I'm just sitting on the shelf

Ben Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel are engaged!
How freaking adorable. Read more.

More at a later update.

I could use somebody like you

I have super exciting news that I have to tell you, but you have to get through this mega long post to know it. Unless you're just a cheater who doesn't like to play fun games & scrolls down to the bottom.

If you're just as in love with Patrick Wolf as I am, then you'll find this mini-documentary extremely endearing. It has footage of a live show & of him playing piano & just being all cute. He says he quit piano lessons after two weeks because he hated practicing scales. I hear you Pat. I hear you. Watch! [Source]
Oh & at the source you'll find lots more P. Wolf goodies like pictures & such.

Apparently the military has been using the music of bands like Nine Inch Nails for torture and interrogation tactics. I just wonder how can people take something that's supposed to be beautiful and someone's form of creative expression, and turn it into something that can be so hurtful and damaging. I guess there's two sides to it though. Trent Reznor called the practice "demeaning and enraging" but this dude Steve Benton from Drowning Pool (never heard of 'em) said "I take it as an honor to think that perhaps our song could be used to quell another 9/11 attack." Read more. [Source]

Okay so here's a prime example of what music should be used for. A Crayola commersh! Dan Deacon has repeatedly refused other requests to use his music, but when asked by Crayola, he said it's, "something that promotes a company that creates a product that encourages people (children) to make art and to use their minds to create." Well what do you know, I like that. The song they sampled was "Pink Batman." So good! [Source]


So WHAT THE CRAP PFORK. WHAT THE CRAP. YOU NAMED FLEET FOXES THE NUMBER ONE ALBUM OF THE YEAR? I have a problem with that. But no one cares. But you're gonna hear what I think anyways. I'll admit it, Vampire Weekend has just gotten as much hype as Fleet Foxes & yes, they too are overrated. But apparently it's so much cooler to rate Fleet Foxes higher because they're a band that not everyone will like. That's just my opinion. Whatevz. Oh yeah & they named Lil Wayne's "A Milli" the 14th track of the year. Srsly guys??? Srsly?? Click to see 50 Best Albums or 100 Best Tracks.

Lily Allen covered Britney Spears' "Womanizer." It's alright I guess. I think it's a song where Lily Allen's laid back & melodic voice doesn't work. I mean I like it, but it kind of needs that umfff. You know what I'm saying? Like that pushy quality. Listen to the song. [Source]

Now for the biggest news ever... I saved the best for last.... GUESS WHO'S GOING TO SEE GIRL TALK &&&&&&&&& CUT COPY IN MARCH???? YES, ME. THIS LITTLE OLD BLOGGER. I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED. When I found out Girl Talk was coming here, I about had a panic attack of joy.

La cocaina no es buena

Omg I have so many things to post about but I have midterms & gahhh.
For my own future reference, things to discuss:
-Nine Inch Nails used as torture music... freaking messed up.
-Dan Deacon's "Pink Batman" used for a Crayola commersh! Supa cute & I forgot about Dan Deacon & how good he was.
-LOVING Crystal Castles.
-Not loving Fleet Foxes & Lil Wayne being in like the top ten of every end of the year list?? Wtf srsly. I tried listening to "A Mili" by Lil Wayne but I couldn't. Oh, & idk if I have expressed how much I think Fleet Foxes are overrated. Yeah I said it. I mean so are Vampire Weekend, but still.
-Lily Allen's cover of Britney Spears' "Womanizer."

It's Christmas! Let's be glad!

Well not yet. But I am listening to my Sufjan Stevens songs for Christmas box set! How exciting :D because do you know what this means? I WILL BE DONE WITH COLLEGE ESSAYS SOON. & I will actually get to actually update. 

So Coldplay has been accused yet again (remember the Creaky Boards incident?) of ripping off someone else's song for "Viva La Vida." (As if Coldplay doesn't get enough hits for ripping off their own material), Guitarist Joe Satriani has decided to sue Coldplay. Even I must admit the resemblance is uncanny. Listen for yourself. [Source]

Lily Allen's video for "The Fear" is out. The song itself is... actually I'm not sure how to feel about it. It has wobbly synth undertones which is nice & shimmery. The video is fun to watch: 

[Source]

Pitchfork reviewed The Killers' newest album, Day & Age, & gave it what they always seem to give The Killers. A five point something (5.9 this time); Hot Fuss 5.2, Sam's Town 5.9, & Sawdust 5.5 . Read ze review.

Are we human or are we dancer?

If you want some hardcore lolz, then I suggest you read Cokemachineglow's review of Beyonce's new album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. I'll just tell you, the reviewer opens it up with "I am... confused." 

Cut your hair like Joan of Arc

Read this funny interview with Chris Martin. He says Coldplay is cooler than The Strokes. I am going to have to disagree with that, Christ Martian. [Source]

I must say The Killers' new song, "Human" is quite catchy. They always manage to put out really strong singles, ("Mr. Brightside" & "When You Were Young") but mediocre albums, yes/yes? Download the tune hurr. Also thankfully it appears that Brandon Flowers had the decency to get rid of that hokey Sam's Town moustache. [Source] 

 

More pictures of Mr. Flowers looking extremely dapper here.

Sold my cold knot

I love this time of year because Christmas, yes yes, but ALSO, end of the year thingamajigs like the annual Gummy Awards!

Vote at Stereogum for your fav album, indie crushes, best movie, etc... & most importantly, best music blog other than Sgum. Vote for me! (I'm only half serious guys). Votevotevotevotevote!

If your memory is a little rusty, you may find Wiki's 2008 album releasesto be helpful in making informed choices.

/shamless self-promotion

Seventeen & half-alive...

So the A.P. Lit teacher at my school likes Girl Talk & pretty much every band I blog about & it's pretty B.A. Okay so a few years ago I feel in love the Stars' Set Yourself On Fire & I freaking loved that album to death. Then I got a new computer & I wasn't able to keep my music & I had to re-build my library from my brother who DELETED Stars for some unknown asinine reason. SO ONLY UNTIL NOW (just because I made a big deal about it my bro never d/l-ed it for me & I've never bought a CD in my entire life except for The Strokes' First Impressions) HAVE I BEEN REUNITED WITH MY BELOVED STARS. Thanks to this A.P. Lit teacher who also gave me some weird shiz I've never heard about. I don't know why I told you this. Moving on.

Chromeo has remixed Vampire Weekend's "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance." It's pretty mediocre. Download it here. [Source]

New Franz Ferdinand song! Sgum said it has like a Spoon undertone/beat & I definitely feel that. It seems more synth-ed together than their previous stuff & it seems like they've tried to progress. It still remains solidly Franz Ferdinand though. Listen, it's called "Ulysses." While it may not be superfantastiche (ha) it is still satisfying. [Source]

Fleeeeeeet Foxes interview with Pfork! Read.

Make me a believer, the seas will part somehow

ASKLFGHSALKFHSLAKFHALSKFHSA
OMGOMGOMGOMG X100000000000.

GUESS WHO IS ACTUALLY COMING TO FLORIDAAAAAA?????

CUT COPY!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW, RIGHT! MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, my heart started beating again. Tickets will go on sale sometime this week. Click here to see the their other North American tour dates. [Source]

So have you ever wondered what happened to the baby on the cover of Nirvana's Nevermind? Yeah, me either but he recreated the cover. Click to have a looksy. His name is Spencer Elder & I am just sayin he is pretty cute. Not that I looked him up on Myspace or anything......... [Source]

Could be blue, I don't mind

GREGGGG GILLISSS!!!!


Endorses PCs. But that is okay. The melody you hear is an original Girl Talk sample, the same one in "Hold Up" off of Night Ripper (the sample starts at around 1:40 or something).

Adjust your eyes to the state of things

Omg new Sigur Ros vid for "Við spilum endalaust!" It's all vintage-y & cool. Watch hurrr. [Source]

However I must say if you really wanna see an awesome super cool music video, check out Coldplay's "Lovers In Japan." This is one of the better music videos I have seen in a while.

They added this weird "oooahhh" part in between "One day we're gonna get out" & "Tonight maybe we're gonna run" right around 1:46 that I am not particularly fond of.

Franz to the Ferdinand have named the first single off their new album. It's called "Ulysses" & will be out the second of December. (Why haven't we heard a leak yet!!??) [Source]

So a new uber-band has been formed. Beirut+LCD Soundsystem+The Arcade Fire. I know right. They've joined together under the name Team B. Sgum has a d/l available. The song's pretty mellow but has like funk undertones. I really like it. Download! [Source]

Listen to~
The Sea and Cake & Deerhunter & The Main Drag!
The Main Drag has this cover of LCD Sound's "All My Friends" & it's pretty good. It's better than the Franz Ferdinand one at least ("All Ma Pals") & Cokemachineglow goes so far as to even say it's better than the original. I don't agree with it, but it gives the Main Drag more cred. Anyways. Listen!

Songs with Guests (Duets, Collaborations)

Speaks for itself.

1. I Just Threw Out The Love Of My Dreams- Weezer ft. Petra Haden
2. Modern Girls & Old Fashioned Men- The Strokes ft. Regina Spektor
3. Who- Five O'Clock Heroes ft. Agyness Deyn (soon to be Hammond)
4. Nothing Better- The Postal Service ft. Jenny Lewis (Not completely sure)
5. Handle With Care- Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins ft. Ben Gibbard, Conor Oberst, & M. Ward
6. Father & Son- Johnny Cash ft. Fiona Apple
7. Portland, Oregon- Loretta Lynn ft. Jack White
9. Young Folks- Peter Bjorn & John ft. Victoria Bergsman
10. Hell No- Sondre Lerche ft. Regina Spektor

Enjoyyy!

Rebel rebel, your face is a mess

Okay is it just me or does Albert Hammond Jr. kind of channel David Bowie? I may be completely off with that one, but for some reason "Heroes" really sounds like something A.H. Jr. would do. Idk though. Someone either confirm this or slap me.

Here's a random list of songs I've been listening to lately, but I'm just going to list the lyricssss:
1. Though nothing will keep us together/We could steal time/Just for one day
2. Success is so forbidding/But it makes me think I'm winning
3. We fell back to earth like gravity's bitches/Physics makes us all its bitches
4. Where have you been/If you go I will surely die/We're chained
5. Now you're all gone got your make-up on and you're not coming back/Can't you come back?

Take a guess? Or you could use Google. Whatevz.

Sorry for this half-butted attempt at an update.

Into this long month of Sundays

So it's good to know Julian Casablancas is opening up Korean BBQ restaurants with his time off. I mean I'm all for Korean BBQ (represent!) but srsly. Get it together. Or at least get a haircut. [Source]

As for myself, I have not been opening up Korean BBQs but of course getting sick & accumulating into one big stressball. Whee.

Anyways, this made me lol irl a lot. It's so funny. It's a vid of Katy Perry falling. & then she does it again.... & again. Lolz x10. [Source]

Franz Ferdinand is releasing their new album on January 27th! YAY. By then, I'll actually have a life, seeing as how college apps will be out of my life. But yeah, the album's called Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. I have high hopesss. Check the source for some tour dates! [Source]

Also soon-to-be-released, is Pitchfork's FIRST EVER BOOK. Prettyyyyyy excited. It's going to be a guide of the 500 greatest songs, from "punk to the present." Can't wait. Pre-order the book (comes out Nov 11) hurrrr. [Source]

Check out this new vid for Island's song, "Creeper." I never heard the song, but I'm a big fan of Islands/The Unicorns & I'm a huge creeper myself (I have small stalker-like tendencies but I like to file them under my "cute little quirks") WHATEVER, LONG STORY SHORT: go watch the video. [Source]

So just to let you know, I've been listening to a lot of Patrick Wolf (future husband) & Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Check them both out if you don't already listen to them!

It's the night, I can be who you like

Eeeeee! GIRL TALK INTERVIEW WITH PITCHFORK. Reeeaaaddd!

Being an avid reader of the LJ community, ohnotheydidnt, I came across a girl who posted pictures of her playing onstage with Weezer! I guess I still have a bit of affection in my heart for them. I recently burned a copy of the Blue & Pinkerton albums for a friend who had only heard crap Weezer, aka Bev Hills/Red Album. I feel like I made the world a slightly better place after I gave him the CDs. Anyways, if you want to see Rivers in all his moustachio glory, click.

So The Decemberists have decided to call their new album, Hazards of Love. Indeed, indeed. The first single drops October 14. Pitchfork for detailz.

Deerhoof has a new video out for "Chandelier Searchlight." I like it, the song I mean. I never really got into Deerhoof too much because their music I guess wanders too much for me? I think it varies too much for my main alternative tastes. But they're still enjoyable. Stereogum has the vid & downloadable MP3.

Okay so seriously, LISTEN TO FRIGHTENED RABBIT. They are so good. Also, I know I've mentioned them before, but if you didn't listen to me then, listen to me now & LISTEN TO SEABEAR. They're from Iceland, so you know they have to be good. Maybe there's something in the ICE that makes Icelandic music so good? Haha...

I'll stow away my grays

While I would like to say that I am doing something incredibly fascinating in my periodic absences from this blog, the truth is, I am not. I am having fits of anxiety (which apparently is the root of my bruxism), eating lots of cookies, & talking about how much I have to do instead of actually doing it. But tomorrow I'm skipping school on my mother's leave so I have a pause to say holla.

Here is an immensely satisfying video of Lykke Li & the boys from Bon Iver making pretty music together:

[Source]

Here is a less satisfying video of Snow Patrol & their new single, "Take Back The City." You can watch it anyways though, like I did. Maybe it's just me, but they seem to have gotten more... superficial in they're writing, lyrically & musically. Idk though, I'm no Snow Patrol fanatic/expert. [Source]

I came across an interview with MGMT on doing ecstasy & the creative writing process; muy interestante. [Source]

So someone recommended I give Frightened Rabbit a listen. I've never heard of them (I don't really recall them getting any exposure from Pfork/Sgum) but when I listened to them, I really liked what I heard. Pitchfork gave their album that came out April of this year, an 8.1, if that is the sort of thing to make you more inclined to give them a listen. You should. Regardless.

Omgomgomg, NEW DECEMBERISTS SONG! However, before you get too excited, I have to say that I am not overly impressed. It's still nice, just not up to their "O Valencia" standards, but that's just me. What do you think? [Source]

What gives this mess some grace

Breaking news!

Vampire Weekend's song, "Ottoman" for the movie Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, is out! Head over to Stereogum to listen. Being a hXc~*~ V.W. fan, I'd say this song is nothing spesh. It actually sounds like the string line of "M79" mixed with "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" lyrics that reference Peter Gabriel. Nevertheless, it's a new Vampire Weekend song!

Breaking news numero dos. Muxtape is back! Unfortunately, it will not be the Muxtape that we knew & loved. Head over to read what Muxtape's founder had to say. However, if you find yourself lost in the enormousness of the text, Tinymixtapes has a good summary of it if you prefer a CliffsNotes version.

Songs To Mellow You Out

THAT'S RIGHT. THE SUBJECT TITLE IS A MUXTAPE TAPE TITLE. 

Rejoice everywhere! For I have found an alternative (not as good of course) for Muxtape! It's called Mixwit. This week's tape was inspired by my own freaking out about an orchestra audition, college, the SAT, getting sick, & my recent love for Sigur Ros as study music. Hurrrrrr's the tracklisting, enjoyyyyyyyy~

1. Neon Bible- The Arcade Fire

2. House of Cards- Radiohead

3. Marching Bands of Manhattan- Death Cab For Cutie

4. Lua- Bright Eyes

5. Brandy Alexander- Feist

6. Olsen Olsen- Sigur Ros

7. 1979- The Smashing Pumpkins

8. 'Til Kingdom Come- Coldplay

9. Plans- Bloc Party

10. Fake Empire- The National

Here we are at the transmission party

Omg hiiii! So I got the stomach flu on Friday morning (like 2 A.M. morning) & basically I threw up all day yesterday. But now I'm better & after sharing that bit of lovely news with you, here's some actual newsworthy news of musical nature!

The Smashing Pumpkins are set to release their FIRST EVER live concert DVD to mark their 20th anniversary! It'll be out on November 11th and it's going to be a whopping 105 minutes long. Read more at the source.

Kings of Leon have insulted Panic At The Disco & Fall Out Boy. Lol, need I say more? KOL talks about their recent success with their new single "Sex On Fire" & about settling down. Detailz hurrr.

New Kanye West song, "Love Lockdown" is out & you can listen to it here at the source. Personally, I can't say I'm a big fan, especially because Graduation was such a big hit for me.

I've never heard of Magnetic Morning, but apparently it is the side project of Sam Fogarino (Interpol) & Adam Franklin (Swervedriver- who I've never heard of either) but the mention of Interpol was enough to grab my attention so it should be enough to grab yours & I apologize for this poorly constructed run-on sentence. I guess Magnetic Morning have released an EP, but before I butcher anymore of the English language, head on over to Stereogum for the full scoop.

Okay so Fab Moretti (The Strokes' FAB [haha] drummer) has a side project with Devendra Banhart called Little Joy. Listen at their Myspace here & visit the source for info about their new album.

Apparently Jack White loved working with Alicia Keys so much, he may be working on her next album. But, NME, being the ambiguous writers that they are, have not really made it clear if this is going to be forrealz. Try your hand at interpreting the text here. Speaking of Jack White & Alicia Keys, it seems as though the song they wrote for Quantum of Solace, was unknowlingly used for a Coke ad. Jack White, of course, had a fit. Read details.

That was a rather large upchuck (a bad pun in lieu of my stomach virus, haha) of information but I feel rather awful about the lack of updates. Here, I will leave you on an apologetic note, kind of a peace offering. So I was watching TV when I was sick, something I never do, but there was this Kashi commerical & apparently if you go on their website Kashi.com you can enter in your address & shiz & get a free cookie! So go go go & get a free cookie!

Postcards from tiny islands

Hello.

I have time to drop in & say that yes, I am alive. But that's really all I can say because my life is hanging on a thread all because of COLLEGE. 

If the few of you who read my blog are in need of some musical info~*~*, I highly recommend the websites I source often:

Stereogum

Pitchforkmedia

Cokemachineglow

Tinymixtapes

Ohnotheydidnt

I don't even have time to link them, just search for 'em in Google. 

I MISS BLOGGING ABOUT THE STROKES. I MISS MY LIFE. 

-over&out-

Expecting softness can lead to foolishness

I have for you, today, a PLETHORA of new things. Get ready... set.... be excited!

New Andrew Bird song! It's called "The Master Swarm" & he performed it live on August 24th. Watch at Yewtoob. [Source]

Okay so if you don't mind horrible quality, listen to a new Snow Patrol song, "Take Back The City" here. & for that matter, if you don't mind mediocre music. Sorry Snow Patrol, but this one song definitely seems like a downgrade. Source]

Continuing with today's theme of "new" there's a new music video, ft.ing our fav electronica duo. Besides Justice... & MGMT. Or Daft Punk. Give up? HOT CHIP! Watch the vid at Sgum. [Source]

Okay, this part goes out to faithful reader, Elizabeth! Heads up, because there's a new Spoon song! It's called "Writing To You In Reverse" (click to download/listen). Lemme just say, that Britt Daniel can write to me any which way he wants. [Source] 

P.S.

I really miss Muxtape.com :(

So much for dreams we see...

Another week is doneee. That's a week less until graduation!

So the elections are coming up. Do you support Obama?? Even if you don't that's okay, just as long as you support The National! Their song "Fake Empire" is the music to the Obama campaign video which is pretty nifty. Dude, McCain needs to step his game up & get like Girl Talk to do his campagin vid. Clickkk to watch Obama's! [Source]

So it seems like my favorite pretty boy, Patrick Wolf is getting ready for not one, but two albumzzz. That's pretty exciting. He says to think of "smashing pumpkins, kate bush" interestante combo there, Patrick. Read his full blog. [Source]

I feel like I blog too much about Coldplay, so I'm just going to post the link from Stereogum about something new that they're doing. Click if you want, don't click if you don't want.

Okay, now here's the news you should actually really super duper care about. Sufjan Stevens! Yes, I should just be able to type his name & you should jump up for joy! But I'll tell you anyways. Sufjan Stevens wrote the score for some movie Natalie Portman directed. Basically it's all like "quiet, sad, romantic flourishes." Perf, just perfect. [Source]

Alsooooo, Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band are touring! I wish he had left it as Bright Eyes because that was a lot to type out. Anyways, check the dates out here at Pfork, & yes, he IS coming to Florida!

Oh & P.S., if you wanna buy Bob Dylan's harmonica, betterrrr hurry it up because there's only seven of 'em. Detailz at source.

... but never care to know.

We're half awake in a fake empire

Helloooo! School sucks, what else is new? Ben Gibbard paying Jenny Lewis a visit, that's what! Here's a super duper cute vid of them & it previews one song off Jenny's new album due September 23rd.  [Source]

Proof that The Strokes will never get back together & my heart shall break forevermore. Albert Hammond Jr. is going to start a clothing line. Yes, you heard me correctly, a clothing line. Not a new album, but a freakin' men's clothing line. I'm actually considering putting The Strokes on the back burner, along with where I put Weezer years ago. I haven't given up on them yet, but if they continue their side projects & other shenanigans, I just may have to. [Source]

Here are two cover songs that aren't particularly outstanding, but very nice in their own way, (besides, I love Vampire Weekend & MGMT!). 

Everywhere (Fleetwood Mac)- Vampire Weekend

Kids (MGMT)- The Kooks

Hurry up & snatch 'em up before the crazy mofos at RIAA or something will kill ya. [Source 1] [Source 2]

Oh, & a quick visit to Patrick Wolf's Mspace as I was updating my Recently Played, revealed that he did a song, "Careless Talk" for the movie The Edge of Love. You can read about the movie here, listen to the song here, & read his blog about how the song has found its way "deep into his heart." 

Don't be scared of the corners

So after all this tropical storm shiz is gone, school has started forrealz. & lemme just say, it's a big BETCH. Srsly. I can't even update all I want to right now but to say I do have links for you guys, but I only have time to drop in & say hi. So hi. 

The main thing I wanna talk about is this band called Fredrik. Love 'em. I think you will too. Very laid-back, but their songs do have a driving force. Pretty melodies with light instrumentation. Thanks to Stereogum (click to d/l songs) for pointing them out. Check their Myspace hurrr.

Some quick shiz:

-The secret behind why Coldplay are still together? Find out. 

-Speaking of which, Albert Hammond Jr. is the supporting act for their tour. Which is disappointing. Why? It means he's not in the studio with the rest of The Strokes, working on an album. 

-If you have a thing for Sufjan Stevens (& who doesn't) Pfork has a few pictures up for your viewing pleasure. Exhibit A~

Adieu for now, I hope to see this blog very sooooooon!

Phony Beatle mania is bitin' the dust

Remember my post on The Jonas Brothers vs. The Beatles? & remember my position, staunchly stating that The Beatles pwned the Jonas Brothers like ever? Here's the post to refresh your memory, but it seems like some dude has made the exact opposite claim. Under what authority? He says he's seen lots of Beatles concerts as well as Jonas Brothers' concerts. Which concerns me more than the fact that he thinks Jo Bros > Beatles. Pfft. Absolute hogwash. [Source]

Jack White talks about his ~inspiring~ collaboration with Alicia Keys for the James Bond Theme. Who else is excited for Quantum of Solace??? NME for the detailz on White's experience with Keys' "electric energy" in her breath. [Source]

I've decided I'm going to try my hand at writing another review... it'll be Bloc Party's Intimacy. I've given a few songs a couple of listens & it hasn't completely put me off like A Weekend In The City which is a good sign.

Click if you wanna learn about purchasing a bunch 'o' Decemberists singles. There's a lot to be looking forward to that's coming out soon.

OMGOMG my current fav band Sigur Ros released their music video for Inní mér syngur vitleysingur. They used live footage which is always nice to look at if the band is Sigur Ros but the song is album quality. EEeeeeeee!!!!

‘Inní mér syngur vitleysingur’ - Official Video
 

[Source]

You love, you despise

Bloc Party's new album is out today and they have a few more songs for you to listen to on their Mspaceee. The songs are... very crunchy- more electronic-ish stuff in there. Lots of fast drumming & scratchy effects. "Signs" is a very pretty song, sort of like the slower ones off their debut, Silent Alarm. I like the chimes. Anyways, here's a nice little interview with Gordon Moakes (bassist) & Pfork.

Weezer's Brian Bell has started a new band! It's called The Relationship. Check 'em out here, they have one song up. Don't worry, it sounds nothing like Weezer so click if you want an earful. [Source]

SAD NEWS. LeRoi Moore, saxophonist of Dave Matthews Band (the band my brother has seen, oh say 50 times) has died. There's a memorial fund being set up in his name if you want to donate. [Source]

Random tidbits:

-Yeah Yeah Yeahs & The Arcade Fire are set to do the music for the movie Where The Wild Things Are. [Source]

-Coldplay may follow in Bloc Party's footsteps & rush release another album... because Viva La Vida was such a huge success. [Source]

-A new Snow Patrol album, A Hundred Million Suns will be out October 27. [Source]

Look forward to all these things! Except maybe the Coldplay one... haha kiddingggg.

Pfork TV has this awesome live vid of Cut Copy's performance at Studio B that you should definitely definitely watch:

 

[Source]

I try to imagine a careless life

Wheeee! Bloc Party are doing a shock release (announcing an album like 3 days notice prior to its release) of their third album! Intimacy, it's called & it'll be out on Thursday. The press release said it has "wildly experimental" stuff but also solid BP songs, like from the good old days of Silent Alarm. Supa excited! If you can't wait, have a taste on their Myspace; new song is called "Trojan Horse." I like it a lot better than "Mercury" which is the first song they released & it kind of... eh, yeah.  [Source]

Would you be interested in watching a show where Bush is a dictator & drugs the water supply & turns America into a dystopia? Well so would Trent Reznor. It was his idea after all. HBO met with Reznor to dicuss this... "idea." [Source]

Now for the bad news... Muxtape is temporarily shut down. Thanks RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), you suck. [Source]

Here are some fun tidbits to keep you occupied on your Hurricane Day Off! (At least FL peepz):

-Learn different styles of fronting a band

-Audiosurf!

-TuneGlue (I can be on this site forevs)

Nobody with no one to call

I apologize for the lack of muxtapes.... I'm kind of dry on ideas. I promise one for next week though. So school starts tomorrow. LAME. You know what else is lame? THE JONAS BROTHERS. Okay what the crap. I personally don't hate them or anything but I have never been able to sit through the entirety of any one song of theirs. People need to stop with The Beatles comparisons. That is sacrilege. McCartney/Lennon put genius into music. Jonas/Jonas/Jonas (if they do write their own songs) put pop into well tailored suits. The hype is truly ridiculous. There were FOUR Beatles. Three Jo Bros. The Beatles were riddled with alcohol and drug problems. John Lennon posed naked on a magazine with his lover that wasn't his wife. The Jonas Brothers wear purity rings. Not that I'm making fun of that. Just the fact that THEY HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON. I mean, John Lennon was killed!!!! Although if that's any inclination to the Jonas' future.... haha I kid, I kid. Okay to be less harsh, I do see one commone factor: they are all male (even that is questionable). & they aren't even that cute. Srsly, the youngest one is the only mildly attractive one. I forget if it's Joe or Kevin who has caterpillars for eyebrows. But looks don't matter. Or don't they??????? Because I truly believe that's half the reason for their catapult to fame. You'd think The Jonas Brothers were Jesus and two disciples at the way these fangirls are acting:

Ridiculous, just plain ridiculous. You tell me in 20 years when they're older and they can fit into their tight pants anymore, if girls will be eating their hair for the Jonas Brothers. Will their music be remembered like "Let It Be" & "Across The Universe"????? Dubious, at best.

/rant

Shake appeal feel so high & low

Ughhh... school starts on Monday. Last year of high school, but nonetheless, school. 

Well to cheer myself and whoever else might be subjected to the same horror on Monday, there's a download available of a new Los Camp

esinos song! It's like a weird mesh of normal Los Campesinos with a twiddling violin in the background and then BAM! Hardcore scissor snipping guitar riffs going all over your ear. Try it out for yourself. [Source]

Kings of Leon whines about not being able to play new material because it'll be leaked on the Internet. Wah-wah. Whatevs KOL, you still have a large fan base & it'll even grow because you'll have more exposure. [Source]

Nine Inch Nails is going on tour! & opposite of KOL, NIN's Trent Reznor actually encourages you to steal from the music industry. Tru fax. Check out the tour dates right here. (They're coming to Florida!) 

Okay, so WTF:

Why is this anime chick on the new Weezer single? That's all I really have to say about that.

The battle is on! Between Team Jack White/Alicia Keys & Team Amy Winehouse. Apparently the job of creating a new James Bond theme went to Winehouse, but the producers dropped it & went to White Keys (haha) instead. Winehouse is now threatening to release her version on the same day because it would be a "bigger hit." We shall see! [Source]

Tension is high under sea & over sky

Oasis kind of sucks now & Liam Gallagher is trying desperately to keep the band relevant. Not by producing any new music or stuff like that, but on calling Radiohead & Coldplay fans "boring & ugly." Pshhh how ridiculous, at least Radiohead & Coldplay have fans. Source for more.

Pfork TV has an interview with Cut Copy. Watch them be cute with their Australian accents! 

Another dance-able band that makes your feet move~ Pfork sits down & talks with Justice. Reaaaad.

Omg if you absolutely hurrrry, for a limited time, Franz Ferdinand is streaming a new song "Lucid Dreams" on their website. The song seems to lack a climax but it's a lazy, catchy alternative pop song; it definitely sounds like Franz Ferdinand. I've missed them! [Source] Whoaa, also I just visited their Myspace, & apparently they did a cover of LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends." I never knew about this. Take a listen, FF called it "All Ma Pals" instead though. 

Shake your rattlesnake skin

Have you guys heard of that book which is now going to be a movie, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist? Well, me either, but it just became relevant in my life because Vampire Weekend did a song called "Ottoman" for it. See the whole soundtrack! Plus, Michael Cera is starring in it. 

Conor Oberst's music vid for "Souled Out!!!" is out. It's actually pretty nifty!

Pitchfork has a short & sweet interview with Albert Hammond Jr., but there is no mention of recent fiance Agyness Deyn. Hmm...

Here's one reason why I need to see Girl Talk live:

Picture courtesy of Stereogum from the All Points West Festival. Click to see more, plus The Go! Team, CSS, & Radiohead.

Hit me like a gamma ray

Who doesn't love Denny's food, saturated and dripping with grease? Now there's even more cause to rejoice, especially all the hung-over music lovers. If you want to enjoy a "Plain White Milkshake" or "Taking Back Bacon Burger Fries" at 2A.M., worry no more. TMA to read more!

TV On The Radio's frontman, Tunde Adebimpe, is going to be in a movie with Anne Hathaway! It's called Rachel Getting Married & it you can read more about it at Pfork. I didn't even watch the trailer but I'll probably go watch the movie just for him.

/edit

I guess while we're on the subject of getting married, it'd be appropriate to mention that Albert Hammond Jr., guitarist extraordinaire of The Strokes as well as successful solo artist, is engaged to the model chick Agyness Deyn. Sigh. As long as it doesn't get in the way of a fifth album...

I saved the best for lastttttt! Ladies & gentlemen, I present to you everyone's favorite Icelandic band, Sigur Ros~

[Source]

Castles & dodgeways & monsters & highways

BE YOUR OWN PET ARE BREAKING UP? Omgz. Maybe they didn't play at Warped Tour bc they were planning on just wrapping things up? More info at Stereogum. 

So my brother was reading Cokemachineglow about the Pitchfork Festival & pointed out this hilarious excerpt:

To wit: The biggest cabal of photographers I found myself smooshed against was during Boris’ set, but the photographers were taking as many pictures of the fans as they were of the band. A photo of Boris won’t make the Reader, but a photo of All The Indie Rock Kids Flipping Out At Their Little Festival may. I swear, it could’ve been heat-stroke, but I think I saw a couple of photographers taking pictures of the other photographers, an action so meta it threatens to break my dick off.

Hahaha. The whole thing is actually entertaining, but lengthy. It's a good read. Oh & by the way, Boris is a Japanese experimental band. 

Concerning a different festival, Lollapalooza is happening AS I TYPE. How excitingggg to not be there. Stereogum has some pictures. Click to see Thom Yorke's wonky eye or the boys from the Bloc. 

Apparently, NME has seen it fit to compile a list of 25 bands that are making "America Cool Again."  So get out your winter wardrobe & see what is "cool" for America. The only thing I care about about this list, is that Girl Talk is #23 & not #2.  Actually, one other thing caught my attention. The list reminded me that Kings of Leon still existed. I haven't really heard about them in a while but a visit to their site proved otherwise. They have a free d/l available if you click here!

ALSO, it seems NME is content with quantity & not quality. They like followed the same format & mediocre writing for these two articles. One about how Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" (Nine Inch Nails) felt like "someone kissing your girlfriend" to Trent Reznor. Also, Conor Oberst talks about his solo album & Mexico. [Source 1, Source 2]

Wow, that's a lot of news for one day. I'll leave you with the choice of watching the official video to Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" or a cover version. I only recommend watching the official one if you like Coldplay/if you want a close up of Chris Martin's green eyes/enjoy spastic twitching type movements to go along with your music. No one will know if you click.

Take the poison of your age

Coolest vid ever! It's of The Arcade Fire in an elevator. With MAGAZINE PERCUSSION! Yeah that's right, magazine percussion. Don't believe me? Watch!

Compliments of someone at ONTD. Source is La Blogotheque. 

Here's a little survey I found but I'm putting two choices for each because one is too hard. Do it, it's fun!

1. Musician/Band you most would want to meet?

Gregg Gillis (Girl Talk) & Vampire Weekend. Both would be ridiculously chill.

2. Song that you wish was written for/about you?

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab & "Brand New Colony" by The Postal Service. What can I say, Ben Gibbard has a way with words. 

3. Band you'd most want to be in?

The Arcade Fire! & oooh... it's between The Decemberists or Vampire Weekend. I'm gonna say The Decemberists. (Haha, & yes all three do have violinists). 

4. Musician you would want to actually be?

Regina Spektor, obvs. & Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead haha. 

5. You wish you could kill the writer/singer of _________

"The Reason" by Hoobastank (aka HoobaSUX) & "Girlfriend" by Avril. Ughhh.

6. If you could only listen to one CD ever, what would it be?

Again, I'm doing two so... Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Spoon) & ahh this is hard.. um probably. Ah. I can't do it. I don't know.

7. Musician/band member you would want to date?

Sufjan Stevens! & any member of Bloc Party. Actually scratch that, Patrick Wolf.

8. Song that you wish you could take credit for writing?

"Inní mér syngur vitleysingur" by Sigur Ros & "Let It Be" by THE BEATLES. Hopefully you new who that was by before I even wrote it. 

9. Concert you would kill to see, even if the band is dead?

The Strokes & Sigur Ros!!!!!!

10. If you were a DJ, what would you play the most?

LCD Soundsystem & Cut Copy. Or Hot Chip or Daft Punk. But I'll stick with my original two answers.

Don't you realize I wouldn't pause

I bring to you..... Vampire Weekend's "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"~~

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

... it's weird. [Source]

I didn't even know Thom Yorke had a brother. Much less a brother named Andy who is trying to be a musician as well. It would suck to be Thom Yorke's bro bc anything you do would be like EPIC FAIL compared to it. Especially if you wanted to be a musician & your brother was the singer of Radiohead? Yikes. Well give him a try if you want. ONTD gave the heads up!

Some other lols for you, The Rolling Stones, you may have heard of them, are leaving EMI for Universal. From one record label of the Big Four, to another. I don't get it? In the words of Tiny Mix Tapes, maybe they think they'll finally "make it big." Haha, right. 

Coldplay- Viva La Vida Or Death & All His Friends

With the arrival of Viva La Vida Or Death & All His Friends, Coldplay has revealed to its listeners, essentially, nothing new. They've retained the same shimmery sounds present on X&Y, kept a lot of their acoustic bases from Parachutes, and surprise, Chris Martin's voice sounds exactly the same. Depending on where you stand, this can be good or bad. Bad because Coldplay might as well release a compilation CD & call it A Rush Of Parachutes To X&Y & All His Friends for their next album & be done with it. Good because, well, Coldplay as is, is very likable. Just as long as you're not looking for a constantly evolving band (see Sigur Ros) or the new Indie "it" band of next year (see Vampire Weekend). The most experimental Coldplay gets on Viva, is on the track "Yes" & I can't say I'm a fan. A weird key & Chris Martin's low dipping vocals & awkward mix & match of Middle Eastern sounding violins & acoustic guitar; no thanks. I'd rather stick to "Viva La Vida" because of it's accessibility. Not because I'm not open to change, but because it just doesn't suit the material they've been putting out for years. "Lovers In Japan/Reign of Love" is easily the best song on the album, followed closely followed by "Death & All His Friends." Maybe it's the fact that both songs offer a two part breakdown. Maybe Coldplay should follow this format for future success. Which in their case, doesn't necessarily equate to change. Personally, I say good for Coldplay. Look what happened to The Strokes. The hype for their debut, Is This It, was ridiculous. In a good way. They put out Room On Fire, a safe album without much change. But still good. Then the critics got to them or whatever it was, & bam, Julian's voice filter was gone, the homey, genuine guitar riffing was gone & we got First Impressions of Earth. Which no one really liked. But I digress. Moral of the story is, sometimes a band can't be like Sigur Ros or Vampire Weekend. Coldplay is aware of this fact, & it's good to know they aren't pretending to be something they aren't. Viva contains no surprises & that's precisely why, believe it or not,  it doesn't suck. Unless you work at Pitchfork or Urban Outfitters, there's nothing wrong with liking pure alternative pop. & who better to turn to than Coldplay?

I know I said I'd write a review like a month ago. But better late than never, right? Right. If you're so inclined to lend me your thoughts & time for a minute, lemme know what you think of this. 

Alsooo, I'd like just like to say that MGMT, that's what's up. Fourth CD down on the left-menu. Check it! Besides, their website is like the shiz. 

Songs Selected By The Shuffle Feature On My iTunes

So I admit.. this is pretty pansy & boring of me. But I seriously couldn't think of a good topic for Sunday Selections. So I decided to let shuffle pick 10 songs out of my 7,809 songs. I'm a little wary as to what comes up, but I pinky promise that these are the first 10 songs on the first shuffle. Here goes!

1. We Tigers- Animal Collective

2. I'm Slowly Turning Into You- The White Stripes

3. Brass Monkey- Beastie Boys 

4. Race : Out- Battles

5. Obstacle 2- Interpol

6. That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate- Mission Of Burma

7. She's Lost Control- Joy Division

8. The Pot- Tool 

9. Rrrrrrright- Deerhoof 

10. Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby- Islands

Interesting. Speaking of interesting, ever wonder what Nirvana's Nevermind cover would look like in Legos? Click to find out here. ALSO, where in the world is Interpol? I miss them. I hope their next album is better. & I hope Paul Banks isn't too busy cavorting around with Helena Christensen. & also, lol @ Beastie Boys being on this playlist. 

In a town where blood ties are only blood

In reference to yesterday's post about Pitchfork's review of the Black Kids, apparently it was done on purpose. & to be insulting as well. Black Kids' leading vocals & guitarist, Reggie Youngblood had this to say about it. I personally think that while Mr. Youngblood tries to play it cool by saying nonchalantly, "I think it's the most awesome review ever" the embarrassment is hard to keep off his face. & why not? Even Weezer's Make Believe which got a whopping .4, if you forgot, got a review. [Source]

I'm trying to think of an awesome new Muxtape for tomorrow, but nothing is coming to me. Leave me suggestions? 

We will free up to the beats of science

So Pitchfork had a festival & I'm sure it was the shiz, as these pictures from day 1, day 2, & day 3 only prove. Speaking of other fun Pfork antics, they gave the new Black Kids album, Partie Traumatic, a 3.3 but in place of a review, therein lies a graphic with two pugs looking very "sorry" indeed. I wonder if the album was that bad or a review hasn't been written up yet. Look.

Nikolai Fraiture, bassist of The Strokes, has decided, Albert did it, Fab did it, why can't I? That's why he's started his own side project called Nickel Eye (ha.ha.) & will feature appearances from Regina Spektor & Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs). What is it with all of these side projects???? Just focus on your next album, PLZ. There aren't any songs up yet on Nickel Eye's Myspace, but click to friend him. (Source). Seriously, next thing, Nick & Julian will have their own bands. I'm very sadddd. :(

Also, sorry to say, but Rolling Stone, you are officially dead to me:

Dark green enough to be blue

Happy Bloc Party Day! Not really, but I have two important news from the Bloc. 

Bad news first. Kele Okereke got in a fight with John Lydon/Sex Pistols entourage over a racist remark aimed at Okereke. How lame, srsly. Okereke > anything to do with Sex Pistols. Apparently some members of the Kaiser Chiefs & the Foals got into the fight to on Okereke's behalf. & of all the places to be hurt on a singer, of course Okereke's lip got split. Read allll about it.

Now for the good news! Bloc Party's bassist Gordon Moakes is going to be a papa! & a thumpin' good one at that. He writes a little note on their website & advises us "young 'uns" to "keep on rockin'." Will do Gordon, will do. 

Speaking of rocking, Stereogum has some pictures from the Pfork festival. It's a happy array of Fleet Foxes & Vampire Weekend so clicking can't hurt you. 

Blame it on the weekends

Hey! Look who's reppin' the Korean pride! None other than Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She has a new solo project called Native Korean Rock. Cool huh? ONTD has the details. Click to listen on her Myspace. All the songs are very love-y & wistful sounding? Very slow songs featuring mellow acoustic guitar.

Okay, guess who?

If you guessed Robert Smith of the Cure, surprisingly you're wrong. It's none other than Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend! He's dressed like that for the video to "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." Maybe this time the running joke isn't The Royal Tenenbaums, but The Cure. Stereogum knows whats up.

One hundred telephones shake & ring

Lemme just say this before we begin: I am absolutely obsessed with Girl Talk. Gregg Gillis is just so freakingggg good. Omg. 

Lily Allen put a new song on her Myspace called "Who'd of Known." It's a simple love ballad. But nothing special. Allen says it won't make it on the new album. Listen here & read here. 

The Hold Steady stay positive! At least in Pfork's eyes. Their new album received an 8.4, click to read the full review. 

While The Hold Steady boys seem to stay positive, Coldplay seems to stay obsessed with death. Along with kicking off their tour (I need to get tickets, who wants to go with!) they released a new song for their fans called "Death Will Never Conquer." No, I guess it won't for Coldplay; that's why they keep writing songs about it. You can download the song here & read Sgum's witty commentary about the song's single/double/tripe twists here.

Leslie Feist counts to four in her song "1234" so why not replace some words & sing it on Sesame Street? Exactlyyy. Vidgum has her spesh TV appearance. I wish I could have learned counting with Feist when I was little!

So what is it with bands putting out ugly ugly UGLY album covers of late? Wolf Parade, Coldplay, Weezer, & now Of Montreal? Let's get it together, pleaseeee.

Surprise surprise, yet again Radiohead has done some awesome never before done shiz. They made their video for "House of Cards" without any cameras. Check it.

Songs To Show The World I Don't Let Pfork Control Everything I Listen To

1. Checkmarks- The Academy Is

Besides his lyrics for this song is so contemptuous & sultry. Just imagine him singing this while swinging a microphone around onstage. Anyways, just one word: Williambeckett.

2. Umbrella (Rihanna Cover)- All Time Low

The dude's vocals sound like any other punk or alt band who half relies on their good looks & girl pants to make it big. But it's just even catchier than the real song!

3. Dirty Little Secret- The All American Rejects

SO FREAKING CATCHY AHHHH. I couldn't stop listening to it if the MisShapes themselves came & smacked me.

4. Stolen- Dashboard Confessional

Chris Carrabba delivers his feelings with such emotion/passion... This song is sappy though. I wonder how Conor Oberst manages to do the same thing, without being overly sappy/emo?

5. Nobody's Perfect- Hannah Montana 

I may be pushing the limit here with this one. 

6. This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race- Fall Out Boy

I have a good excuse for this one. I dislike Patrick Stump's voice, but I do enjoy the instruments in this one; RockBand hooked me.

7. Guilty Pleasure- Cobra Starship

Um.... William Beckett sings on this one?

8. Touchdown Turnaround- Hellogoodbye

I'm a sucker for powerpop. I'll even admit, I once went to one of their concerts. 

9. See You Again- Miley Cyrus

I plead the fifth.

10. Misery Business- Paramore

Hey, I'm just supporting girl vocal bands. & Bjork/Blondie doesn't really capture the angry riffing about the bitch in high school we all know about. 

Okay so for the next post, expect lots of news from Pfork, Sgum, the usual. Hope this 3 day departure from the norm of tight indie constrictions, hasn't bunched your panties too much. 

You never meant a word of it

Picturesss!

Jack's Mannequin. I served Andrew McMahon cream of asparagus soup!

Us & the other girls on our way to serve dinner!

William Beckett!

Watching Say Anything backstage from William Beckett's shoulder!

William Beckett's lower half/picture ID haha.

Our view of Say Anything.

Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship.

                 

Us wandering around at the backstage/afterhours BBQ. Tour buses/cute boys galore!

Kyle Burns from FTSK riding around on his bike!

I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHO THIS IS WITH UYEN, ALL I KNOW IS THAT THE ASIAN BOY IN THE BACKGROUND IS THE CUTEST ASIAN BOY IN ALL OF MY LIFE.

Right after Caleb Turman asked me how old we were & I said "good" thinking he said how were we & I should have said "we're all legal, take us now" haha.

& those are a few highlights of Warped. Hope you liked le pictures :)

Take back everything you ever said

I feel like a negligent mother. My kids being the four/five of you who actually read my blog. I know I haven't updated in a while & my apologiez. But today I have lots to write about. So besides liking what I call are "Pitchfork Pleasers" (meaning, Pfork approved bands) I also like a few bands like The Academy Is, Say Anything, & Jack's Mannequin. Not saying that those bands suck, they absolutely do not; they're just different from what I usually listen to. & contrary to sneering Pfork reviewers, music is not about snobbery or hipster cred; it's about feeling.

So you may have heard of a little tour called Warped Tour. Yesterday was my second time attending & if I go again next year, it'll be hard to top. There's live music, free stuff everywhere, cute boys galore, all in all just good times. So my friends & I had just sucked up FREE Monster slurpees (delish!) when we were approached by a lady who asked us if we wanted to help serve dinner to the 600 Warped Tour members, in exchange for backstage passes. Obvs, we were in. The lady brought us behind the fences of one of the stages & there were like lots & lots of tour buses & the pavilion where we served food & used the private bathrooms to wash our hands (here we saw the all-Asian girl ska band, ORESKABAND, waiting to take showers). It was Meg, Uyen, & I & 6 other girls who stood at a buffet line, serving out our respective dishes (cream of asparagus soup for me) to people like Parker Case (Say Anything), Andrew McMahon (Jack's Mannequin),  Matt Thiessen (Relient K), & Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish. EPIC. So for only two hours of our time, we were allowed to go backstage to where ever we wanted, escorted by this cute hipster boy who Meg fell in love with. He gave us a tour of the tour bus area & pointed out Tom Delonge's tour bus (it was purple-ish) & we saw all of Gym Class Heroes walking out of their tour bus. We then went to see Say Anything, & as we were waiting for them to go on, who should we see but William Beckett of The Academy Is! We took pictures & shiz & I showed him the back of my shirt (Uyen & I had made sweet shirts) which was of a wordsearch featuring the names of the bands I wanted to see, & obvs, The Academy Is was on it. Later, on the stage, Uyen said she saw William pointing out my shirt to the guitarist & bassist of Jack's Mannequin, Matt from Relient K, & I think Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship was there too. The best part though, is yet to come. After the last set, the volunteers were asked back for a backstage BBQ which of course we went. We took some more pictures, saw Katy Perry (HAHA) met some more people, I saw THE CUTEST Asian boy ever (Kevin, who hangs with Forever The Sickest Kids) & it was just cool to see a whole different side of the bands just chilling with each other & riding around on bikes & stuff. Plus, some cute boy from Forever The Sickest Kids kind of hit on us.... haha basically, Warped was superfantastiche... I was lucky to meet a lot of cool & genuine people. I promise to post pictures later!

Los Angeles, I'm yours

Sup guys. Hope everyone had a fab 4th 'o' July, filled with fireworks & BBQ & the like. Today, you guys are gonna get the Cliff Notes version of things:

Stereogum has a new Mogwai song available for free download. I took a quick listen to it & it's pretty shweeet. 

Pitchfork has compiled a list probably filled with more than you ever need to know about upcoming albums & such. Nevertheless, it is very informative. They also have an interview with The Notwist! There's some pretty deep stuff in it.

Tinymixtapes claims Conor Oberst goes in EVERY SINGLE country. Be that as it may, he fails to visit Florida. If you happen to be anywhere in the world besides Florida or the Middle East, chances are you get to see bright-eyed (haha) Conor. Check itttt.

I saved the best for last! (Elizabeth, you'll appreciate this one). Some Youtuber gave a (deservedly so) bad review of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" & she actually responded to it! Very lame, very funny, & the dude is pretty cute. Click for the lolz.