May 2006 Archives

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

        - Keep in mind that we are to officially launch in July of
            2006. We're still in our infancy!

5.31.06 FREE MARCY PLAYGROUND SHOW

"Our Raleigh, NC show on June 24th is FREE! That's right; there is no cost (besides the gas to get there of course)!

Tell your friends, your cousins, your cousin's friends, and your friend's cousins! There's plenty of room in Moore Square Park, so spread the word!" - Marcy Playground
www.marcyplayground.com

5.31.06 THE DONNAS - PROJECT DIRTY DENIM

Dirty Denim Video Mash-up:

"We'll be collecting video footage and still fotos from all fans willing to participate. Submit video or fotos of yourself singing, lip synching, headbanging, playing guitar, bass, drums, dancing, posing, etc. - get creative!

All submissions will be edited into a video mash-up to The Donnas 'Dirty Denim' track from Spend The Night, along with snippets of Donnas footage. Once completed, it will be featured on www.thedonnas.com & www.myspace.com/thedonnas.

A limited access Dirty Denim forum has been added for the sole purpose of uploading files for the project (http://boards.atlanticrecords.com/artists/thedonnas/forums/a/frm/f/ 3641044135). You can also post a link to a download if it's larger than 20MB. You do need to register on the forums in order to post a submission, but it's quick and painless, promise.

Deadline: depends entirely on how many submissions we get. As soon as we've collected enough footage/fotos -- the project will be closed.

Video file formats: MPG1, MPG2, AVI
Size: 20MB = Maximum

Foto file formats: basically anything
Size: 740 x 480 pixels = Minimum

Keep in mind that the videos & fotos will be spliced with the Dirty Denim track, so any noise you make won't be heard.

So, please submit!" - The Donnas

5.31.06 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

"I tend to really jazzed about things to write on in this format at the wrong times...usually while I'm listening to music in the car. I hear something and think, "Wow, I want to share this with the peeps..." And then I forget about it.

Here's my current nomination for the most overlooked, underrated rock and roll guitar player of all time: Elliot Easton from The Cars. Listen to the first Cars record...every song has an amazing guitar hook and, on most of them, an even more amazing guitar solo that takes the song a level or two higher. Probably the best guitar solos in pop songs, ever.

Listen to the solos in these songs, all of which give me goosebumps on my goosebumps:

- Just What I Needed
- Don't Cha Stop
- You're All I've Got Tonight
- Bye Bye Love (especially this one...the guitar breaks at the end of the
  song are unbelievable)
- Shake it Up."

- Dave Dederer, The Presidents Of The United States Of America
Visit: http://www.presidentsrock.com
Visit: http://www.thecarszone.com

5.30.06 CHECK OUT GIRL MEET GIRL

Girl Meet Girl hails from Portugal and would be described at times as 'dark pop'. We are really digging the music clips we have heard, especially 'X Flowers' and 'Frozen Romance'.

Watch for their upcoming debut release, 'Love Demo Tapes'.
Visit: http://www.myspace.com/girlmeetgirl

5.26.06 ROLLINS BAND / X TOUR PRE-SALE

Official description: "The classic Rollins Band line up has reformed and is hitting the road this summer with rock legends X. The 'As the World Burns' Tour kicks off July 28th in San Francisco. Tickets begin to go on sale on June 2nd.

* Fans can take part in a special pre-sale for all dates listed below that will begin on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 10am local venue time."

- 7/28/2006 Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA
- 8/02/2006 House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
- 8/04/2006 The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT
- 8/05/2006 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
- 8/06/2006 Sokol Auditorium, Omaha, NE
- 8/07/2006 POPS, Sauget, IL
- 8/09/2006 The Quest, Minneapolis, MN
- 8/10/2006 Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI
- 8/11/2006 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
- 8/12/2006 Bogarts, Cincinnati, OH
- 8/13/2006 House of Blues, Chicago, IL
- 8/17/2006 Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ

"*These pre-sale tickets will be available at: www.rollinsband.tickets.musictoday.com/RollinsBand/calendar.aspx
If prompted for a password enter 'BURNS'."

5.23.06 ANGELS AND AIRWAVES OUT TODAY

As you likely know already, Tom DeLonge, formerly of Blink 182, has a new group called Angels And Airwaves. Their debut album, 'We Don't Need To Whisper' is out today.

How Tom would you prefer to listen to their debut: "I really want the room to be dark, with black light or a candle. People should have headphones on, and they should be really comfortable, maybe sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed. I spent a year and a half working on this record, trying my hardest to give people a moment of escapism. All I ask is 50 minutes of a lowered heart rate." - Tom

5.23.06 GUYMON ADAMS NEEDS A DRUMMER

We at Babble and Beat love Guymon's sound! Please also take a moment to listen to his music clips (link below) and see his upcoming release information at the right.

"So I STILL need a drummer here in Austin, TX.... Seems like every time I get a good lead on some one, they either disappear and stop corresponding before we even get started, or something comes up where they have to move out of town or something.... We're so close, yet so far... :(

I am still in need of a drummer! And it would be REALLY awesome if said drummer was open and diverse enough to work with me on a couple of projects, not just this solo effort... (I also have a hardcore/metal project called God's Little Toy, in which I will need a serious bad ass to collaborate with me on new material soon.). In the meantime, I need to take this solo project LIVE. For that I need someone who is diverse, and hopefully able to deal with a little MIDI stuff with their drums (just some triggers for certain songs).

Take a listen to the music on my page... We have *close* to every other player lined out to take this studio project LIVE.... EXCEPT for a drummer!

This project is SERIOUS. We have a private rehearsal space available to us 24/7. Through my own label I have distribution throughout the U.S., a promotional campaign is in the works, and a small series of tour dates in the Southern U.S. are pending for THIS SUMMER!

AUSTIN, TX -- WHERE ARE THE DRUMMERS?!?!?! I know there's a bad ass out there who wants to participate in something new, exciting and different! If that's YOU OR SOME ONE YOU KNOW, drop me a line ASAP!!

SERIOUS PROFESSIONALS ONLY PLEASE. THANKS!!!" -Guymon Adams

Visit: www.myspace.com/guymonadams

5.23.06 SAVE THE INTERNET . COM / MOBY

"The SaveTheInternet.com Coalition is an alliance of organizations from across the political spectrum (consumer groups, educators, small businesses and bloggers) that have banded together to protect Internet freedom." - Official description

This is a serious issue, folks. Let's do something about it. Listen to Moby on the SaveTheInternet.com conference call. Then, visit the coalition's site for more information on how to get involved in the fight for internet freedom.

5.22.06 NEW JOOLS HOLLAND DVD COMING

Later with Jools Holland is releasing a DVD with 30 live performances from the show. We have the performances listed below (thanks to Goldfrapp) but have not heard the official release date yet.

1.Intro - Later With Jools Holland signature tune
2.Goldfrapp - Number One
3.KT Tunstall - Under the Weather
4.Groove Armada feat Richie Havens - Hands Of Time
5.Norah Jones - Don't Know Why
6.Cassandra Wilson- You Don't Know What Love Is
7.Dr John- Creole Moon
8.Shivaree - Goodnight Moon
9.Bryan Ferry - As Time Goes By
10.Corinne Bailey Rae - Like A Star
11.Moby - We Are All Made Of Stars
12.Dido - Thank You
13.Burt Bacharach with Rufus Wainwright - Go Ask Shakespeare
14.The Blue Nile - Tinseltown In The Rain
15.Lizz Wright - Hit The Ground
16.David Gray - Ain't No Love
17.Zero 7 - In The Waiting Line
18.Sade - The Sweetest Gift
19.Nitin Sawhney - Rainfall
20.Björk - Joga
21.Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man - Mysteries
22.Massive Attack - Teardrop
23.James Blunt - Goodbye My Lover
24.Antony And The Johnsons - Hope There's Someone
25.Rufus Wainwright - Crumb By Crumb
26.Tindersticks - No More Affairs
27.Annie Lennox - Wonderful
28.Morcheeba - Part of the Process
29.David Sanborn & Jools Holland - You Don't Know Me
30.Mercury Rev - The Dark Is Rising
31.Trisha Yearwood & Bonnie Raitt - Feel Like Going Home

5.22.06 SEABOUND TO TOUR WITH COVENANT

"After a long wait, Seabound will tour North America once again supporting Covenant on their 'Skyshaper Tour 2006' in September.

The current schedule includes about 20 shows in the US and Canada. Seabound will play highlights from their two available albums 'No Sleep Demon' and 'Beyond Flatline' as well as unreleased tracks from their third album which is currently in the making.

Details about the tour will soon be revealed on our site."

5.22.06 FUTUREHEADS ALBUM COMING NEXT WEEK

The Futureheads' 'News and Tributes' is to be released on May 29th in the UK and on June 13th in the US. Check out their new single, 'Skip To The End'.

5.22.06 KAISER CHIEF INJURED IN HIT & RUN

Ricky Wilson, of the Kaiser Chiefs was hit by a car on May 21st. It has been reported that he is doing just fine.

5.21.06 BOY KILL BOY DEBUT OUT TOMORROW

"So after starting the band in January 05', the day is finally around the corner, where all the sweat and hard work is released one one cd.

'Civilian' is in shops from tomorrow, and is a piece of work were so happy with, and shows all the levels of Boy Kill Boy. The album includes a hidden track at the end, and wicked artwork which we are well made up with.

Thanks for being on the journey with us to the eve of the album. the next year or so will be a fun ride and your all on board and we love you all dearly for the support." -BKB

5.20.06 UPCOMING SPECIAL RELEASES ON PROJEKT

The following two anniversary albums are scheduled for an August release:

Vidna Obmana, 'The River Of Appearance' reissue - 10th anniversary 2-CD

Black Tape For A Blue Girl, 'Remnants Of A Deeper Purity' - 10th anniversary 2-CD

5.18.06 THE ORGAN - CHECK THEM OUT

This review (only partial shown here) gives you a good idea about them, but they also have a lot of their own personality: "The concise, hooky songs on the Organ's debut, 'Grab That Gun' (Mint), are tricked out in sleek, austere early-80s finery--wiry Peter Buck-style arpeggio riffs, implacable New Order bass lines, and the dancy, dejected bounce-and-jangle of early Smiths--" -Chicago Reader, April 2005

The Organ's debut album is called 'Grab That Gun' (Mint Records, 2004). Yeah, not new news but some of you haven't checked out this all-female quintet from Vancouver yet. "I first heard this cd 6 months ago and I've played it several times weekly ever since," Stacy, Babble & Beat.

5.18.06 TAPES 'N TAPES

Tapes 'n Tapes created a lot of buzz at Austin's South By Southwest festival this year. This band from Minneapolis recorded and released their album, 'The Loon' themselves.

They have since been signed by XL Recordings. So, this album will now be available at all fine record stores this summer. Check out some clips from 'The Loon' on their official website. One reviewer sums them up pretty well: “11 tracks stuffed with hook after addictively anthemic hook.” – Pitchfork Media

*They are currently on tour in the UK and will be touring the US in June.

5.18.06 IAN CURTIS HAS BEEN GONE FOR 26 YEARS TODAY

Today is the 26th death anniversary of Joy Division's Ian Curtis. We sure miss you, Ian.

5.18.06 NITZER EBB TOUR

Nitzer Ebb will be performing in Detroit on May 27th and then it's off to Europe.

They are scheduled to return to the U.S. in late August / early September. Currently, they are only officially scheduled for 2 California shows (12th & 13th) and 1 Illinois show (16th) in September.

5.17.06 PREORDER RESIDENT'S 'CUBE E' BOX SET

Official description: "It's finally here! Almost...it will be in a couple of short weeks. But you can make your preorder now! This is a 3 disc set by the Residents. The first 2 audio discs are a complete, unedited recording of the live 'Cube E' show. The 3rd disc is a DVD containing all of the existing footage of the 'Cube E' show, including video taken of show rehearsals in SF, Lincoln Center, and TV appearances."

"This is the be all-end all collection of all things 'Cube E'. Included in this set (a 7"x7" box) are the 3 discs, a 40 page full color booklet with never before published photos of the Cube E show, and a fancy inner box containing a handkercheif, just like the ones sold and thrown into the audience during that tour. This is limited to only 1500 hand-numbered copies and will definitely go fast. DVD is NTSC/Stereo."

Please see the official Resident's website for more information.

5.17.06 MAR'S DEBUT ALBUM AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK

Mar's debut album 'The Silence', featuring Jimmy LaValle of The Album Leaf and Samuli Kosminen of Mum will be available in these stores starting next week.....

- Reckless Records in Chicago (both locations)

- Amoeba Records in Hollywood

- Amoeba Records in Berkeley

- Aquarius Records in San Francisco

- And nearly EVERY Tower Records Store in the U.S.

- and Mar's official site

"Thank you to everyone who has purchased a Mar album and has been supporting us!! You're not supporting a giant label, you're supporting Mar alone, and have made it possible for us to independently tour the country and independently distribute the album nationwide." -Kyle Reidy of Mar

5.16.06 STOLEN & IRREPLACABLE INSTRUMENTS

Official message from The Concretes: "Hello friends. Some assholes stole all our guitars, one organ and one euphonium from our locked trailer in New York. That means stealing a major part of our sound and it sucks so hard and we are really quite fucking upset about it. If you are offered a really sweet deal on some vintage instruments in the NY-area then please first check against the serial numbers seen below. In case of a match, report to us and give the seller a good punch in the face."

Instrument Serial Number
Hagström Electric Guitar, Black, seventies..... 53954205

Fender Telecaster Deluxe, Brown, 1977.........S705180

Fender Jazzmaster, Sunburst, 1963...............L18531

Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst, 1978..................S8851203

Fender Jazz Bass (Mexico), white, nineties.....MN2107649

Gibson Melody Maker, red, seventies..............06206495

Euphonium JB Besson......................................554058

Korg CX3 Organ

"Thank you." - The Concretes

www.myspace.com/theconcretes

5.16.06 MOSES MAYFIELD UPDATE

Moses Mayfield's upcoming album is scheduled for a summer release (Epic). If you are not familiar with them, their influences include Peter Gabriel, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, & U2.

5.16.06 THOM YORKE SOLO PROJECT

Radiohead's frontman, Thom Yorke is scheduled to release his first solo album, 'The Eraser' on July 11th. He is also busy working on Radiohead's seventh album! Yeah!

5.16.06 SINGER SQUIRTS SYRINGE OF OWN BLOOD AT MTV NEWS CAMERA

Pete Doherty, of the Babyshambles freaked out the MTV News crew during a recent interview when he squirted a blood-filled syringe at their news camera.

Obviously, it was an attempt to promote his upcoming exhibit of blood paintings at a London gallery. Still, totally uncool.

5.16.06 THE HUSH SOUND

The Hush Sound is currently on a UK tour. In June they will be playing many sold-out shows in the U.S. with Panic At The Disco.

The Hush Sound will be releasing their new album, 'Like Vines' on June 6th. We just checked out their clips and really like them. There's a little speck of Maroon 5 and Six Pence None The Richer in their sound.

5.15.06 SUGARCULT MESSAGE

Official message: "Hey everyone, it's Tim (from the Sugarcult). Greetings from Miami, Florida!! I've been out here since May 8th mixing our new album. Mixing is a bizarre ritual that is the last step of making an album. A band spends months writing and rehearsing songs for an album. Then you go into a studio and spend a few more months recording it and listening to it under a microscope. Then after that, you mix it all in just 12 days!!!!!! Mixing is kind of like editing a movie. You shoot a bunch of film, then you take it to a person who helps you piece it all together. You can only hope that the person you've hired to mix your album (or edit your film) shares a similar vision or takes your vision to a higher level.

The person mixing our new record is a guy named Tom Lord Alge. He mixed five songs off our last record, "Palm Trees and Power Lines", that turned out really well so we wanted to work with him again. He's mixed albums for everyone from Weezer, Oasis, Sum 41, Marilyn Manson, Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, Rolling Stones, Nine Inch Nails, etc, etc.

It's a rainy Monday afternoon here. Gavin Mackillop (our producer) just arrived today on a red-eye flight from Los Angeles. He's going to hang out in South Beach and help me supervise the next batch of mixes. So far we've mixed several songs....'Do It Alone', 'Out of Phase', 'Majoring in Minors', and 'Shaking' (and they sound amazing!!). Today we'll start mixing a song called 'Dead Living', which could end up being the first song on the album. After we finish mixing the whole album...I'll head back to LA.

We're gonna shoot a new video in June.....and then we'll start rehearsing for a new tour that we're putting together for Sept/Oct. We haven't announced dates yet or what bands are gonna open for us, but stayed tuned to the website for more info. We can't wait to get out on the road and play some of these new songs live. We're just really excited to finally be putting out our new album and can't wait for you to hear it. The cd release date is September 12th. See you all soon!!!" - Tim

5.15.06 GUFS UPDATE

Official message: "Hello one and all. It's been a while so I thought I'd bring you up to date on a few things. The album is steadily moving forward and sounding great. We think you'll definitely enjoy this one. We've actually pushed back the release date to September as we are focused on making this the best sounding Gufs album to date.

That being said, we've decided to slowly leak some previously unreleased music that has never been heard before. I've placed two new songs on www.purevolume.com/thegufs for your listening pleasure. A song called 'Nothing at All' and the original version of 'Where Are You Now'. Both were recorded during our 'Holiday From You' demo sessions in the summer and fall of 1997. We hope you enjoy them.

I will be placing more "unheard" music up on purevolume, so if you haven't signed up yet, please do. It's free and a lot of fun. Take care. All for now." - Cheers, Dejan.

5.15.06 CAMERA OBSCURA CD

Camera Obscura's 'Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken' is now available on CD and 7" at all fine record stores. It is also available as a digital download from itunes.

Some tidbits about them:

- They formed in 1996.

- Their debut album, 'Biggest Bluest Hi FI' was 'Album of the Week' on XFM and in the Rough Trade shop in 2001. It became Prime Distribution's best selling independent album.

- They released 'Underachievers Please Try Harder' in 2003. They then played Spain's Benicassim Festival alongside Beck & Donovan.

- In 2005, they released 'I Love My Jean'. It was a tribute to Mr. John Peel.

They will be touring the UK in June and the states later in the year.

5.12.06 THIEVERY CORPORATION UPDATE

Thievery Corporation is working with MTV & Urge to digitally launch their new remix album 'Versions' on May 17th. 'Versions' will be available exclusively (digitally) at www.urge.com. 'Versions' will be available in U.S. records stores on May 16th.

5.12.06 JAY RYAN POSTER BOOK AVAILABLE

"A greatest-hits collection of the last decade of Jay Ryan's compelling rock posters (including many from shows at Chicago's Metro), '100 Posters, 134 Squirrels' showcases one of underground poster art's most prolific and talented practitioners."

"Framed by essays from luminaries in the music, poster, and design worlds as well as an interview with Jay, '100 Posters, 134 Squirrels' offers a unique look into Ryan's unusual approach to poster art." -Metro

Available at Metro Store, Call 773-549-2078.

5.12.06 ATTRITION'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY RELEASE REMINDER

Did you get your copy of 'Tearing arms from Deities. Attrition: 1980 - 2005' yet? The first 2000 copies are issued in a limited, numbered, collectors edition gatefold digipack.

They are celebrating their anniversary with the release of this 16-track, 74 minute, CD of rare, re-mixed and re-mastered works. Buy it direct from their official merchandise page.

5.9.06 VACATION WITH BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS

"BHTM Hawaii 2007? The band, along with our friends from the cruise, Local Knowledge, is working on a potential trip for 2007, and we want to gauge the level of interest in a fan vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.

We are contemplating a one year hiatus from the BVI Cruise, but don't want to skip out on the opportunity to get together somewhere and enjoy sun, sand and great friends. The prospective time frame for a Hawaii trip is May of 2007. Plans will be confirmed upon achieving a level of interest that would warrant the trip.

To help you ponder the idea, the following general information may wet your appetite for the Big Island: Our Base would be a luxurious Five-Star Resort. Sip your tropical drink at the poolside bar, or just yards away under an umbrella at one of the nicest beaches in the islands. Fantastic snorkeling directly off of the beach with an abundance of native fish and sea turtles. Kayaking, scuba, and deep sea fishing are just a few of the water activities available. When not pampering yourself at the spa, you can enjoy world class golf at a number of the courses located on the resort and nearby locations. Local land attractions include volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls, and native Hawaiian culture.

Best of all, Big Head Todd and the Monsters will perform throughout the week exclusively for event guests. Scheduled performances will be conveniently located at the resort amidst the beautiful local surroundings. Special guests may include Hazel Miller and local musicians.

Families would be welcome with on site babysitting service available. A great opportunity to visit a beautiful island, catch some beach time, and hear some great music. Rates for six nights would begin around $1,350 per person, double occupancy. This would include room and event sponsored entertainment. Food, beverages, activities, and air not included. Children 17 and under would be welcome at a nominal charge." - BHTM and Local Knowledge.

Please see their official site for details.

5.9.06 TRENT REZNOR & SAUL WILLIAMS COLLABORATE

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and rapper Saul Williams have begun recording tracks together for a spring 2007 release.

5.9.06 FRANZ FERDINAND COOKBOOK

We had no idea, but Alex Kapranos (frontman for Franz Ferdinand) has been writing a food column for the Guardian Newspaper.

He is currently working on a food-related book, 'Sound Bites'. It is to be released in late 2006.

5.8.06 DOCTORS OPERATE ON KEITH RICHARDS' BRAIN

Keith Richards underwent minor surgery on Monday for a "mild concussion" he suffered from a fall he took while on vacation. The surgery went very well.

Update 5.11.06: It is believed that he had fallen out of a coconut tree at the Wakaya Club Resort while vacationing in Fiji.

5.6.06 DEATH OF A GO-BETWEEN

Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens died in his sleep on May 6th. He was 48 years old. Robert Forster, also of the Go-Betweens, has stated that the band is "no more", due to Grant's sudden death.

Grant McLennan's funeral service will take place at 1:30pm, Friday May 12th at St. John's Cathedral, Ann Street, Brisbane, Australia. This will be a public service.

5.5.06 RARE LIVE EELS DOWNLOADS

The EELS' official download store has just added the limited edition, and currently out of print, live albums, 'Oh What A Beautiful Morning' and 'Electro-Shock Blues Show', as well as the latest EELS limited edition live offering, 'Sixteen Tons' (10 songs).

5.5.06 UNIVERSITY AWARDS STING

Sting was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music by Newcastle University.

In acceptance of this honor, Sting stated "It is very exciting to see the diversity of music being studied at Newcastle University, with developments like the folk and traditional music degree now being taught alongside classical and popular music."

5.4.06 NEW IKON SINGLE

‘Without Shadows’ will be the next single from 'Destroying The World To Save It’ by the Australian goth band, IKON. It is scheduled for a late May release. The single contains the usual odds and demos, including the first demos done for the ‘Destroying cd’ back in 2001.

Without Shadows (Single version)
Seconds (Demo)
Burning Desire (Demo)
Confused Dreams (Demo)
Fall Apart (Recorded live for Radio Germany, May 18, 2005)
The Garden Of The Lost (Live at Under The Blue Moon Festival, Sydney, Australia, September 17, 2005)

5.4.06 NOZZLE NEWS

Nozzle has announced that the 'Let Me Down' EP will be released on June 6th on Cordless Recordings. The EP features three songs - the title track 'Let Me Down', 'Don't Give It Away' and 'Years Ago'. The tracks were recorded and mixed by the band in Bradford and Devon.

The songs will be available as download only tracks from iTunes, Real, Rhapsody, Napster, Yahoo, MSN Music and other leading download websites.

*Nozzle is fronted by ex-New Model Army guitarist, Dave Blomberg, and a collection of other fantastic English musicians.

5.3.06 NEW FILM SCHOOL SINGLE

"Following a rapturous showcase at this years South By Southwest festival, Film School give you their new single '11:11', a stand-out track – if such a thing can exist on such a classic sounding and beautifully crafted record – from Film School's eponymous debut album (out now).

'11:11' is a hypnotic force where building drum and bass loops roll under deliriously tense guitars that wail with dramatic urgency while intriguing keyboard samplers echo over the surface, all accompanied perfectly by Krayg Burton's emotive vocal.

B-side 'Walk Until Sunday' is a brand new track, indicative of Film School's ability to craft an enveloping wall of sound within dark, brooding and bewitching atmospherics. Film School is the sound of a powerful, driven forced coated in a fragile, heart wrenching beauty.

There is a limited CD single, which will only be available via Beggars Banquet Mail Order." -Beggars Banquet

Our guess is that some of their influences include the Cure (old), Postal Service, Dandy Warhols, Cocteau Twins, and Travis. They are starting a full U.S. tour on May 9th, ending on June 10th. Check out their official site asap for information on where to buy tickets!

5.3.06 HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE 27TH LETTER YET?

I strongly urge you to make time to check out 27th Letter. Stephen MacLachlan has an amazing voice and the lyrics and melodies are unique and interesting. You MUST at least check out the music clips for 'The Puppeteer' and 'Mr. Umbrella Man'.

'The Puppeteer' has a bit of a Lloyd Cole & The Commotions meets XTC sound. 'Mr. Umbrella Man' has a glimmer of World Party & Rev Hammer in it. What the heck do I know? Check the clips out for yourself, because they're bleeping awesome!

Official statement: "I'm currently recording the 'Memories of a Distant Past' EP, the 27th Letter concept is expanding, now exposing the darker side of life. Due in the summer, the completed 4 track CD will be soon be available."

Go to: http://www.myspace.com/27thlettermusic

5.2.06 NEW COMPILATION ALBUM FOR THE WEDDING PRESENT

The Wedding Present will be releasing 'Search for Paradise: Singles 2004-5' in May. Specifically, the release date for the United States is May 16th and May 15th for the United Kingdom.

The CD of this double disc collection features the A-sides of the three singles from last year's critically-acclaimed 'Take Fountain' album, together with all the B-sides, plus previously unreleased acoustic versions of the A-sides.

The DVD contains the videos made for the singles and also one for the outstanding album track 'Don't Touch That Dial', together with a film made for an acoustic live version of 'Perfect Blue', and bonus "behind the scenes" footage.

The complete track listing is:
CD [DISC ONE] - The A-sides: Interstate 5, I'm From Further North Than You, Ringway To Seatac. The B-sides [previously unreleased outside the UK]: Bad Thing, Snapshots, Rekindling, The Girl With The Curious Smile, Nickels And Dimes, I'm From Further North Than You [Klee Remix], Shivers, American Tan. The Acoustic Versions [previously unreleased anywhere]: Interstate 5, I'm From Further North Than You, Ringway To Seatac.

DVD [DISC TWO] - Promotional videos of: Interstate 5, I'm From Further North Than You, Ringway To Seatac, Don't Touch That Dial. Perfect Blue [Three Minute Film]. Behind The Scenes.

5.2.06 WATERBOYS RELEASE & TOUR NEWS

The Waterboys have been confirmed to play at the following English festivals. Both are full band shows:

8th July CORNBURY FESTIVAL, Oxfordshire
Tel: 0870 118 1636
£40 Saturday / £70 Weekend

16th July GUILFEST, GUILDFORD, Surrey
Tel: 01483 454 159
£40 Sunday / £85 Weekend / £95 weekend and camping

'Fisherman's Blues' remaster is out May 8th. The 2CD set will be issued by EMI. Please visit the official Waterboy's site for more information.

5.1.06 PJ HARVEY DVD OUT NOW

Official description: 'PJ Harvey: On Tour - Please Leave Quietly' was filmed during the Uh Huh Her Tour [2004]. This is the first ever PJ Harvey DVD release and offers an intimate and insightful look into a world of touring, performing and travelling and features two previously unreleased songs.

Having finished her seventh album Uh Huh Her in the autumn of 2003, Polly Harvey took to the road with a four-piece band. The collection of performances featured on 'PJ Harvey: On Tour' charts her journey through summer festivals, her UK and European tour and on to the US in October 2004, creating a patchwork quilt of sights and sounds.

5.1.06 OFFICIAL MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE EBAY AUCTION

"Although this is not my Ebay account, this is in fact my sale. I'm selling my Ibanez Talman TC-630 Electric, made in Japan, Circa 1996. These guitars were made after Kurt Cobain made Fender Jaguars popular. The Talmans were purposely styled to look "vintage" like Kurt's. This model has three lipstick pickups with a 5 way switch, so you can get a lot of different tones with it.

I used this guitar to record all of 'Tight', most of 'Frankenstein Girls' and three tracks you'll rebel to anything ('Prom,' Straight To Video,' and 'Stupid MF').

I'm far less destructive with my personal guitars than with the ones I play live, so it is in good condition. There is one nick in the finish, and the pick guard shows some wear and tear - but that's what it's there for anyway.

Buyer pays shipping, but if you live in or near NYC I'll just hand it to you. If you like this sale, look out for some other guitars I might be selling soon - I love all my guitars but I'm not sentimental - besides, none of them are housebroken and I'm tired of stepping in piss." -Steve (Mindless Self Indulgence)

Update 5.4.06: It sold for $610
Update 6.3.06: High bidder was a non-payer! Auction was relisted and ends 6.8.06.

5.1.06 ULTIMATE ROLLING STONES EXPERIENCE

Official message: "Just wanted to remind you that we have LIMITED spaces available on our new Bigger Bang ON STAGE travel package experiences to select destinations along the Rolling Stones' 2006 European tour route!

These new ON STAGE experiences will allow you to enjoy the show right over Ronnie's side with the closest and best view of the entire stage! Not only will you feel like part of the band, but also you'll have plenty of room, no crowds to fight, access to restrooms, refreshments, AND be as close as you can possibly be to the guys themselves.

This is the ultimate Rolling Stones concert experience where you will be able to interact with the band from the box sections of the stage and feel a part of their world! Now you can enjoy all of the deluxe accommodations of our Rolling Stones travel package experiences to the following destinations, PLUS you'll experience the Stones ON STAGE!"

Update 5.24.06: The Stones have announced that they are postponing the first 15 European dates to allow Keith more recovery time (due to his recent head injury).

5.1.06 PETER HIMMELMAN MOVIE

'Peter Himmelman: Mittin Derinin (In the Middle)' - After 25 years of triumph and trials, critically lauded rocker and Emmy-nominated songwriter Peter Himmelman isn’t quite ready to forsake youthful dreams of major stardom, even as middle age closes in.

Determined to not fade away, he sets out on a final rock-’n"-roll quest. But what does success mean at this age? Himmelman will join us afterward for a conversation about movies, music, and the many meanings of midlife.

Director: Keith Wolf, Country: USA, Release: 2006, Rating: NR

CHECK OUT THE CENTER (our 'Plug Of The Month' winner for May)

Jim Samb of The Center wrote, performed, produced, engineered, & mixed The Center's album, 'The Unborn Skies'. Nine Inch Nails is one of several influences in their music.

"'The Unborn Skies' is the first release by them and will give the audience a hint of things to come. The album is conceptual and will tie in with future releases. The best is yet to come." - CD Baby

Check out The Center's music clips and buy the cd (just $7.95!) at cdbaby.com. We think it's a very good debut and we're looking forward to hearing more from them!

ENOUGH OF JAMES BLUNT'S 'YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL' ALREADY!

"Because I don't wish to be too terribly cruel I will leave it at that." - Stacy, Babble & Beat

*Update 5.30.06: 'You're Beautiful' has been banned from the airwaves! Essex FM, a UK radio station, has placed a longterm ban on the song due to listener complaints.