February At The 9:30 Club

If you're wondering, here's what's coming to the 9:30 Club in February:

Feb 1 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus w/ Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, A Static Lullaby, Kaddisfly
Feb 2 Cowboy Mouth w/ Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Feb 3 Big Head Todd and The Monsters
Feb 5,6 Goo Goo Dolls w/ Augustana
Feb 8 Dust Galaxy w/ Revival & Georgie James
Feb 9 Jonathan Richman feat. Tommy Larkins
Feb 9,10 Galactic
Feb 10 BLOWOFF Featuring the DJ Sounds of Bob Mould & Richard Morel
Feb 13 Rickie Lee Jones
Feb 14 The Mooney Suzuki
Feb 15 MN8 Presents Eric Roberson
Feb 16 MTV.com Presents Lily Allen
Feb 17 Mastodon w/ Converge & Priestess
Feb 19,20 Slayer w/ Unearth
Feb 21 Gym Class Heroes w/ RX Bandits, P.O.S., K-OS
Feb 22 Rusted Root w/ Quintus
Feb 23 Anberlin w/ Bayside, Meg & Dia, Jonezetta
Feb 24 Cute Is What We Aim For w/ All Time Low, This Providence, Brighten (early show. 3:30 PM Doors)
Feb 24 Van Wilder Tour feat. Everclear
Feb 25,26 Jack's Mannequin w/ We Are The Fury
Feb 28 Guster w/ Mason Jennings

Del.ici.ous, Digg, Reddit Problems

These social bookmark sites have been giving me grief the last couple of days, so I have temporarily removed them (thanks to those of you who pointed out the SNAFU). Once I figure out the code that doesn't destroy the page layout, I will bring them back. On a related note, anyone using Blogger who has highly customized their template and tried switching to the new blogger customizable templates? They are a pain, too.

Noise Pop 2007 Lineup Schedule Announced

The schedule for Noise Pop 2007 has been announced. Running from February 27 to March 4 in San Francisco, the lineup includes a reunited Sebadoh, Alexi Murdoch w/ Aqueduct & The Bird and The Bee, Lyrics Born, the French Kicks, The Donnas, the Annuals, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, The Dandy Warhols, The Brightblack Morning Light, Clinic, The Dwarves, and Cake, amongst others.

5th Annual Langerado Music Festival: March 9-11, 2007

While we're going nuts talking about festivals, and waiting for the V-Day announcement of the Bonnaroo lineup, let's talk about Langerado. Scheduled for March 9 through 11 in Sunrise, Florida, the lineup will include Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio, moe., My Morning Jacket, O.A.R., Matisyahu, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Medeski Martin & Wood, Galactic, The Disco Biscuits, Sound Tribe Sector 9, The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues, North Mississippi Allstars, The Greyboy Allstars, Toots and the Maytals, Blackalicious, JJ Grey and MOFRO, Explosions in the Sky, Pepper, New Orleans Social Club, Soulive, Perpetual Groove, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, The Hold Steady, Yerba Buena, Tea Leaf Green, New Monsoon, The Mutaytor, Band of Horses, Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) and Steve Reid, Assembly of Dust, The SLIP, Girl Talk, Toubab Krewe, Lotus, Apollo Sunshine, Si*Sé, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Spam Allstars, Dubconscious, Jake Shimabukuro, Kid Beyond, and many more.

Langerado ought to be a welcome alternative to Bonnaroo if you don't want to deal with the summer heat or the growing commercialism of the fest. You can buy tickets here. Right now, three day passes are $125.

Wilco Considering Numerous Tracks For New Album, Sky Blue Sky

According to the Wilco website, "The band are in the final stretch on the new record, which they're calling Sky Blue Sky. It's scheduled for worldwide release (Nonesuch Records) on 15 May. Some of the 18+ plus tracks recorded and being considered for inclusion are "Impossible Germany", "Shake it Off", "Glad it's Over", "Side with the Seeds", "Walken" and "Either Way". Watch this space for more updates and maybe even some music soon(ish). Oh, and per the press release, it's the first studio record with the sextet lineup that was heard on the 2-cd live set Kicking Television."

Bloc Party: Jack White Is "Treacherous"

According to Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke, Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs) is a punk when it comes to speaking out on political issues. Okereke states that he was amazed when White "said it wasn't his job to be critical about foreign policy because he was being paid to be an entertainer. I thought that was treacherous because it's complicit with the capitalist society. Selling more records is the only thing that's important to him, not provoking debate." Source: NME

Capitalist society aside, how does Meg White feel? We already know Bob Dylan (who had the Raconteurs open on his recent tour) is hanging his head in shame for poor Jack.




Bloc Party's Weekend in the City releases next Tuesday, February 6.

NYC Release Party For Air's Pocket Symphony

TRIPNOTICA, in collaboration with Filter Magazine, presents the New York record release party for Air's thrilling new album, Pocket Symphony(Astralwerks, March 6, 2007). The official preview event will include promotional giveaways and will be held at The Delancey in New York City on Sunday, February 18th, from 7pm -- 2am. Admission is $10. The Delancey is located at 168 Delancey Street, between Clinton and Attorney Streets, NYC.

Free MP3: Aqueduct - "As You Wish"

Aqueduct, a one man band all full of mariachi horns, grand piano, computers, and yes, of course, guitars, is about to deliver a new album. It's called Or Give Me Death, and it drops on February 20 from Barsuk. The single, "As You Wish", demonstrates what Aqueduct has to offer, and offers up a fantastic pop hook including the phrase "I'll probably kill you in the morning", a death threat that sounds good to me.

Aqueduct - "As You Wish"

Free MP3: MSTRKRFT - "Street Justice"

About to tour with John Digweed as part of the Diamonds Tour, give MSTRKRFT a day in court, and they might deliver some "Street Justice".

MSTRKRFT - "Street Justice"



If you like what you hear, click on the album art to buy The Looks.

Free MP3: Albert Hammond, Jr. - "In Transit"

Albert Hammond, Jr., guitarist for The Strokes, embarks on his solo career with Yours To Keep, due out March 6 from New Line Records. The album features guest appearances from the likes of Sean Lennon, Ben Kweller and Jody Porter from Fountains of Wayne. An indie pop reprieve from Strokes rock, Yours To Keep's lead single "In Transit" comes complete with harmonies and clever, poppy guitar hooks.

Click the art to buy the album after you listen to the MP3:

Albert Hammond, Jr. - "In Transit"

Free MP3: Peter Bjorn & John - "Young Folks"

Peter Bjorn & John are at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC tonight, before taking a coast-to-coast flight for these dates:

February
01 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
02 Long Beach, CA - Fingerprints Records




The new PB&J (get it?) album comes out February 6 on Almost Gold Recordings, and you can pre-order by clicking the album art.

For now, have some PB&J for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever meal is approaching and download "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn & John. Whistling, toe-tapping percussion, a head-bobbing bass hook, all lovely.

Speaking Of Mike Patton: Peeping Tom Tour Dates

As Mike Patton and Norah Jones celebrate her awesome album sales today, here are Peeping Tom's tour dates for Spring 2007 (Rahzel will be joining Patton on this tour):

Mar. 30, 2007 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
Mar. 31, 2007 Austin, TX Emo's
Apr. 2, 2007 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Apr. 4, 2007 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
Apr. 5, 2007 Carborro, NC Cat's Cradle
Apr. 6, 2007 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live!
Apr. 7, 2007 Philadelphia, PA Theater of Living Arts
Apr. 9, 2007 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Apr. 10, 2007 Boston, MA Paradise
Apr. 11, 2007 Montreal, QC Spectrum
Apr. 12, 2007 Toronto, ON Phoenix
Apr. 14, 2007 Cleveland, OH Agora
Apr. 15, 2007 Chicago, IL Park West
Apr. 16, 2007 Minneapolis, MN Trocadero
Apr. 18, 2007 Denver, CO Gothic
Apr. 19, 2007 Salt Lake City, UT Depot
Apr. 21, 2007 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
Apr. 22, 2007 Vancouver, BC Commodore
Apr. 23, 2007 Seattle, WA Showbox
Apr. 25, 2007 San Francisco, CA Fillmore
Apr. 27, 2007 Indio, CA Coachella Festival

You might steal the Raveonettes from us, Boston, but you have to share Mike Patton!

Norah Jones Not Too Late Releases Today, Is Amazon's Best-Selling Presale Ever. Mike Patton Fans Rejoice!

Amazon.com today announced that Norah Jones’ third album, Not Too Late has become the most pre-ordered album of all time on Amazon.com. The album released today, but you can still click on the art and buy it.



I suspect the reason for such a great presale was all the fans of Mike Patton's Peeping Tom project, issued by Ipecac, which include Norah Jones being, um, vulgar.

"Whatever, Man. I'm So Happy With Millenium Edition!" Windows Vista Launches Today

Today is the day that PC owners can purchase Windows Vista. Of great concern to even the least savvy consumer should be (1) security flaws and (2) compatibility issues. For those into desktop music production, head on over to CreateDigitalMusic.com for a quick update on who has the drivers you need to run Vista and keep jamming.

"Once Upon A Time" - New Single From Air

"Once Upon A Time", the new single from Air's forthcoming album Pocket Symphony is now available on iTunes. The album is slated for release on March 6 from Astralwerks. To preorder, click the art below:

iPod Shuffle: In Living Color (5 of them, to be exact)

Apple today announced that the world's most wearable digital music player is now available in colors: blue, pink, green, orange and the original silver.

"iPod shuffle is the world's most wearable digital music player," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing, in the press release. "Music fans can now choose iPod shuffle in one of five brilliant colors, or they can buy one of each."

You can buy it now, $79 each.

"I'll Have A Latte, And Download The New Tapes 'N Tapes": Starbucks May Introduce MP3 Downloads In Stores

According to a report from The Seattle Times, the ubiquitous Starbucks is likely to test MP3 downloading in some stores very soon.

Two weeks ago, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz hinted "Within 12 months, probably, you're going to be able to walk into a Starbucks and digitally be able to fill up your MP3 player with music."

While that statement is probably slightly lofty for all but those in the largest test markets, with iTunes giving Starbucks a space on the iTunes store, and Schultz's statement, MP3s and lattes are all but a certainty in the next couple of years.

Pretty Girls Make Graves Calling It Quits, Start Digging Their Own Hole. RIP!

Pretty Girls Make Graves are calling it quits, but not until after one final tour. The drummer, Nick DeWitt, has left the group, and as they state on their website, the remaining members "feel like it wouldn't be right to continue on without him. The 5 of us feel very lucky to have met and worked with some truly amazing people over the years. Thank you all so much..."

Details about the last tour are TBA.

Pardon all the corny death references in the post title.

New York's Knitting Factory Makes Serious Sound Improvements

The Knitting Factory in New York today announced all-new lighting and PA systems, a new onstage monitor mix position and an HD audio/video capture system.

"The Knitting Factory has never looked or sounded better," said Jared Hoffman, President and CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE). "Entering our milestone 20th year, we are actively building on our reputation, not only as the place that showcases the best in emerging and established music, but also as a state-of-the-art venue that provides the very best audio-visual live music experiences. Equipping the NY facility with the most advanced technology we could find is just one more way we're demonstrating our absolute commitment to artists and audiences alike."

Want the technical specs?

Lighting System
The Knitting Factory's new intelligent lighting system unleashes an unlimited color palette and dazzling special effects. Driven by the programmable Hog 500 lighting console, the system features top-of-the-line Vari-Lite 2500 moving head luminaires, high-impact Martin Atomic 3000 watt strobe fixtures and the DF-50 atmospheric fog hazer. The system also boasts a professional par can array enabling frontal lighting and full washes of the stage from multiple angles.

Live Sound System
The venue's brand-new live sound system is anchored by a 32-channel Soundcraft MH3 console at front-of-house, and features state-of-the-art Meyer Sound UPA-2P and UPJ-1P self-powered main speakers and USW-1 sub-woofers. Outboard processors include popular devices by Klark-Teknik, Drawmer, TC Electronics, Lexicon and Meyer Sound. Also included are an onstage monitor position, featuring a new 24-channel Midas Siena console manned by a dedicated monitor engineer for the best stage sound possible.

HD Audio/Visual Content Capture System
In addition to the lighting and sound system upgrade, KFE is also installing a ground-breaking content capture system that will enable record labels and artists to cost-effectively capture live music content in high-definition quality. The system boasts 4 Sony BRC-H700 HD audio/video cameras and can be customized with unlimited operator/floor cameras for additional angles and shots, mixing, and post-production. Controlled from a production booth by a dedicated director, each robotic camera features independent pan, tilt, zoom capabilities. Additionally, the system boasts a Panasonic HD/SD switcher with full effects and processing, facilitating fast delivery of professional line edits (or camera ISO) to SD and HD DVD or cartridge formats. Multitrack or stereo audio capture is also available. A matching HD A/V capture system is also being installed in the Knitting Factory's Hollywood venue.



These improvements will make the live experience better, but will also allow for some [Insert Artist Name] - Live At The Knitting Factory albums that will enhance the venue's brand name.

The Raveonettes Announce (Potentially FREE) US Shows

The Raveonettes are beginning to announce some dates for a 2007 tour. Confirmed are:

3/10 - Brooklyn, NY @ Southpaw
3/11 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's
3/12 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
3/14 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
3/15 - Boston, MA @ T.T. The Bear's
3/16 - Washington, DC @ Rock N Roll Hotel

A scheduled Baltimore show was dropped in favor of Boston. Boo!

What's best is, you might get in free! Fans are asked to send the band messages on why they should be picked to be put on the guest list. See more on their MySpace.

Win Free Subscription To Filter Magazine, Courtesy of Fluevog Shoes

Fluevog Shoes, worn by such favorite celebrities as Madonna, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, and even Perry Farrell (Formerly of Jane's Addiction and forever the founder of Lollapalooza), is hosting a contest to win a free subscription to Filter Magazine. All you have to do is vote for your favorite advertisement for a new pair of Fluevogs. Thousands will vote, only 10 will win.

New Audio From Bright Eyes: "Tourist Trap" From Forthcoming EP The Four Winds, Full Length Cassadaga Comes Out April 10

Head on over to the Saddle Creek Records to hear the new Bright Eyes track "Tourist Trap". The song is from the EP The Four Winds which will release on March 6. Following that, the full length album Cassadaga will be issued April 10.

And catch Bright Eyes at the 9:30 Club March 5.

Free MP3: Rob Crow - "I Hate You, Rob Crow"

Last week, Rob Crow of Pinback released a solo album, Living Well. In case you haven't picked it up yet, and need a nudge, download this free MP3:

Rob Crow - "I Hate You, Rob Crow"

Very poppy, with grungy guitars and a great hook, "I Hate You, Rob Crow" shows that this album should be seen as his best solo work, and should sell accordingly.

As soon as you decide it's totally awesome, click on the album cover above to buy the CD.

Pearl Jam On European Vacation During Summer 2007, Schedules European Tour. No Bonnaroo For PJ?

Pollstar reports that Pearl Jam has scheduled a European tour for this summer, kicking off on June 8 at Passeio Maritimo Alges in Lisbon, Portugal, and includes dates in Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Austria, England, Denmark, Holland and Belgium.

More importantly, NME reports a PJ show at Wembley Arena on June 18, and that they will also play seven festivals above and beyond the above dates. With Bonnaroo going until June 17, I'm going to say no to a PJ set.

And with no other PJ dates scheduled for 2007, the speculation all but ends as to their US plans for this year.

Smashing Pumpkins: Deutsche Dream? Playing German Festivals Rock am Ring & Rock im Park

Seen on the Pumpkins MySpace:

"The Smashing Pumpkins have made their first official announcement of an appearance in 2007. The band will headline both Rock am Ring (6/2/07) and Rock im Park (6/3/07) Festivals in Germany. Tickets are available beginning on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Tickets can be purchased by visiting here. Check out the festival website for more information . Stay tuned for many more announcements"

Hey, Billy, here's the announcement I'm waiting for: WHO'S IN THE BAND? Just you and Jimmy still? Where's James? How about D'Arcy? I want D'Arcy! Though I'll be almost as happy with Auf der Mauer.

New Releases: January 30, 2007

First, much love to Dreamland for keeping me on top of Baltimore's beloved John Waters, and for letting me know about this album you see here, which drops on February 6. Support Dreamland by paying a visit, and pick up John's new album full of selections which contains (in his words) "all romantic seduction music I would play if I had you over." Man, I just love the Prince-esque photo.

Now, for next week's releases:

January 30

Lily Allen: Alright, Still: Much hyped, much loved, and, I think, much overrated. Enjoy.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Some Loud Thunder - Also much touted, but much more worthy.

Harry Connick, Jr.: Oh My NOLA - Closing the New Orleans Jazz Festival, terribly handsome, and a wonderful singer.

Skinny Puppy: Mythmaker - Industrial titans are back to blow your mind, and show you why Trent Reznor can thank them for giving him a career.


As always, click on the album cover to buy.

Breakbeat Fans: Vote In The International Breakbeat Awards, Attend Breakspoll 2007

Fans of breakbeats can let their voice be heard by going to Breakspoll.com and voting in the 6th Annual International Breakbeat Awards. Made huge in the electronic scene by artists like DJ Icey and DJ Baby Anne, breaks have gone global, and you can be a part of the global takeover by heading over to Fabric Nightclub in London for Breakspoll 2007 on February 22.

Breakspoll 2007 Full Line Up:

ATOMIC HOOLIGAN & JAY CUNNING
BAOBINGA & ID VS 30HZ
BARRY ASHWORTH AKA DUB PISTOLS
BEN & LEX
BREAKFASTAZ Vs CTRL Z
CEDRIC BENOIT Vs FLORE
CHRIS CARTER Vs ANDREA LAI
ED SOLO & SNEAKY
HYPER (LIVE)
KLAUS HEAVYWEIGHT HILL Vs DOPAMINE
KOSMIK NEIL & IYTAL
KRAFTY KUTS
LADY WAKS & QUEST (ru)
MJ COLE & NAPT
PAUL ARNOLD & MERKA
PETE JORDAN & HEXADECIMAL
RICO TUBBS VS NEZTIC
SONZ OF MECHA Vs CEREAL KILLAZ
STEVE THORPE Vs ELECTROSLUTS
TAYO
THE FREESTYLERS
VIGI & MR B
VLAD Vs DIVERTED
WEST (STEELZAWHEELZ & PLAZA DE FUNK) Vs SPLANK! (GROOVE ALLEGIANCE & DARFTPHUNK)

Beastie Boys Getting Hip Replacements, Recording New Album

Alright, so they're not getting hip replacements, but the Beastie Boys are working on a new album.

And not only are they recording, but Russell Simmons wants the Beasties to put their beef with him from back in the Def Jam days to sleep and help him fight racism.

Before you go, et a look at MCA, he looks like death warmed over!