you can preview a cool track here called "Mystical" (mp3). You can catch Birdie this Saturday at the Collingswood Music Festival or check out her record release party at Johnny Brendas in Philadelphia's famed Fishtown neighborhood on Tuesday September 25th.

Labels: Birdie Busch, Mp3s, Philadelphia

Earvolution's Pawnshop Roses will play the Dogfish Head in Rehobeth Beach tonight and then head north to Boston on Saturday for a homecoming show for guitarist Kevin Bentley at the Middle East. The Boston show is with Taxpayer, The Every Day Visuals and Polarbaron. Next weekend the boys swing south to hit Spartanburg, South Carolina (Wild Wing Cafe) on Friday and then Nashville on Saturday for another Earvolution Nashville Jam (more to come on rest of bill next week) at the French Quarter Cafe.

Speaking of Boston, Razorlight will kick off their fall North American tour in Beantown on November 7th at the Middle East as well. Frontman Johnny Borell says the band is looking forward to hitting the U.S.: “We’ve spent most of this year trying to find time to tour in the States, so we’re really looking forward to finally getting to play these shows. We felt we made a real connection with the US fans when we were over in the Spring, so we want to build on that.” The band will be debuting some new material they've been working on for their next record. You can get all the Razorlight dates on their MySpace page.

Earvolution friend Rich Casella tells Schultz he will be debuting his most recent material with his new band this Friday night, September 7th, in New York City. "We sound a little like Cream or the Who but the music is a result of my travels over the past 5 years," says Casella. The early evening show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at New York City's Lions Den, 214 Sullivan Street (between Bleeker and West 3rd). If you want to get a sense of the musicianship involved, check out a bit of Casella's guitar work here.

The Secret Machines (Earvolution interview here) will headline "Ludfest" in Brooklyn this coming Sunday, September 9th. I know, you're thinking what is Ludfest? Well let me tell you...Ludfest is "a fundraiser for the 7th Precinct Community Council, with proceeds going toward charitable functions, such as giving toys out to needy members of our community, as well as funding for the Explorers Program, which gives teens activities to keep them off the streets. If you've never seen the Secret Machines live, I suggest you head on out. There will be several other bands and lots of other stuff to check out.

Mp3 Offerings:
Ravens & Chimes (Brooklyn bounce pop): January
The Real Tuesday Weld (not the fake one!): Last Words
Wooden Shjips (not Wooden Ships): We Ask You To Ride
Aesop Rock (ok, I give): Big Wiz MegaMix
The Coathangers (Atlanta pottymouth pop punk): Shut The Fuck Up
Herbie Hancock w/Norah Jones (Joni Mitchell cover): Court & Spark
Eulogies (debut out 9/11, mixed by John Goodmanson [Sleater-Kinney, Blonde Redhead]): One Man

Appleseed Recordings, celebrated it's 10th anniversary this Tuesday by releasing Sowing the Seeds - The 10th Anniversary. The 2-CD, 37-track good deeds opus includes a collaboration between Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen, as well as exclusive new songs from Ani DiFranco, Donovan, Wyclef Jean, Roger McGuinn, Jackson Browne, David Bromberg and more. "In celebrating Appleseed's tenth anniversary, we want to pay tribute to the politically active artists here - and to non-musical activists as well - who are unafraid to fight the good fight for social justice and positive change," explains Musselman. "Many of the musicians on this compilation were on the front lines of the major social movements of the last 50 years. We salute all who have challenged our skewed domestic and foreign policies and have championed peace, environmental preservation, civil rights, the women's movement and other vital issues." Word.

Labels: Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, Razorlight, The Secret Machines

The now annual "Fun Fun Fun Fest" in Austin, Texas is taking place on November 3rd and 4th. A stellar lineup has been announced that includes Cat Power and the Dirty Delta Blues, Of Montreal, New Pornographers, Ted Leo, Riverboat Gamblers and many more. Two day passes and other info can be found on the festival's website.

PJ Harvey will play at least two U.S. dates this fall. Harvey will play the Beacon Theatre in New York City on October 10th and The Orpheum in Los Angeles on October 15th, with tickets for both shows going on sale September 7th. Harvey's new record, White Chalk, hits stores September 25th on Island Records. With a new record in the works one would expect more shows to be announced. But, they may not be until 2008 so these dates might turn out to be the only U.S. gigs this fall.

It'll be Little Pink Houses for you and me this fall when John Mellencamp kicks off a fall tour. Mellencamp is also busy at work working on a new record that is being produced by T Bone Burnett. He'll take a break this week though to NBC’s NFL kickoff on Thursday, September 6th before the Indiana Colts vs. New Orleans Saints’ season opener. Mellencamp, of course, also be at New York’s Randall’s Island on Sunday, September 9th, to play Farm Aid 2007: A Home Grown Festival. He'll be joined by his Farm Aid co-founders Willie Nelson and Neil Young. Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, The Allman Brothers Band, Counting Crows, Matisyahu, the Derek Trucks Band, Warren Haynes and others are also on the bill. Details for John's tour can be found here.


Mp3 Offerings:
Midtown Dickens ("Sit around and play 'em in my underwear and socks"): Tetris
Apples in Stereo (on tour with with Aqueduct ): Same Old Drag
Sleeping In the Aviary (Wisconsin tango pop): Pop Song
The Go Station (produced by Phil Racine (Flaming Lips)): All Together Now
Cake (Black Sabbath cover via WXPN, via Spinner): War Pigs
The Sharp Things (we spotted them back in '05!): Cruel Thing
Randy Newman (Fats Domino cover; see below): Blue Monday

Sigur Ros is treating their fans to tons of new stuff this fall. They will release both a double disc, Hvarf / Heim, and a DVD, Heima, on Novemeber 6th. And, for those trying to figure out how to spend all that money left over from your summer job, there is an exclusive advance screening of the DVD on September 14th in Akureyri, Iceland. If you go, send pics!

Fats Domino is one of those great music legends that seems to sadly be mostly celebrated in Happy Days reruns. But, now the big man is getting more of a proper celebration with a tribute record, Goin' Home, that has an all star lineup contributing tracks. The acts interpreting classic Domino songs include: Sir Elton John (Blueberry Hill), Sir Paul McCartney (I Want To Walk You Home), Tom Petty (I’m Walkin’), Robert Plant (It Keeps Rainin’), Willie Nelson (I Hear You Knockin’), B.B. King (Goin’ Home) and Neil Young (Walkin’ To New Orleans). This should be much better than Ritchie and Potsie's work. The two disc set hits stores September 25th.

Labels: Cat Power, Farm Aid, Mp3s, Of Montreal, Ted Leo

The Arcade Fire is set to take on the dust bowl that can be Randalls Island. The show takes place October 6th, so the weather may be better than for some of the summer shows. The Fire are bringing some friends along for the ride. Wild Light, Les Savy Fav, Blonde Redhead and LCD Soundsystem will share the bill.

You may recall us featuring Demander back in January. The New York trio are still going strong and the buzz will likely only increase this fall as they join both the Hold Steady and Art Brut on the road for a series of shows and then going abroad for some dates with New Model Army. Just before hitting the road the band will release their new cd The Kindness of Ravens on October 2nd. Check out some tunes and get all the tour scoop on their Myspace page.

Mink, the New York based power-gritters, are hitting the road with Perry Farrell's Satellite Party (who we caught in Austin). Sounds like a great matching of high energy bands and worth seeing. Their new self-titled record, produced by Sylvia Massy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers) & Chris Shaw (Dylan, Wilco), came out yesterday. You check out Mink's video for the "Talk to Me" over on YouTube and get the show dates on their MySpace page.

Mp3 Offerings:
They Might Be Giants (new record out now): "Careful What You Pack"
Cannonball Jane (this is not the Adrock remix): "Take It To The Fantastic"
Division Day (starts of good, not sure about ending): "Tigers"
Tim Williams (new record in October): "Novel"
The Hot Springs (another Montreal act to watch): "Headrush"

The Decemberists are hitting the road for what they are calling "The Long and Short Of It" tour. The name refers to the idea that the band will play longer songs on some nights and shorter songs on others. The band will play two nights in each city so seemingly you could go to both shows and see two entirely different sets. Laura Veirs, who appears on The Crane Wife, will open.

Natalie Merchant and some friends are banding together to help the homeless. A benefit cd titled Give US Your Poor features new songs by Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Madeleine Peyroux, Sonya Kitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Merchant, Michelle Shocked, Keb’ Mo’ and others. Merchant even recorded a song written by 15-year-old Nichole Cooper when she was homeless. You can check out a clip from a related documentary here. The record comes out September 25th on Appleseed Recordings.

Labels: Arcade Fire, Art Brut, Bruce Springsteen, Demander, Mp3s, The Decemberists, The Hold Steady, The Hot Springs

If you are anywhere near Philadelphia this week you'll want to drop by the World Cafe Live for the Beta Hi Fi Music Festival, sponsored by Paste Magazine and WXPN. The Squirrel Nut Zippers, along with the Kin, Ruder Than You, the Pawnshop Roses (Thursday night 8/23), Blue Sinatra, Grimace Federation and more are set to rock your socks off. More info at WorldCafeLive.com.

I meant to post about the soundtrack for The Hottest State awhile ago, but the day I wrote up my mp3s, news and notes post to include it I lost the whole thing and was running late for work so I'm just gettting back around to it (and some of the mp3s below). Anyway, the disc would do Zach Braff proud for its lineup of hip acts as well as old school heroes like Willie Nelson, who never goes out of style. Feist, Cat Power, Bright Eyes, M Ward, Norah Jones and more lend tracks recorded just for the film. You can sample Feist and a few others on the film's myspace page.

State Radio, who we caught with Michael Franti last fall, is readying a new release. Year Of The Crow will come out on their own Ruffshod label on September 18th. They are also embarking on a fall tour, you can get the dates and downloand "Unfortunates" here.

Mp3 Offerings:
New Idea Society (from new record out now): Don't Sleep
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Blue Angel
Pawnshop Roses: Here We Go
Schoolyard Heroes: Dude, Where's My Skin
Sharon Jones (with the Dap Kings): 100 Days, 100 Nights
Junior Senior (mash): Can I Get Low

Andrew Bird, who we also caught at SXSW this year, released a new video a few days ago. If you haven't seen it yet, the video for "Imitosis" is on Andrew's
Myspace page. You can also get a complete list of fall tour dates there, which kicks off September 1st in Seattle.

Labels: Cat Power, Feist, Mp3s, Norah Jones, Pawnshop Roses, Willie Nelson

For those in Philadelphia tonight you'll want to drop by the North Star Bar for a bit of blues. Back Door Slam, who have been doing a series of shows with Rusted Root and others (even Reo Speedwagon?!?!) on their way to Lollapalooza and then the Download Festival with Modest Mouse et al are stopping by Philadelphia and invited Earvolution's own Pawnshop Roses to join them onstage for a Friday night barn burner of blues rock. The show starts at 9. Get more details and ticket info here.

New York's Hymns have kept pretty good company onstage themselves in recent times playing with the likes of Beck, Bishop Allen and Ben Kweller. Now they are taking their citified twang on the road with Hot Hot Heat and Butch Walker. It's an interesting trio worth checking out!

Mp3 Offerings:
Bert Susanka (trippy surf dub): Onward Christian Slater
The Budos Band (Staten Island funk): Chicago Falcon
Lejune (DC inide pop) : Spanish
Debbie Harry (yes, that Debbie): Two Times Blue
Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey's band; via WXPN): Say So

My friends over at Wednesday Records announced they signed Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Jon McKiel. This guy is a "real deal" singer songwriter who will be among the next wave of great Canadian imports to charm the US music community. Check out his MySpace page to sample some tunes, with "Get Caught" and "123" as standouts.

Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri announced that his Mondo Generator has to drop out of Ozzfest. Oliveri reads says: "It's very disappointing but Mondo Generator has been forced to cancel the remaining dates we have booked with Ozzfest and Circus Diablo. We tried everything in our power to make things work so that we could remain on tour, but unfortunately due to matters out of my control, it is impossible for us to continue touring at this time. We're very sorry to all the fans that will not be able to see us on these remaining dates and promise that we will be back soon. We would like to thank Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, as well as the entire Ozzfest crew for giving us the chance to play Ozzfest 2007. We'd also
like to thank the fans that came out to show their support at the shows."

Labels: Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses

Earvolution will roll into Nashville on July 14th for what looks like will be the beginning of a "Nashville Nights" series. The first show will be at the French Quarter Cafe and will feature six acts: The Go Show (who are also playing Summerfest this week in Milwaukee), The Incredible Heat Machine, Brett Rosenberg, Mountain Man, Micah Tawlks and Jessica Maros. More details on these artists next week.

Kaki King is one of the feature performers at this year's URB ALT Festival. The show, July 7th at Harlem's Shrine World Music Venue, is a bit of a Frank Sinatra tribute, as each act will play a Sinatra cover. Kaki will be backed by the MuthaWit Orchestra. Faith, OMG, Devi and the Monika H. Band are also on the bill. More details here.

Silverchair basically owned Austrailia (and other parts of the world) in the late 90s and it has been five years since their last release. But, this guys still aren't that old since they were only 15 when their debut was released in 1995. Their new disc Young Modern hits stores July 24th and will kick off a tour with We Are the Fury, who you'll recall played the Earvolution day party at Emos this year during SXSW.

The Deadly Syndrome won't release their new record on Dim Mak until September 11th, but are set to hit the road this summer. They'll join Hot Hot Heat, Oh No! Oh My! & Let's Go Sailing for a run that kicks off in a couple weeks. Details here and mp3 below.

Mp3 Offerings:
Fields: "Song for the Fields" (Ewan Pearson Remix)
Fields: "If You Fail We All Fail" (SebastiAn Remix)
Fields: "If You Fail We All Fail" (Badlands Remix)
We All Have Hooks for Hands: Hold On, C'Mon
Dock Boggs (from Virginia Roots): "Down South Blues"
Stanley Brothers (from Virginia Roots): "Rabbit In A Log"
Zookeeper: "I Live In The Mess You Are"
Zookeeper: "Tax Collector"
El-P: "I'll Sleep When You're Dead"
65DaysofStatic: "When We Were Younger & Better"
Peel: "Oxford"
Sean Na Na: "Princess & the Pony"
Sean Na Na: "Tumor Party "
Robbers on High Street (via CMJ): "Crown Victoria"
The Deadly Syndrome: "Eucalyptus"

"Reports" from WENN and other UK "sources" say Pete Doherty is tired of being simply known as the boyfriend of Kate Moss. He apparently would be rather known for his music. Well, there was a time when Pete was known for his music. But, Pete decided to put other things first before his career and, frankly, his fans. He should be happy to be known at all at this point given his past and hey, "Kate Moss' boyfriend" is a lot better moniker than one referencing his past "demons."

Labels: Mp3s

My Morning Jacket is set to give a thrill to some young musicians as the band revealed plans to bring the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra onstage at this year's Lollapalooza performance. MMJ previously jammed with the orchestra, which contains musicians as young as seven years old, last fall. Frontman Jim James is quoted as saying, "It is hard to even think of them as youth. Their playing is so grown-up and professional. They hit with diamond-like precision." Should be interesting to see!

Prince has been holed up in Vegas performing on the strip, but his Purpleness will leave Sin City behind later this year for a string of 21 dates in London. Prince is set to begin his London "residency" on August 1st with a seven night stint at the O2 Arena, but is reportedly going to hold many of the other 14 shows at smaller venues around London.

Jack White says the White Stripes are sticking together and that Icky Thump is not their last record. White apparently is growing tired of being asked if he's leaving Meg behind. He's quoted as saying " "We get asked all the time, 'How long do you think it's gonna last?' I'd venture to say that in 90 per cent of interviews, someone has asked us, 'Is this the last record?' It's almost as if people want us to stop! "Then The Raconteurs came along and people thought, obviously, we're done. But then with this new album people are saying The Raconteurs are done. That was a side project!"

Since I'm obviously biased, I'll be looking for others to tell you about the
Pawnshop Roses in the coming weeks and months. DigPhilly has the first preview of Let It Roll: "Philly's Pawnshop Roses offer up a fine testament to downhome Americana on their debut album." You can read the rest of the review at DigPhilly.com. Important Pawnshop Roses dates: regional cd release party tomorrow night at the Trocadero Theater, national digital release party June 8th at Milkboy Coffee and the international digital relase is set for July 30th.

Mp3 Offerings:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Love Song No. 7
Licorice w/ DJ Logic: In a Silent Way / What's Your Status in London
The Clientele: Bookshop Casanova
Astrid Swan (covering The Killers): When You Were Young
The Basement: I Just Caught A Face

Tori Amos is set to give musical theater a try. BuzzSugar has the scoop and has a Tori Amos giveaway contest going. The red headed songstress also recently shared a nice moment with the PS22 Chorus in New York City by leading them in a performance of "Father Son."

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation says the "March 2007 decision by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) to more than double the rates that webcasters pay to stream music over the next three years will have a disastrous effect on Internet Radio" and that a "careful review of the CRB decision reveals that not only is this rate increase unfair and undeserved, but it reflects a fundamentally broken system for determining copyright royalty rates." The ITIF will present a forum tomorrow in Washington DC to offer an "alternative to the current system which would allow copyright owners to establish fair and competitive rates for their music." Information on the event can be found here.

Labels: Mp3s, My Morning Jacket, Pawnshop Roses, Prince, White Stripes

Rage Against the Machine created the expected furor at Coachella last weekend and the Drudge Report seems intent on fanning the flames of controversy. Zach de la Rocha called the Administration "war criminals" and suggested that some be "tried, hung and shot(video here)." Drudge has been featuring a link on the issue ever since, to signal a posturing opportunity for his brethren. Zach apparently has great faith in the First Amendment. However, I won't be surprised in these guys end up in Guantanamo Bay.

My friends The Swear down in Atlanta are set to record new material with producer Ted Niceley. You'll recognize Ted from his work with Fugazi and he's also worked with Girls Against Boys, Tracy Bonham, Dead Milkmen and Tripping Daisy. The new recordings will be a part of The Swear's second album, set for release in fall 2007. The band has already tracked three songs for the record with producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Jerry Cantrell). Once recorded, the album will be mixed by Girls Against Boys' Eli Janney, known for his recent work on albums by Garbage, Secret Machines, Ryan Adams, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, James Blount and The Rapture. Keep your eyes and ears out for that one.

Downtown Records have been on a roll lately with a slew of great acts including Gnarls Barkley, Cold War Kids and Art Brut. Now they've signed a young Philadelphia soul singer Kevin Michael. BuzzSugar has the scoop.

Mp3 Offerings:
The Clutters: 9999 Ways to Hate Us
We Are Standard: On the Floor
Born Ruffians: Knife (Grizzly Bear cover)
Astrid Swan: They Need You If They Think You Love Them
Land of Talk: Speak to Me Bones

Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter will tour the U.S. in support of his Yep Roc Records release Shrunken Heads. The album is due out May 15th and Ian's first studio recording since 2001's Rant. The record features Wilco's Jeff Tweedy on backing vocals on three tracks as well as an who's who in backing musicians including Soozie Tyrell (E Street Band violinist), Steve Holley (Wings, Joe Cocker), Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez), Jack Petruzzelli (Rufus Wainwright, Joan Osbourne), James Mastro (John Cale), Andy Burton (the dB's) and Andy York (John Mellencamp).

Britney Spears returned to the concert stage last night for the first time in years. The pop tart graced her fans for all of 15 minutes. Some say she didn't even actually sing. Some show goers even paid up to $125 for tickets. But, despite the disappointing short set, the short skirt and Go Go Boots did look nice, at least until you can no longer keep Kevin Federline from popping into your head. No news yet confirming additional tour dates for Britney.

Labels: Britney Spears, Mp3s, Philadelphia, Rage Against The Machine, The Swear

Cheap Trick, who were coincidentally one of the first bands I saw in concert, maybe even the first as I can't remember if it was them or Black Sabbath, are set to play "house band" for the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band 40th Year anniversary. The show will take place at the Hollywood Bowl and no doubt feature other guest artists - no word on whether Paul or Ringo will show.

Shit Disco are among the latest Scottish acts to make some noise on this side of the pond. The Glasgow group is doing well on the eMusic charts here in the States with their Kingdom of Fear release for Fierce Panda Records. You can stream the whole record on NME and check out the video for "OK" on YouTube. Also, we've got an mp3 for you as well.

Shit Disco mp3: OK

Dave Stewart is looking to make going green "sexy" - wait didn't Al Gore already do that? The Eurythmics guitarist is teaming up with Greenpeace to launch Greenpeace Records to help raise funds and awareness for environmental causes. Greenpeace's Mark Warford adds, "But it's not just a home for protest songs. It's about people who are committed to social issues but are also being artistic and getting the word out without any restrictions." Word!

BuzzSugar analyzes the hard choice of picking wedding songs. Being bachelors over here at Earvolution, that's not really our thing. But, I do like some of the classic rock choices like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Some names even us guys can get into!

Labels: Beatles, Mp3s, Scotland

Norah Jones got a film career boost when it was announced that My Blueberry Nights, which is the first English language film from Wong Kar-Wai, will open the 60th Cannes Film Festival. According to IMDB, Jones stars as "A young woman [who] takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way." Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Ed Harris and Rachel Weisz are also in the film.

Speaking of films, Cary Brothers, a Zach Braff favorite, has a new record coming out. Who You Are will hit stores May 29th and Cary kicks off a tour in support of the record in late April. You can dates here. Check out some Cary Brothers tracks below.

Cary Brothers Mp3s: Ride & Who You Are

Since we're on kind of a film theme, I've been overlooking this Snow Patrol video from the new Spiderman movie that has been sitting in my in box for a couple days. If you haven't seen it yet, check out "Signal Fire" here. The soundtrack is out May 1st and is said to contain 14 original tracks from The Walkmen, Wolfmother, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Flaming Lips, Jet, The Killers and if you can do math, obviously a few more, including actor Jason Schwartzman performing as "Coconut Records."

O.A.R. announced details of their upcoming new album, "Live From Madison Square Garden." The two-CD set is a live recording from January 2007 and will hit stores on June 5th. Catch a preview of the disc here. As expected, the band will be touring extensively this spring and throughout the summer.

XM Radio has extended it's relationship with Bob Dylan for another season. Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" where he plays songs related to a theme - hence the name - wrapped the first season yesterday and will return in September. In case you've missed, XM will air a "Theme Time Radio Hour" marathon during Memorial Day weekend, broadcasting every episode from the first season, beginning May 26 at 6 p.m. ET on The Village (XM 15).

Labels: Bob Dylan, Cary Brothers, Mp3s, Norah Jones, OAR, Snow Patrol

It's Wednesday so many in America are wondering if Sanjaya will survive another week on American Idol. I'm not one of them, but there is something about Sanjaya and Idol that Google likes so hey why not pander a little, eh? I did get an interesting email from the folks at S.sanajayfannetwork.com who designed the site to influence the vote and "make an otherwise dull season more interesting and perhaps see if Simon Cowell will really quit." Now, that would be interesting.

Slash spoke out on the fun of getting together with Axl and the original GNR crew: "I'm not saying never. You know, I was saying it would be a good idea to get, just for a couple of shows, to get the original STP and the original Guns N Roses just to do a couple of shows for the fun of it." I'd like to see it, but would be very gun shy about buying tickets given Axl's habit of showing up late and pulling out of shows altogether.

Devo is apparently still whipping it. The band is on tour in Europe and has added a show at the London Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday June 19th. Tickets go on sale Wednesday April 18th. For the kids, here's "Whip It" from the YouTube archives.

Speaking of Youtube, the Zimmers - the world's "oldest rock band" - yes, even older than the Rolling Stones - are burning up the tube with their take on the Who's "My Generation." The lead singer is 90 and the "band" includes 99 and 100 year olds. The song is produced by Mike Hedges (U2, Dido, Cure), the video shot by Geoff Wonfor (Band Aid, Beatles Anthology). And, yes, these "elders" even have a MySpace page. Very cool.

Mp3 Offerings:
The Mother Hips: Grizzly Bear
White Shoes & The Couples Company: Tetang Cita
The Roadside Graves: West Coast
The Shins: Australia
Thrushes: Aidan Quinn

A look around the blog world shows BuzzSugar featuring Feist as track of the day with "1,2,3,4." LiveMusicBlog takes a look at Hype Machine Radio and the whole internet radio royalty issue. Stereogum gives the low down on the Urban Outfitters tour with the Klaxons, Annuals, Tapes 'N Tapes and many more. And, Sonic Itch is rockin' out to Explosions in the Sky.

Tea Leaf Green is ready to set sail on the "Rocks Off Concert Cruise" leaving from NYC on June 3rd. The show is just one on many TLG are doing in continued support of their latest release, Rock 'n' Roll Band. Complete listing of dates here.

The Noisettes, who have been on tour with TV on the Radio, release their full length What Time Is It Mr. Wolf? in the U.S. today. The band will play on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on April 30th and is set for some June dates with Bloc Party. Meanwhile, you can check out videos for "Don't Give Up" & "Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit)."

Labels: American Idol, Guns N' Roses, Mp3s

Lily Allen took a page out of the Amy Winehouse playbook and pulled out of a show at the last minute last night. Concert goers in Brooklyn were already in the venue when they learned that Allen wouldn't perform. Luckily, the heavily hyped Klaxons were there as guest DJs and filled in the suddenly awol Brit.

Pete Doherty apparently confirmed his engagement to Kate Moss at a London gig Wednesday night. During "An Evening With Pete Doherty" show he reportedly dedicated the tune "What Katie Did Next" to "my beautiful fiancee Kate." Awww how sweet. A more interesting union to report, however, is that Doherty was joined onstage by Carl Barat and the pair ran through a dozen or so Libertines songs. I'd like to see more of that. Maybe Pete has turned a corner?

Mp3 offerings:
Elvis Perkins: While You Were Sleeping
Dr. Dog: Worst Trip
Backyard Tire Fire: Downtime
Fields: If You Fail, We All Fail
Assembly of Dust: Telling Sue

Adam Duritz is releasing an album he made back in 1989 with his former group The Himalayans. The group had recorded the record, but then Duritz's side project, the Counting Crows, took off and the record never came out - until now. It even includes the original version of "Round Here", which was such a big hit for Counting Crows.

Are Nickelback stealing from themselves? BuzzSugar is buzzing about the Canadian rockers' song similarity and managed to listen to two Nickelback songs at the same time. Check out what they heard here.

Guns 'N Roses postponed some Japanese shows due to bassist Tommy Stinson sustaining a hand injury. Stinson apparently fell down a flight of stairs. While there is a setback, the overall world tour will continue as shows set for South Africa at the end of the month are expected to go off as planned. Maybe Axl Rose can take advantage of this break in touring to do some work on Chinese Democracy?

Labels: Guns N' Roses, Lily Allen, Mp3s, Pete Doherty

A Lily Allen parody is buzzing around the internets and apparently it has even struck a chord with Ms. Allen herself. The tune "LDN is a Victim" parodies Allen and some of her crew on the London music scene. Allen doesn't seem amused and a comment was left by her MySpace profile saying "So what if w'ere (sic) middle class? Just cause your mum was too lazy to get her fat ass up off the sofa and make some cash . I shouldn't be able to make tunes yeah? (which is more than you're doing by the way.)" Someone a bit touchy?

Ozzy Osborne has reportedly enlisted Britney Spears producer Kevin Churko to polish up his latest record Black Rain. Ozzy apparently thinks the record will be some of his "darkest work" is quoted as muttering: "I just thought there's so much f**king bad news, the only way I can release it is to put it in a song." The disc hits stores May 22nd.

The NY Post says Jessie Malin "is the successor to Lou Reed's crown as the lord of The City's underground." Be that as it may, Jessie is popping his head above ground in a couple of weeks for "Storytellers" type gig at the Apple Store Soho. Talk about a walk on the wild side...

In between listening to their Tom Waits and Neil Young records, Backyard Tire Fire are set for a busy spring tour and then summer playing just about every major festival. As a bit of preview check out some live video: Blood on the Strings and Crack Alley.

Speaking of great live music, the Pawnshop Roses will hit the main stage of Philadelphia's Trocadero Theatre on May 10th for a cd release party for Let it Roll the band's full length debut on Earvolution Records. Ok, I'm a little biased, but you'll definately want to check this out! As a sneak peak, I've put the title track in the mp3 offerings below.

Mp3 Offerings:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Ah Mary
Pawnshop Roses: Let It Roll
The Hold Steady: Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Medeski and Martin: Crustaceatron
The Brakes: Hotel Lobby

Billy Martin and John Medeski of Martin, Medeski and Wood fame put out a new cd called Mago on Billy's own Amulet Records. It is in stores now and you can check out the video for the single "Crustaceatron" here.

Neil Aspinall, one of a few "Fifth Beatles", stepped down from Apple Corps after reportedly becoming upset with the policy direction of the Apple board. Apple politely wished Aspinall well stating "had been with John, Paul, George and Ringo for a spectacular 40 plus years, during which he played an indispensable role for the four. He was there since the inception of the band in Liverpool and has meant so much to the Beatles' family for all these years and still does." But, Aspinall is quoted as saying he didn't like the way the band's legacy was being turned into a "cash cow." No worries for Apple, as McCartney is still around to assist in the milking.

Labels: Beatles, Lily Allen, Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, The Hold Steady

A highlight of my SXSW week was catching the late night set by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. In addition to previewing some great new material that'll be out on their new release this summer, they delivered, as Schultz said, a rare "true encore" with a killer acoustic, no microphone version of Mystery Train (you can even see me up front in the photo on the right from the show, I'm just to the right of the guy on the left side who is holding up the video camera). That alone was worth the trip to Austin!

Hot off the presses we've got our hands on a couple of tracks from the forthcoming record. One we must keep to ourselves for now, but we're happy to share "Ah Mary" with you today as a sign of sweet sounds to come from GPTN.



The band is also adding to their spring show list, by contributing to "Seven Days for the Earth" with a special benefit show on April 15th at the Big Picture Theatre in Grace's hometown of Waitsfield, Vermont. The Lowell Thompson Band from Burlington will be sharing the stage with GPTN. If you can't make that one, be sure to catch them soon, you won't be disappointed.

Labels: Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Mp3s

Eddie Vedder and Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the third annual Hullabaloo Benefit for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which RHCP Flea co-founded in 2001, to raises funds for the SCM and for providing scholarships to low-income students. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 21st and will be available only over the web.

DC is getting ready for its annual Six Points Music Festival. Lots of good stuff on tap for that, including a show on Friday April 20th at the Velvet Lounge featuring Justin Jones, Wes Tucker and the Skillets, The Junior League and Sean McArdle.

I caught a good set from the Astral Lounge last night at the Troc in Philly. I'm really liking their song "Country Deceiver" - and our very own Earvolution alum Jim McCoy is on guitar. Mountain Man was also on the bill. Any time you've got some jazz trumpet backing up a few string pickers you've got an interesting combination. Definitely going to check out both acts again soon.

Mp3 Offerings:
The Walkmen: Lost in Boston
Shitdisco: OK
Joseph Arthur: Diamond Ring
The Muggabears: Goth Tarts
Land of Talk: Speak to Me Bones

Justin at Live Music Blog notes that Umphrey's McGee has added a slew of tour dates to their schedule. He also points to a podcast the band put together that gives some insight into their new record The Bottom Half. Click over to LMB for a preview track too.

The Rapture, who drew a large crowd at SXSW, will team up with label mates Shiny Toy Guns, on a 21 city US tour kicks off in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on April 21, and ends up in Burlington, Vermont on May 23. Look for them on the road, meanwhile, check out some vids: The Rapture "Pieces of the People We Love" and Shiny Toy Guns "You Are The One".

Labels: Mp3s, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Umphrey's McGee

The Sasquatch Music Festival organizers announced that Sarah Silverman will be hosting. My first thought is whether that is really necessary at an event like this? Anyway, beyond her comic observations, there will be, of course, some music. A resurgent Polyphonic Spree and Earl Greyhound are among the performers that also include the Beastie Boys who will be doing both a main stage set and also an instrumental performance. I wonder if they'll be breaking out the guitars and amps from the old days?

Radiohead issued a statement through their management company that they are NOT negotiating a deal with Starbucks for their next record:"Radiohead are currently in the studio working on their next record. They are not negotiating a new record deal with anyone, and will not even consider how to release their new music until the album is finished. The rumour that they are about to sign with Starbucks is totally untrue." While Radiohead is a good candidate to opt out of the major label program, I believe them when they say they aren't going to go the Starbucks route. It doesn't make sense for them. A strong indie or even their own release given their infrastructure on the web and all the new tools available would be the better choice.

MP3 Offerings:
The Electric Soft Parade: If That's The Case, Then I Don't Know
The Electric Soft Parade: Kick in the Teeth
Low: Breaker
The Shins: Know Your Onion
Illinois: Alone Again
Annuals: Brother
Ted Leo: The Living Kind (Live on WOXY)
Ted Leo: Bottle of Buckie (Live on WOXY)
A Night in the Box: The Thief

Modest Mouse is soaring on the charts with their latest release, but not everyone is happy with the new material. The folks over at Coke Machine Glow have the judged the work a bit too familiar and conservative: "Diminishing returns are making themselves felt here; old formulas have grown stale, songwriting quirks have become rote, and all the band's musical choices point toward safety and stability."

Bono was awarded with an Honorary Knighthood from "Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" - but don't call him Sir Bono. Since Ireland left the UK Commonwealth in the 1940s, its citizens are not eligible for the "sir" title. No worries for Bono, as this is just a stepping stone toward the real title of his dreams: St. Bono.

Labels: Bono, Modest Mouse, Mp3s, Radiohead

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, fortunately, had no clue that David Bowie wanted Satan out of his swimming pool, Iggy Pop ate nothing but German sausages for about a year or that Ozzy Osbourne reportedly went directly from rehab to a local pub. Breyer flunked the "pop" quiz on a weekend appearance on NPR. Hopefully, he still knows a bit about "separation of powers" and the "checks and balances" inherent in our system of government that some seem to have forgotten.

Tori Amos has a new record coming out. BuzzSugar has a new tune up that may be the first single for the disc that will hit stores in May and aptly notes that Tori, unlike Liz Phair, has stayed true to what fans initially liked about her.

The Noisettes are set to kick off a tour with TV on the Radio, but before they do they'll do a solo date in NYC. They'll play the Mercury Lounge on Monday, April 23rd. And, if you haven't gotten tickets for your preferred date with their pairing with TV on the Radio, you might be able to win some here.

MP3 Offerings:
Noisettes: Scratch Your Name
Neva Geoffrey: Corduroy Boy
Vandaveer: However Many Takes It Takes
Hayward Williams: Problems With Hemmingway
Martha Berner: Ten Tiny Little Pieces
Martha Berner: Sunday Morning
(Velvet Underground cover)
The Scourge of the Sea: Smitten Kitten
Scourge of the Sea: Waterwings

Andrew Bird, who put on a solid set at Stubbs during SXSW, is featured on Studio 360. If you're unfamiliar, Studio 360 is weekly show hosted by novelist, journalist and co-founder of Spy Magazine Kurt Andersen.

John Lennon's sun glasses will be part of a charity auction to benefit Music Rising. The charity was co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge. The auction will also include items from Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead. Some of the items will be exhibited in Los Angeles from tomorrow, then in Dublin and London before Julien's Auctions conducts the live sale (online bidding too) in New York on April 21st.

Labels: Beatles, John Lennon, Mp3s

Us Magazine now reports that Joan Jett is NOT sleeping with Carmen Electra. Wait...they actually don't go that far. They simply say they are not "a couple." I wonder if that's like Bill Clinton saying he "did not sleep with that woman"? I don't know who started this rumor, but anytime you've got Carmen Electra even remotely possibly bedding another woman we at least have to fantasize about consider the possibility. And, when that woman happens to be a rock star, we get to write about it!

U2 is putting out a new "DVD Collectors Box." The double disc documentary set will feature rare footage and exclusive interviews. Street date is set for June 5, 2007.

Fishbone is set to put out their first record of original material in six years. The disc Still Stuck In Your Throat drops on April 24, 2007. The band is also scheduling a national tour to start around the same time and will hit select stops on this year's Warped Tour.

Lou Reed has added a third UK show to his "Berlin 2007" European tour. Reed, performing his 1973 record Berlin in its entirety, will appear at the
Manchester International Festival on Friday 29th June, followed by two nights at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on 30th June & 1st July. Reed will be joined by a 30-piece ensemble including his band, a string and horn section, and a children's choir.

Mp3 Offerings:

Joshua James: Soul and the Sea
Daniela Cotton: Make You Move
Nicole Atkins: Carousel
Ron Sexsmith: All in Good Time
Oakley Hall: Living in Sin in the USA
Kaki King: Gay Sons of Lesbian Mothers
Rush: Far Cry (Streams) Real / Windows
Central Services: Four Letter Word

Lily Allen hates America. Or at least its population, according to quotes circulating on the web. She reportedly says "I can't really speak for the American population - I'm so far away from anything they are and stand for." Actually with her beer and cigarette stage act she fits right into the parts of the country she denigrates. But, ok if that's how you feel go home and take your records with you.

Buzzsugar reports that the Flaming Lips are Broadway bound and smartly featured Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' "A Bottle of Buckie" as their song of the day yesterday. And, if like me, you are still on a SXSW buzz, check out their SXSW gallery of pics including some nice shots of Pete Townshend and Amy Winehouse.

Labels: Lily Allen, Lou Reed, Mp3s, SXSW, U2

Amy Winehouse is beginning to rival Axl Rose in the show cancellation department. Winehouse's latest cancellation came at LA's Spaceland this week. The singer was apparently "too sad" to perform, apparently still stung from a recent break up. Amy is the "it" act for self-important hipsters here in the US so I'll refrain from "Whinehouse" type puns for fear of disapproval from the cool crowd.

Star Magazine reports that Joan Jett and Carmen Electra have become quite the couple. Electra is set to perform with her all-girl burlesque group, the Bombshell Babies. Electra's visit coincides with the annual Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs, a hot spot for girls in love. "They've been dating since before Thanksgiving," says a Star source. "They don't co-habitate, but they do spend a lot of time together." Rock on Joan!

Mp3 offerings:
Parlor Mob: Bullet
The Atari Star: This is Where I Often Pause
Apollo Sunshine: Magnolia
Target Market: The Beat
Army of Me: Going Through Changes
Oakley Hall: Lazy Susan
Asobi Seksu: Thursday
Hoots & Hellmouth: Home in a Boxcar
Modest Mouse: People As Places As People

Gene Simmons agreed to have some eye surgery filmed as part of his reality series Family Jewels. PR reps for the show say some of it was too graphic to air, but kosher enough for YouTube. View the clip here.

Amoeba Music is releasing a limited EP of TV on the Radio. The four-track disc, TV on the Radio Live at Amoeba was recorded at Amoeba's Hollywood location in September of 2006. The songs, "Blues From Down Here," "Wolf Like Me," "Province," and "Wash the Day" are live versions of tracks from their latest album, Return to Cookie Mountain.

The new Modest Mouse record We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank is out. You can check out the video for "Dashboard" here. MM will kick off a tour April 15th in Seattle.

Labels: Amy Winehouse, Modest Mouse, Mp3s

John Popper of Blues Traveler seems to be preparing for the apocalypse, or at least a weekend BuzzSugar has the scoop on John's penchant for heavy artillery, as well as some info on Lilly Allen's foray into the virtual world of the Sims with her new song recorded in Simlish. Now that is target marketing! And, if you're a fan of Bright Eyes tune into NPR to hear some guest DJ-ing by the indie wunderkind.

Gym Class Heroes will be joining Gwen Stefani down under. Th lads will support Lady Gwen in Australia on a handful of dates in July and August. Meanwhile stateside, the boys have sold out most of their shows on their current tour.

The Ropes, who played our Earvolution Summer Jam last August at Sin-E have posted a new video for their song "Kill Her off." The video was directed by Aubrey Edwards who has worked with Death Cab for Cutie, Broken Social Scene and Hot Hot Heat. You can check it out on their MySpace page.

Mp3s:
Des Ark: Lord of the Rings
The Swear: The Sleep Inside
Cassette: Ladybug
Ben Davis: Gorilla Bot
Cassette: Shaved
The New Trust: