February 2008 Archives

        - We have removed all clickable links from our archives
            because link upkeep is a tremendous task.

        - The archives house only a selection from each of our
            past issues.

2.28.08 MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE - THE RAGE SOUNDTRACK

Gothic / Ambient / Other

Official news: "For the past eleven years, Midnight Syndicate has been taking you on musical journeys into the darkest corners of your imagination with their soundtracks to imaginary films. Now, in 2008, they bring their music to the soundtrack of an actual horror film, Robert Kurtzman's thriller, The Rage. The result is a CD containing menacing ambience and signature Midnight Syndicate dark atmospherics mixed with high octane, pulse-pounding action and chase themes guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

"Being a score to an actual film, The Rage CD is different from our other Midnight Syndicate releases," explains Edward Douglas. "The disc is much more atmospheric with big, dynamic movements that are following the action in what is a very intense, and high-energy horror film. I think fans will find plenty of familiar elements but also a lot of surprises, variety, and new musical twists."

The Rage soundtrack is currently available the new Entity Productions Online Store (www.MidnightSyndicate.com) and will be available at Amazon.com and CDBaby in a few days. In two weeks, it will be available at select HOT TOPIC stores that have music sections. Samples from the CD can be heard at Midnight Syndicate's MySpace Page: MySpace.com/MidnightSyndicate."

2.28.08 FISH

Rock / Progressive

Partial official message: "'Arc Of The Curve' is the brand new single by Caledonian hero Fish. Ex-front man of neo progressive rock band Marillion.

Taken from his superb new album, '13th Star', released on February 11th. 'Arc Of The Curve' is a beautifully crafted, strongly melodic gem that ranks as one of the finest in his twenty-odd year career. 'Arc Of The Curve' is but one of ten songs that comprise 13th Star, his most accomplished solo work so far."
www.plastichead.com

2.28.08 GOLDFRAPP

Electronica / Pop

Official news: "Hurray! - the time that we have all been waiting for has arrived. 'Seventh Tree' hits the streets this week on CD, Deluxe CD & DVD, LP and download. The tracklisting is up on the site (myspace.com/goldfrapp) for your perusal and here's some other bits and bobs to know about the release:

The Deluxe CD & DVD box set includes the following additional content:

A DVD featuring a short film about the making of the album featuring our own Alison & Will and the video for A&E.

4 art cards.

A large foldout poster.

A lyric book (including reproductions of Alison's handwritten lyrics & drawings).

All coming packaged in a mottled finished box.

The vinyl comes in a gatefold sleeve, and includes a large foldout poster.

The iTunes exclusive download comes with 2 bonus tracks, 'Clowns' (Instrumental) and 'You Never Know' (Live in London)."

2.27.08 JMC

Rap / Hip Hop / Experimental

"Check out JMC. Jeff is my little brother. Josh and I are producing his debut album. We like what we're doing." - Imani Coppola

We're not usually into rap and hip-hop much but I guess we shouldn't be surpised to be digging JMC, since we're fans of Imani's. We really like his tracks, 'I'm So 80s' and '30th Birthday'. Visit myspace.com/jiggyjeffrey to listen to these tunes now.

2.27.08 X

Official message: "Los Angeles, CA - Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is working with iconic punk rockers X on exciting fundraisers offering tickets and VIP / Meet & Greet passes for shows on the legendary band's 13 – 31 Tour. Ticket packages will be auctioned on eBay, and will be up for bid 2 – 3 weeks prior to the concert date. Each ten-day auction will be posted on eBay at www.ebay.com/sweetrelief.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a Los Angeles-based national charity providing financial assistance to musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. There are many talented artists who will never be rich or famous, but who play essential roles in the transcendent connection between fans and music. Sweet Relief tries to redress some of the imbalance between the few in music who have a lot and the many who struggle, but persist in their art. For more information about Sweet Relief, please visit www.sweetrelief.org or their MySpace page
(myspace.com/sweetreliefmusiciansfund).

The L.A. punk scene in the late 70’s saw its share of greatness, but few acts as talented and durable as X. They were the quintessential L.A. punk rockers that have become a world-class, live, rock & roll band. Now, X is back out on tour in 2008 with something really special; the original line-up of John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake! X is set to rock again in the 13 - 31 Tour across the U.S.A., with stops in Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, and at the famed SXSW music convention in Austin, Texas.

Sweet Relief and X wish the best of luck to all the fans who bid on these auctions. Here’s your chance to meet this iconic group and lend a hand to the future of rock."

The X exclusive club date itinerary is:

March 13: Dallas, TX @ House of
  Blues
March 14-15: Austin, TX @ SXSW
March 17: Sauget, IL @ Pop’s Hunt
March 18: Indianapolis, IN @
  Vogue Theatre
March 19: Chicago, IL @ Metro
March 21: Madison, WI @
  Barrymore Theatre
March 22: Minneapolis, MN @
  Caboose
March 23: Omaha, NE @ Sokol
March 25: Denver, CO @ Bluebird
  Theatre
March 26: Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
March 28: Boise, ID @ The Big
  Easy
March 29: Portland, OR @ Crystal
  Ballroom
March 30/31: Seattle, WA @
  Showbox
April 9: San Diego, CA @ Belly-Up
  Tavern
April 10: Los Angeles, CA @ Henry
  Fonda Theatre
April 12: Las Vegas, NV @ House
  of Blues

2.27.08 DIE SO FLUID

Official message: "Die So Fluid, Parole Records & Parole Management are extremely pleased to announce that Die So Fluid's recorded works will be available throughout the United States & Canada on Renaissance Records, via Koch Entertainment Distribution USA. The deal also will see Die So Fluids CDs released and distributed in. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru & Uruguay.

The agreement finalized late last week, ensures that the bands current critically acclaimed 'Not everybody gets a happy ending' CD will be released across the USA & Canada on May 27^th 2008. With the bands debut album 'Spawn of Dysfunction' hitting US stores in the fall of 2008.

The band will be in Phoenix AZ. to shoot a new video during the last week of April 2008, and will undertake various PR & promotion duties, as well as playing 2 showcase gigs within that 7 day period. The band will return for a longer road trip in June-July 2008 with further dates being put together for a third trip in Sept-Oct 2008."
www.myspace.com/diesofluid

2.26.08 MILWAUKEE - ROCKABILLY CHILI CONTEST

Official news: "WMSE's (91.7 FM) 6th Annual Rockabilly Chili Contest takes place this Sunday, March 2nd, from 11AM until 4PM at a huge new location, the Kern Center, 1245 N Broadway, on the MSOE campus. Ryan and Jason have lined up 42 area restaurants / cafés / taverns to dish out 50 chili recipes to anyone with a little red ticket.

It’s $5 to get in, it’s $1 per 2oz serving of chili, and while all of the money benefits WMSE, we do this one because it’s the most fun we have all year. Free parking in the streets and MSOE lots will make things stress-free. WMSE DJ's Jonny Z of the Chickenshack and Dietrich of Saturday Morning Car Tunes will be providing music throughout the day, and Milwaukee Ale House will supply the beer. Thanks to them, and to The Onion and Clark Graphics for their sponsorship.

So if you haven't already devised a fool-proof scientific method for calculating what constitutes the best chili, now's the time. Why? Because those 42 area restaurants/cafés/taverns are trying to out-do each other for the titles of Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili (there will 17 of those), Best Heat, and Best Table Presentation. And those awards are determined by you! So get to training like this is Rocky IV and Sunday you're eating chili to beat the Soviets. Because you are. Don't ask how, you just are."
http://wmse.org/events/chili2008

2.26.08 THE IRY

Indie / Pop / Rock

"The Iry is the immensely talented four-piece hailing from Columbus, Ohio who have been friends and even family far longer than bandmates... Drawing direct comparisons to such bands as Coldplay, Muse and the Cold War Kids, The Iry are impatiently waiting to exceed all expectations." - Excerpts taken from bio

Their new EP, 'Dinner For Two On The Moon', is fantastic! 'Whole Again', 'Blackout', and 'Television' are our favorite tracks. Click below for a listen and for more information.
www.myspace.com/theiry

2.26.08 NEW DANDY WARHOLS MAY 5TH

Rock / Alternative

Official news: "We're mixing our new record, 'Earth To The Dandy Warhols'. Check this pimp:"

2.25.08 WINSTON AUDIO - GEAR STOLEN IN ATLANTA

Alternative / Grunge / Rock

Official message: "Help us buy new gear!!

On 2/22 we had our gear stolen from us. It's a tough thing to go through, and unfortunately an expensive one as well. We've set up a Paypal account for those of you who would like to help out and donate money to buy some of this stuff back. Any amount will help. Even one dollar helps so much. We're gonna do everything in our power to not cancel any shows or let this effect our ability to be out on the road. Believe us, if we could do this without getting donations from people we would, but the truth is that your help will go a long way. So if you would like to help visit myspace.com/winstonaudio.
*Look for Paypal logo on page

Thanks so much. Here is a list of the equipment that was stolen. If you live in Atlanta please keep an eye out for any of this:

GUITARS/BASS
-Fender American Standard Telecaster Sunburst w/case
-Gibson Marauder / Maple finish w/case
-Marcus Miller Signature Fender Jazz Bass guitar / Blonde finish w/case

AMPS/CABINETS
-Orange AD30TwinChannel w/ broken knob
-Marshall 1960b: 330w 4x12 w/o casters
-Vox AC 30 Custom Classic Amplifier Head
-Avatar Guitar Cabinet 2x12 One Greenback Speaker One Vintage 30
  Speaker
- Ampeg SVT Classic bass amp

PEDALS
-3 - Boss: tu-2
-Boss: dd5 Delay with Expression Pedal
-Boss: tr2 Tremolo Pedal
-MXR: Dynacomp
-MXR: Microamp
-Electroharmonix: Big Muff
-Orange Channel Selector
-Vox Footswitch
-Line6 DL4 Delay (tap tempo doesn’t work)
-Green Maxon OD808 Overdrive Pedal
-Full-Tone Bass Drive distortion/overdrive pedal

KEYS
-Moog Rogue Synth
-Nord Electro (crew missing on left side) w/road case." - Winston Audio
Contact: www.myspace.com/winstonaudio

2.25.08 WEST COAST SLEEPING

Alternative / Rock / Indie

I will push West Coast Sleeping's music until I die.

Listen, this is one of the consistently best "undiscovered" bands, that have that special-something, I have heard in the last 2+ years. They have HUGE potential! Please trust me and spend a few minutes checking out their songs, 'Well Kept Note', 'Wasted', 'Stay', and 'A Ways Away'. - Stacy
www.myspace.com/westcoastsleeping

2.25.08 LUSTER

Rock / Indie / Alternative

"Luster's fanbase grew quickly and faithfully, filling some of the smallest and smokiest bars and clubs in Chicago's rock scene. Not long thereafter, Seattle's Jonathan Brubaker made the move to join the brothers in bringing their recordings to life among some of the best rooms in the city and abroad." - Official website

We really like Luster's recent tracks, 'Take It In The Head' and the new wave-ish '140'. We're also psyched to see they'll be hitting our area soon!

Upcoming Shows:

Mar 7, The Klinic - Madison, WI
Mar 21, Arlene’s Grocery - NYC, NY
Apr 23, Herman’s Hideaway -
  Denver, CO
www.myspace.com/luster

2.22.08 DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

Indie / Pop / Rock

Official message: "Death Cab for Cutie has unveiled initial details of their new album. 'Narrow Stairs' will arrive in stores and at all online retailers on May 13th.

Produced by the band's own Chris Walla, the new album will be preceded by the single, 'I Will Possess Your Heart'. "I hope this album is a bit of a surprise for those out there that think they have us all figured out. We can't wait to share these songs with the world," states Death Cab bassist Nick Harmer."
www.deathcabforcutie.com

2.22.08 FOETUS TEES

Experimental / Industrial / Other

Official message: "We are proud to announce we are making Foetus t-shirts available for the first time at the Foetus shoppe.

We are offering just one design for now: the classic Foetus "arrow" logo on a black or gray shirt. Supplies are extremely limited. There are men's L and XL and some girls sizes. The Foetus couture shoppe is linked at the top of the main shoppe page. Act now - when they're gone, they're gone."
www.foetus.org

2.22.08 RADIO MILWAUKEE 88NINE

Official message: "RadioMilwaukee presents the first annual Milwaukee Music Awards, where you have the difficult task of choosing your favorites among the many fantastic Milwaukee artists you hear on 88Nine.

Go to www.radiomilwaukee.org and click on 'Milwaukee Music Awards' to vote for local musicians in the following categories:

• Artist of the Year (Urban & Rock/Pop)
• Club DJ of the Year
• Live Performer of the Year (Urban & Rock/Pop)

Polls will be open until February 25th and we’ll announce the winners on February 26th."

2.21.08 DON AIREY

Rock / Experimental / Classic Rock

Don Airey - 'A Light In The Sky' (Mascot Records M7235CD):

Partial official message: "Don Airey has been a full-time member of Deep Purple since replacing Jon Lord in January 2003, playing on the legendary band’s ‘Bananas’ and ‘Rapture Of The Deep’ albums and enjoying successful worldwide tours. Now, Airey steps into the spotlight’s full glare with his second solo album, ‘A Light In The Sky’, released via Mascot Records.

Twenty years have slipped by since ‘K2: Tales Of Triumph And Tragedy’, a mountaineering-themed debut that featured special guests Gary Moore, Chris Thompson, the late and extremely great Cozy Powell, Colin Blunstone, Laurence Cottle, and esteemed former TV newsreader Gordon Honeycombe.

For ‘A Light In The Sky’, Airey has gathered together a different set of collaborators (though Laurence Cottle of Sting / Eric Clapton / Brian Eno / Bill Bruford fame once again contributes precision bass-playing), and naturally Don provides the record’s central creative thrust – an entertaining mixture of instrumental and vocal songs, from the Bladerunner-style ‘Ripples In The Fabric Of Time’ to the hook-laden hard rock of ‘Shooting Star’. And as the record’s title might suggest, there is a central unifying thread of space and space travel."
www.donairey.com/HomePage.html

2.21.08 DEATH SHIPS

Indie / Folk / Pop

Official news: "We are still putting the touches on 14 songs we have recorded for our next record titled, 'Circumstantial Chemistry'. I hope to finish tracking so that we can begin mixing. Also in the works is a midwest tour in March. Stay Warm." - D-Ships Dan

We love what we've heard from Iowa's Death Ships and highly recommend checking out their songs, 'Little Mystery' and 'Great American'. www.myspace.com/deathships

2.21.08 MAJOR CONSTRUCTION

Please bare with us while we make some changes to the website. We will be done no later than February 23rd. Thank you. Update 2.22.08: We're done. Hope you like the new look!

2.20.08 TIM FINN - MILWAUKEE SHOW

Pop / Alternative / Rock

Official statement: "Big sorry to all the fans in Milwaukee... what a bummer. I don't remember weather being a reason to cancel in 36 years of playing shows. It sounded like a great hall too... an old German beer hall.

Brett and I are very disappointed, and here at the airport hoping to get to Toronto. We are coming back in the Fall at this stage, and Milwaukee will be definitely included. Apparently Split Enz played here once, but me solo never. Ash Wednesday too... ashes to ashes indeed. Sorry." - Tim (Finn)

We were really looking forward to his show at Turner Hall but there's nothing he could have done. Glad to hear he shall return soon!
www.timfinn.com

2.20.08 RECORD STORE DAY

Official news: "On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate 'Record Store Day'. On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally."

Please visit www.recordstoreday.com for more information!

2.20.08 PAPER RIVAL

Indie / Rock / Alternative

Partial official message: "A full-length album from Paper Rival:

Paper Rival is happy to announce the release of their debut full-length record on Photo Finish Records. 'Dialog' will be in stores May 20, 2008."

Tracklist:

1. Are We Brothers?
2. Foreign Film Collection
3. Bluebird
4. Cassandra
5. Swimmer King
6. An Easy Belief
7. The Family Ghost
8. Payable to Finder
9. Keep Us In
10. The Kettle Black
www.myspace.com/paperrival

2.19.08 THE BERZERKER

Death Metal / Hardcore / Grindcore

Official news: "I have been getting emails lately asking where to get tickets for various UK/European shows in Feb./March 2008. Yes, it's true we did have a tour planned for Feb./March BUT our booking agent FUCKED IT UP, and never even bothered to inform us that the tour was not going ahead!

As we should of already been in the UK right now I guess I should double check that everyone is aware that unfortunately we will not be playing and have nothing booked for the UK. The band as a whole are "Very fucking disappointed about this whole situation," as we were looking forward to bringing the new line up to the UK and Europe and have been spending a lot of time rehearsing.

I know some promoters contacted me here through MySpace and I forwarded their emails directly to our booking agent; if you would like to try again at setting up some shows please contact me at lukeberzerker@gmail.com.

P.S. We are working on album no. 5!!!! And I am currently writing a speedcore track for a Relapse Records compilation... and of course we are still looking for a new label." - Luke (The Berzerker)
www.myspace.com/theberzerker

2.19.08 PENNY BROADHURST

Pop / Melodramatic Popular Song / Indie

"Penny (Broadhurst) is known for writing sharp lyrics, showcasing her unique voice and world view. She believes in hooks, harmonies and all-out pop music, and hates it when all the songs sound the same." - Official website

We completely dig Penny's work. We are especially enamored with her songs, 'Chemist Goods' and 'Break It Up & Beat It'. Visit myspace.com/pennybroadhurst to check 'em out now.

2.19.08 THE KIN

Alternative / Folk / Rock

We love the songs 'Nowhere to Now Here', 'Blue On Blue', and 'See' from The Kin's 2007 release, 'Rise and Fall'. Visit the link below to have a listen.

Upcoming Shows:

Feb 24 - Shank Hall w/ Griffin
  House & Sons of William,
  Milwaukee, WI
Feb 25 - Varsity Theater w/ Griffin
  House & Sons of William,
  Minneapolis, MN
Feb 27 - The Intersection w/ Griffin
  House & Sons of William, Grand
  Rapids, MI
Feb 28 - Southgate House w/ Griffin
  House & Sons of William, Newport,
  KY
Feb 29 - Exit/In w/ Griffin House &
  Sons of William, Nashville, TN
Mar 1 - Schubas SOLD OUT
  Chicago, IL
Mar 12 to 15 - SXSW, AUSTIN, TX
www.myspace.com/thekin

2.18.08 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

Gothic Rock / Alternative / Glam

Gene Loves Jezebel's Michael Aston just informed us, "We've finished the artwork and can now finally release the best of." We can't wait!

Upcoming Shows:

Mar 27 - Modesto State Theatre,
  CA
Mar 28 - House of Blues Anaheim,
  CA
Mar 29 - House of Blues West
  Hollywood, CA
Mar 30 - House of Blues San
  Diego, CA
Apr 12 - Hard Rock Mexico City,
  México
Aug 21 - Lima New Wave Festival
  Peru
myspace.com/genelovesjezebelofficial

2.18.08 ELEVATOR SUITE

Electronic / Pop / Other

Have you heard Elevator Suite's 'The Wheel' yet? We love the album version but you can hear a couple of remixes here: www.myspace.com/elevatorsuiteone. 'The Wheel' appears on their new self-titled album.

2.18.08 THE DRESDEN DOLLS

Alternative / Rock / Other

Official news: "This is such a bad idea, this is such a bad idea...

OK, I warned you. Here's a set of stills from the scope they did of my vocal vag. It's in motion. Your folds open and close hundreds of times per second to create the vibration that makes sounds, comrades. So these are stills catching me in action singing different pitches. Rad!"

Click below for more details and to view the pictures of Amanda Palmer's (The Dresden Dolls) scope.
http://dresdendollsdiary.blogspot.com/
2008/02/this-is-such-bad-idea-this-
is-such-bad_16.html

2.15.08 THE GOBAX

Indie / Pop / Lounge

"Gina Marie started out as an actor, and met Greg Camp on a television set in Los Angeles. Camp had just flown in from New York with his other band Smash Mouth. They became involved in working on musical projects together and have since recruited Colby Pollard, on bass." - Official website

'Pucker' is a happy instrumental and 'Devil In My Ear' sounds like a delicious flashback. Check out these GOBAX songs and more at www.myspace.com/thegobax.

2.15.08 FLOWERS TO HIDE

Rock / Post punk / Psychedelic

Official news: "New EP up for your listening pleasure." Visit www.myspace.com/flowerstohide to listen to clips of the amazing new Flowers To Hide tracks, '503', 'Lady Snow', and 'Sometime Maybe Never Again'.

2.15.08 THE CITY'S FINEST

Rock / A'cappella / Alternative

Official news: "We've posted 'The Watcher' off our upcoming full length titled 'A Different Kind of Love.' We are so proud of what we've been doing and know you'll enjoy this new music as much as we enjoyed writing it. This is just a taste of what's to come. Enjoy." - The City's Finest
www.myspace.com/thecitysfinest

2.14.08 ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING BY SHREK IN A FROCK

Man. I can't believe there was another school shooting. This one hits close to home for me. It took place this afternoon at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. I spent many weekends in DeKalb during my high school and college days. So far, it is confirmed that 5 students (and additionally the shooter) are deceased. So sad. Wishing for peace for the victims and their friends and family.

Here's an hysterical quote I heard tonight by the fab Gordon Ramsay, "You can't run around like f*#&ing Shrek in a frock and then expect us to pick up the pieces!" I'm going to see how many times I can use this over the weekend. - Stacy

Oh!... and for goodness sakes, please remember:

2.14.08 FROST

Electronica / Pop / Down-tempo

'My Plastic Heart' + remix by Plastic Operator is now available through iTunes. Visit www.myspace.com/frostnorway for a listen to the addictive song first.

2.14.08 SHE WANTS REVENGE - ON SIRIUS RADIO TONIGHT

Darkwave / Alternative / Other

Official news: "Justin and I will be debuting our new radio show 'Revenge Radio' on Sirius Satellite, Left of Center, Channel 26, tonight, Valentine's Day.

There will be 2 hours of laughs, friends, amazing music, good times and even some of our stuff you've never heard before...

We need your help, please. The only way for Sirius to really see how many people are listening to a particular show is by the people tuning in online. This show is kind of an audition for us, so if they see that there is a jump in listeners tuning in when our show is broadcast, they will more than likely let us do it every week.

To sign up for a FREE 3-DAY PASS to SIRIUS’ 100% commercial-free music channels online, visit www.sirius.com/3forfree.

Try to wait to sign in and listen 'til right before our show starts...

REVENGE RADIO
10PM EST 7PM PST
LEFT OF CENTER 26
2/14-V-DAY

Thank you." - Adam and Justin (She Wants Revenge)

2.13.08 CAT POWER

Indie / Soul / Singer-Songwriter

Cat Power on Jools Holland:

2.13.08 FISHNET STALKERS

Garage / Punk / Rock

Fishnet Stalkers Shows:

Feb. 16 - Trash Bar w/ Luxury
  Pushers, Electric Franken-
  stein, The Everyothers,
  Brooklyn, New York
Feb. 17 - Black Cat w/ Luxury
  Pushers, Death by Sexy,
  Washington DC
Mar. 14 - SXSW @ Headhunters,
  Austin, Texas
Apr. 26 - Cookies w/ Dead Roses,
  Martinsburg, West Virginia
www.myspace.com/fishnetstalkers

2.13.08 ITALY'S GOTH TOWN

Gothic / New Wave / Darkwave

"The music of Goth Town, is a blend of dark wave, gothic atmospheres, ambient, and dark ballads, but it is done in a very personal way because the sounds of 80s are filtered through the vision of their artistic sensibility, and then it evolves into a new and continuing research." - Official website

We can't play enough of these guys! We especially dig 'The Angel Of Mercy', 'Fall Down', and 'The Waiting Girl'. Visit www.myspace.com/gothtown to listen to and to download these tracks for free!!!

2.12.08 TRACEY THORN

Pop / Folk / Electronica

"I'm off to Berlin again the week after next to do a bit more recording with Ewan - got 3 new songs written since the last trip, plus a couple of covers I wanna do - so things are moving along OK. Still don't know if I have a recording contract or not! Ben went to the big EMI "meeting" recently (lecture from guy hands really) where he (guy hands, not Ben Watt) talked about the necessity of sacking most of the staff, and, apparently, most of the artists, which is certainly a way of saving money, if not a sure-fire way of running an interesting and successful record label. I have yet to find out whether or not I have been thrown overboard..."

Click below to read the rest.
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog&friendID=102188224
&blogMonth=&BlogDay=&blogYear=&My
token=A1CE8673-EDE4-48D5-B73A9DDA
41F0726A103400858

2.12.08 FREEDY JOHNSTON

Alternative / Rock

Freedy Johnston's covers release, 'My Favorite Waste Of Time', is now in stores and on iTunes. This album was previously exclusive to his website. Songs include:

1) You're My Favorite Waste of Time - Marshall Crenshaw, 2) I Want You Bad - NRBQ, 3) Do You Know the Way to San Jose? - Burt Bacharach & Hal David, 4) The Sad Cafe - The Eagles, 5) I've Been Waiting - Matthew Sweet, 6) Listen to What the Man Said - Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney, 7) Let 'em In - Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney, 8) Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid) - Tom Petty, 9) Bus Stop - The Hollies, and 10) Night and Day - Cole Porter.
www.freedyjohnston.com

2.12.08 JEFFREY LEWIS

Indie / Folk / Garage

Official message: "Preview Jeffrey Lewis' new album and read his comic on his love for Crass."
www.beggarsgroupusa.com/roughtrade/12CrassSongs

Order '12 Crass Songs' at www.beggarsgroupusa.com.

2.11.08 SHITDISCO

Dance-punk / New Rave

Official news: "We're happy to announce we've signed to Dim Mak in the United States. Our first US release will be a collection of tracks from 'Kingdom of Fear', new songs, b-sides and some brand new remixes. It's scheduled for release in Spring, as will be our first North American tour.

More details at www.dimmak.com." - ShitDisco

2.11.08 MATT WOODS

Rock / Acoustic / Pop

Official news: "Just posted a live recording of 'One Night Stand' that we did a couple of weeks ago at the Rutledge here in Nashville. Hope you enjoy it....and please, feedback is encouraged. God bless." - Matt Woods
www.myspace.com/mattwoods

2.11.08 THE FEVERFEW TOUR DATES

Indie / Acoustic / Folk Rock

Upcoming Feverfew Shows:

Feb 22 - Trinity College Hartford, Connecticut
Feb 23 - The ICC Allston, Massachusetts
Mar 12 - SUNY Oswego Oswego, New York
Mar 26 - Matchless Brooklyn, New York
Mar 27 - SUNY Purchase Purchase, New York
Mar 28 - Wesleyan University Middletown, Connecticut
Apr 1 - The Black Cat DC, Washington DC
Apr 2 - Anywhere, VA - HELP! TBA, Virginia
Apr 3 - Anywhere, NC - HELP! TBA, North Carolina
Apr 4 - Anywhere, SC - HELP! TBA, South Carolina
Apr 5 - Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, Florida
Apr 6 - Miami, FL Miami, Florida
Apr 7 - Gainesville, FL Gainesville, Florida
Apr 8 - Athens, GA Athens, Georgia
Apr 9 - Anywhere, VA - HELP! TBA, Virginia
Apr 10 - Baltimore, MD - HELP! TBA, Maryland
Apr 11 - Doylestown, PA Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Apr 12 - Burlap and Bean Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Apr 18 - Siren Records Doylestown, Pennsylvania
www.myspace.com/thefeverfew

2.8.08 NEW YORK DOLLS

Glam / Rock

Tour to begin: "The first show is this Tuesday Feb. 12 in Baltimore, MD at Ram's Head Live. Below are the rest of the dates so make sure to see if they are coming through your market. Click here (gruvr.com/band/newyorkdolls) to get automatic updates about the tour. See you on the road!" - New York Dolls

Feb 12 - Ram’s Head Live Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 14 - New Alhambra Arena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Feb 15 - Stone Pony Asbury Park, New Jersey
Feb 16 - Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 18 - Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, Ontario
Feb 19 - Tralf Music Hall Buffalo, New York
Feb 20 - Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, Ohio
Feb 22 - The Majestic Theatre Detroit, Michigan
Feb 23 - Double Door Chicago, Illinois
Feb 24 - Fine Line Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feb 26 - Gothic Theatre Denver, Colorado
Feb 28 - Big Easy Boise, Idaho
Feb 29 - Berbati’s Pan Portland, Oregon
Mar 1 - Plaza Club Vancouver
Mar 2 - El Corazon Seattle, Washington
Mar 5 - Fillmore San Francisco, California
Mar 7 - Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 8 - Jillians Las Vegas, Nevada
Mar 9 - House of Blues Anaheim, California
Mar 10 - Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, California

2.8.08 LEMURIA

Indie / Punk / Powerpop

Official message: "Asian Man Records sent us another box of the BLACK vinyl pressing of the new album 'Get Better'. This is the limited edition of our first album, only 200 made on Black, and 800 on white.

If you'd like to order it, you can now do so here: artoftheunderground.com which is my distro/label. I also have our hoodies and t-shirts up on the distro page as well. Thanks!" - Alex (Lemuria)

2.8.08 MOBY

Electronic / Techno / Other

Official news: "Moby will take on 'The Culture Show's' busking challenge on Sat 16th Feb. How much money can he make by hitting the streets of London for 15 minutes?

The Culture Show will be shown on Sat 16th Feb on BBC2 7.10pm - 8pm."
www.myspace.com/moby

2.7.08 THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE

Alternative /Indie / Rock

We are so excited about The Henry Clay People (and it's not because Stacy's dad is a descendent of Henry Clay)! We completely dig their style... and their songs, 'Andy Sings', 'Somewhere On The Golden Coast', and 'Working Part Time'. All 3 tracks appear on their recently released 'Working Part Time' EP.

Watch for a full-length release in a couple of months.
www.myspace.com/thehenryclaypeople

2.7.08 IF WEN

Folk / Acoustic / Celtic

Official news: "MTV2 is broadcasting this film on 120 Minutes. And now it's on YouTube as well..." - If Wen

We were psyched about If Wen when we first heard his music last August. We were even more psyched when he later submitted a true ghost story to us for our annual feature, Musician Ghost Stories. Now we're very happy to hear that his music will be appreciated by loads of more people!

'Take A Look At The Sea':

In addition, If Wen told Babble and Beat today, "BTW, I'm recording some new tracks now." Hooray!
www.myspace.com/ifsinger

2.6.08 THE WHITE STRIPES

Alternative / Rock / Garage

Official news: "The White Stripes are pleased to announce the release of 'Conquista', a Spanish language version of their current hit 'Conquest'. The single will be released on CD and 7" vinyl in the U.S on February 19th and in the U.K shortly after.

The release will appear credited to Las Rayas Blancas and comes with the following track listing:

1 or A. Conquista
2 or B. Conquest (Versión Acústica De Mariachi)

'Conquista' comes replete with its own Spanish language version of the Diane Martel video. The 'Conquista' video will premiere on Mun2s The Shuffle on Thursday, Feb 7th, along with an exclusive interview with Jack White. It will be aired again on Pepsi Música on Mun2 on Friday, February 8th."
www.whitestripes.com

2.6.08 SHUSH

Rock / Pop

"Shush are a female fronted four piece rock band based in London. Hailing from Argentina, Italy and the UK they are quickly making a name for themselves on the London circuit being a superb live act truly to be reckoned with." - Official website

Make sure to check out their tracks, 'Little Bit More' and 'Pretty Thing' by visiting www.myspace.com/shushsound.

2.6.08 ARTERY

Post-Punk / Alternative

Artery has a new live album!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=
194512683&blogID=333516094

"It was recorded at the reunion show instigated by Jarvis Cocker for his 'Meltdown' Festival, in June 2007. Featuring three original members, Mark Gouldthorpe on vocals, Garry Wilson (drums) and John Clayton (bass), later members Murray Fenton on guitar and David Hinkler (keyboards) completed the line-up to perform live for the first time in 23 years, a set which covered the bands 6-year career." - Official website

Watch for a new studio album this year.

2.5.08 RAOUL SINIER (AKA RA)

Electronica / Progressive / Other

Check out Raoul Sinier's new video for 'Huge Samurai Radish'. Please be at least 18 years of age.

www.myspace.com/raoulsinier

2.5.08 STRIKE THE COLOURS

Folk / Indie

The Scottish Arts Council has given Strike the Colours a grant to record their 2nd album, which will be released sometime this year. In the meantime, check out these songs from their first release, 'The Face That Sunk A Thousand Ships': 'Young Upstart' and '30 Miles An Hour'.
www.myspace.com/strikethecolours

2.5.08 THE CAB CRASHED

Soul / Pop / Rock

Official message: "I just got news of an accident that happened in the state of Wisconsin. Although we've never officially met the guys, The Cab recently totaled their van and trailer earlier this morning (2/1/08). This accident put a couple of the guys in the hospital for cuts, bruises and possible concussions. Unfortunately, they aren't able to play their show tonight with Cobra Starship, Metro Station, and We The Kings.

The reason I'm writing this is because I'd love to see you guys show your love to them and encourage them to keep going with the tour. I know for a fact after crashing like that that it can really wear on your mind A LOT. Especially when all you want to do is go home. They just need tons of love and I know you all are the perfect people to talk to. We were in a wreck 2 years ago during Warped Tour and that mentally wore on our minds a bunch. It's probably the scariest thing in the world when you're spinning out of control and your friends are flying everywhere. All you can think about is how you don't want to hurt your friends, but there isn't anything you can do. You guys were their for us (their fans in general, not specifically us) and that was amazing and I genuinely thank you for that.

This was posted on Absolutepunk.net about an hour after the accident occurred:

The Cab Crash in Wisconsin
Posted on 02-01-08 by Jason Tate
"The Cab flipped their van in the middle of Wisconsin. Everyone is alive, but they are headed to the emergency room right now. More information when it becomes available."

Here is a link to get in touch with them...btw

www.myspace.com/thecab

I'm very good friends with their tour manager and I won't lie, that was the worst voicemail I've woken up too in a while. I'm just glad she and the rest of those guys are okay. Anything you guys need, please let me know. Rest easy." - Jake <3 (Mayday Parade)

2.4.08 DEINE LAKAIEN

German Darkwave / Gothic / Electronic

Partial official message: "After the successful Orchestra Tour 20 Years of Electronic Avantgarde Ernst Horn and Alexander Veljanov are currently focussing on their solo projects.

Deine Lakaien is happy to announce that the website of the official Deine Lakaien Fanbase, Colour-Ize', is now available in 3 languages. Find news, articles, community activities and much more in German, English and Spanish on: colour-ize.com."

2.4.08 GLENN TILBROOK

Partial official message: "Glenn and The Fluffers are currently working on the new album due out late September this year.

Just arrived and available now at www.glenntilbrook.com and www.quixoticrecords.com is the 2nd of Glenn's Demos, 'In The Sky Above - Demo Tapes 1993-1998'. This will be available in the shops from Monday 11th February in the UK only." - Quixotic

2.4.08 PRE-ORDER NEW BILLY BRAGG

Folk Rock / Punk / Folk

Partial official news: "Billy Bragg's first new studio album in six years, 'Mr Love & Justice', is available to pre-order NOW from recordstore.co.uk.

If you pre-order from that online store you will qualify for an immediate free download of one of the tracks, 'The Johnny Carcinogenic Show'.

The album is available in two versions:

1. Limited deluxe edition (COOKCD452X)
Double CD album in 6 panel Eco-Pak with expanded booklet. Features:

CD 1: Billy Bragg and The Blokes
CD 2: solo versions by Billy Bragg of the tracks on CD 1.
Release Date : Mar 03 2008 - price: £11.95

2. Single CD (COOKCD452)
Billy Bragg and The Blokes
Release Date: Mar 03 2008 - price: £8.95

Full track listing (for both CDs) is:
1. I Keep Faith
2. I Almost Killed You
3. M For Me
4. The Beach is Free
5. Sing Their Souls Back Home
6. You Make Me Brave
7. Something Happened
8. Mr. Love & Justice
9. If You Ever Leave
10. O Freedom
11. The Johnny Carcinogenic Show
12. Farm Boy

Please note: we will not be taking advance orders in the Billy Bragg Shop because our sales do not count towards chart placings.

LISTEN TO THE SINGLE
'I Keep Faith' (single edit) can be heard on Billy's MySpace page. Have a listen, leave a comment."
www.myspace.com/billybragg

2.1.08 THE BURNING HOTELS

Indie / Alternative

We asked The Burning Hotels what they've been up to lately. They told us, "we are currently doing preproduction (writing / recording / rehearsing) for our next record which we will be recording in mid summer. We will be playing a couple of shows at SXSW and will be going on a West Coast tour with Black Tie Dynasty in late summer." - Chance
www.myspace.com/theburninghotels

2.1.08 THE DIVE

Indie / Rock / Shoegaze

"Best described as an upbeat indie four piece with strong catchy infectious melodies; the Dive belt out their songs with real energy and carry a clever element of power guitars harking back to the shoegaze era." - Official website

We really dig their songs, 'Morning After', 'Nowhere', and 'Confused'. Listen to them, and download 'Confused' for free, by visiting www.myspace.com/thediveuk .

2.1.08 TEMUJIN

Metal / Gothic / Rock

Official message: "Temujin are an independent Goth / Metal band based in Melbourne, Australia. The band's debut CD, '1000 Tears' is out now and available on iTunes (USA, Europe, UK, Australia and Japan), and on CD by mail order.

If you haven't heard the band before, here's the chance to to change that... the band has made available two free mp3s, 'Find Me' and 'So Near' - taken from the '1000 Tears' album. You can go to either of these sites to download:

www.last.fm/music/Temujin/1000+Tears
www.MusicFreedom.com/temujin."