The Smiths - Miserable Lie

Today's edition of The Guardian has a nice look back on "Miserable Lie," the classic* 1983 song from the Smiths.  A gem from the write up is a Morrissey quote from a 1984 interview with the now defunct mag, Melody Maker:

 

"I'm really ready to be burned at the stake in total defence of that record.  It mans so much to me that I could never explain,  however long you gave me.  It becomes almost difficult and one is just simply swamped in emotion about the whole thing."

 

Swamped with emotion.  Awesome.  Read the Guardian's feature on "Miserable Lie" here.

 

*I would argue that all the Smiths' songs are classics in their own way, wouldn't you?

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Graham Coxon - Ooh Yeh Yeh

Graham Coxon premiered the official video for "Ooh Yeh Yeh" yesterday. Take a look at the video below and check out his full length new album A + E, which was released earlier this month. Unfortunately for fans in North America, the album is only available as an import (with import pricing).

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Noel Gallagher - Jimmy Kimmel Live

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds played Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. Watch the band's performance of "AKA...What A Life" and the Oasis classic, "Don't Look Back In Anger."

"AKA...What a Life"



"Don't Look Back in Anger"

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Soundgarden - Live To Rise

Soundgarden are offering up the unedited version of their new song, "Live to Rise" as a free download on iTunes for a limited time. The track appears on the forthcoming Avengers Assemble soundtrack which drops May 1st. While you're on iTunes you can also pre-order the soundtrack, which features Rise Against, Evanescence, and more.

Soundgarden have been working on a full length new record which will see a release this fall.

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Noel Gallagher - Coachella 2012 interview

Watch an interview with the always entertaining Noel Gallagher below. The interview was taped this weekend at Coachella.



If you missed the Coachella stream this weekend, watch Noel Gallagher's full set here, plus watch a recent hourlong BBC interview with Noel here.

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Dandy Warhols - This Machine

The Dandy Warhols will return with their new album This Machine next Tuesday, but why wait until then to listen to it when it's streaming exclusively on Rolling Stone right now?

The Dandys also premiered the video for album opener "Sad Vacation," which you can watch below:



Don't miss the Dandy Warhols on their North American tour. Most of the dates on the itinerary are on sale now, including the Detroit date June 8th at the Royal Oak Music Theater.

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Happy Birthday, Ian MacKaye!

Happy Birthday, Ian MacKaye!

MacKaye is best known for his work in legendary bands Minor Threat and Fugazi, and he also runs Dischord Records. Last year Dischord launched an extensive live Fugazi archive, Fugazi Live Series A - Z, which will eventually feature over 800 Fugazi concerts from over the years. The archive is constantly being updated--last week 25 concerts were added to the archive--so it's a work in progress. The concerts are downloadable for a small fee, you can pay five dollars per concert or you have the option to name your own price (see the site for details). Access the archive here.

It's not the project MacKaye will necessarily be remembered for, but I really enjoyed Pailhead, the awesome WaxTrax side project that also featured Al Jourgensen and friends.

Pailhead "I Will Refuse"



I'd be remiss if I didn't post this fantastic song/video:

Fugazi "Waiting Room"

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Mazzy Star - Coachella

Mazzy Star played at Coachella on Friday. Watch the band's performance of "Fade Into You" and 2011's "Common Burn" below.

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Buzzcocks - Coachella 2012

Here's a few songs from the Buzzcocks' performance at Coachella

"Ever Fallen In Love"



"I Believe"



"Hey Maria"

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The Pixies - I Can't Forget + I'm Your Fan

Earlier on Time Warp I played "I Can't Forget" by the Pixies. This afternoon I've received a few emails about the song, so I decided to post some info about the track here.

"I Can't Forget" is a Leonard Cohen song found on the 1988 album I'm Your Man. Take a listen to the original version.



The Pixies' cover of Cohen's song was released on the 1991 Cohen tribute I'm Your Fan. The album also contains covers by R.E.M., Ian McCulloch, House of Love, James, and Nick Cave, and it's still in print.

Take a listen to a few of the songs from I'm Your Fan below:

Pixies "I Can't Forget" (starts ~ 5 seconds in, don't worry!)



R.E.M. "First We Take Manhattan"



Ian McCulloch "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye"



Lloyd Cole "Chelsea Hotel"

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Jack White - Ebay/Freedom at 21

Update: a flexi-disc copy of Jack White's "Freedom at 21" (distributed via helium balloon on April 1st) is now up to $3650 on Ebay and the auction doesn't end for another 2 days! Wow!

"Freedom at 21" is one of the tracks on White's debut solo album Blunderbuss, which drops on April 24th. Take a listen to the song below:

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Madness - Coachella 2012

Here's some video of Madness from this weekend's Coachella festival. Unlike some of the other footage that I've posted, this was fan-shot (not ripped from the Coachella stream):

Madness "My Girl"



"Our House"



"House of Fun"



"One Step Beyond"

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Noel Gallagher - Coachella

Here's Noel Gallagher's set from Coachella.

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Radiohead - Coachella 2012

Here's Radiohead's performance from Coachella 2012:

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James - Coachella 2012

James played Coachella 2012 yesterday. If you missed the live stream of the band's set, watch a few songs from their performance below. There's also a video interview with Tim Booth talking about touring, their experience with Korn fans while on Lollapalooza 1997, and why James have a chip on their shoulder.

"Sometimes"



"Stutter"



"Laid" (set closer)



Boston Phoenix video interview with Tim Booth

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Pulp - Live from Coachella 2012

Watch Pulp's entire set from Coachella yesterday. The band's set concluded with "Common People" and at the very end Jarvis Cocker introduced the band and showed off guitarist Leo Abrahams' broken hand. "Look he's got a broken hand, he doesn't fucking care because we've gotta get something going on." Awesome.

Enjoy.

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Mark Gardener - U.S. tour dates

The amazing Mark Gardener (ex-Ride) has announced a handful of west coast dates in the U.S. All the dates are with a full band and Sky Parade. Unfortunately for those of us NOT on the west coast, it doesn't look like more gigs are going to be added. If you're on the west coast do yourself a favor and go see Gardener + friends here:

6/21 - KEXP radio, Seattle
6/21 - Barboza, Seattle
6/22 - Star Theater, Portland
6/23 - Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
6/24 - Part Time Punks Gaze Fest @ the Echo Plex, Los Angeles

By the way, the Cafe Du Nord show is 20th anniversary celebration of Ride's classic record Going Blank Again. Should be an AMAZING show.

"Vapour Trail" Mark Gardener w/ Sky Parade (live, 2011)



Gardener recently announced a new collaborative project with Aziz Ibrahim (ex-Stone Roses) and Anton Newcombe from Brian Jonestown Massacre* called Hush Delirium. Read more about the project here and visit Hush Delirium on Facebook and Twitter.

*Brian Jonestown Massacre fans should also click on over for info on the band's new album and listen to a full stream of the band's new record.

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Kurt Cobain - Solo record

Ex-Hole guitarist Eric Erlandson has revealed in an interview with Fuse that Kurt Cobain had been working on a solo record at the time of his death. Erlandson says Cobain was working on demos for a potential solo record, plus he had recorded a top secret cover song. From the interview:

“There is one cover… I won’t say what it is. I don't own the stuff,” explains Erlandson. “I just hope that one day it will be released for fans. It’s just so heartbreaking.”

Read the entire interview here.

Erlandson has been on a promo tour for his recently released memoir Letters To Kurt. The book is available to order here or here.

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Morrissey - Suedehead remix

As previously reported, a remix of Morrissey's 1988 single "Suedehead" will be released in the U.K. for Record Store Day. The 10 inch picture disc features the Suedehead Mael Mix (by Sparks) and will be backed with two live previously unreleased recordings from 1995. The picture disc will only be available in the U.K. for Record Store Day but Morrissey fansite True To You is reporting that a digital download will be available starting April 23rd.

"Suedehead" (live on Jools Holland)

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The Cure - Record Store Day

The Cure have revealed details about their "Friday I'm In Love" 7 inch Record Store Day release. The single, which is part of the Special 7'' charity project, will be available as VERY limited edition release--only 100 copies of the single will be available. Each copy will feature an individually designed record sleeve, created by artists from around the world, and one of the sleeves was even designed by Robert Smith himself!

Starting April 17th, all 100 individual sleeves will be on display at Idea Generation Gallery in East London, then on Record Store Day the singles will be sold on a first come first served basis for a minimum donation of 40 pounds (~ 60 dollars U.S.) All proceeds go to Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity helping teens who are fighting cancer. Read more about the single and the Secret 7'' project here.

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Brian Jonestown Massacre - Aufheben

Brian Jonestown Massacre drop their new record, Aufheben, on May 1st, but the band is streaming the full record now right here and here. BJM will hit the road for a short North American tour of the west coast. Visit the band's official site for the itinerary and tickets and pre-order Aufheben here.

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Johnny Marr - Rolling Stone interview

Last year Johnny Marr remastered the Smiths catalog for the Smiths Complete boxset, and earlier this month all the remasters were released individually, so it seems a fitting time for major music publications to corner Marr and torture him about the Smiths. (No, I'm not complaining, but it must suck to be Johnny Marr having to answer these questions over and over.) A few days ago Spin published a piece on Marr talking about each Smiths record, and yesterday Rolling Stone posted their own feature on Marr talking about the remasters and (of course) the potential for a Smiths reunion. A few nuggets from the article are posted below:

On a potential Smiths reunion:

I don't know about the possibility, but what I do know is that I understand how great it would be to make so many people happy. And the other thing I know is that Morrissey and I are so very different. Those are the only things I know.

On being the one who broke up the band:

I had the foresight to see disaster looming - both for the individuals, personally, and the band, professionally. I had a lot of insight and wisdom for a 23-year-old.

On the rumors Morrissey and Marr were offered millions of dollars to reunite the Smiths:

Nothing really gets off the ground just purely because of money. Certainly, as I see it, so many other things would have to be fixed and we're just too different to get them fixed, it appears.

Read the full interview in Rolling Stone here.

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Joey Ramone + Johnny Ramone - New Releases

Joey Ramone's second and final posthumous record, ...Ya Know is set to drop May 22nd. The album's first single, "Rock & Roll Is The Answer" will be released as a limited edition 7 inch single for Record Store Day on April 21st. Listen to a stream of "Rock & Roll Is The Answer" below:



Friends of Joey Ramone (including Richie Ramone, Tommy Ramone, and BeBe Buell among others) performed "Rock & Roll Is The Answer" live at last year's annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash/annual lymphoma research fundraiser. Watch the performance below.



The 2012 Joey Ramone Birthday Bash will take place May 19th at the Studio at Webster Hall in New York. More details regarding the lineup for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ramones fans may also be interested in Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone. The book was written during Ramone's last days as he was falling ill from cancer. Grab the book here, watch an interview with Ramone's widow Linda talking about the autobiography below, and visit the official site here.

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Crocodiles - Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9)

Crocodiles will return with their new record Endless Flowers on June 4th. The first single from the album, "Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9), premiered about a month ago and you can download the track for free on the band's newly launched website.

Watch the official video for "Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9)" via Nowness.

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Lollapalooza Brazil - Jane's Addiction

Watch more live footage from last weekend's Lollapalooza Brazil below. Watch full sets from Jane's Addiction and MGMT, and here's the Foo Fighters.



MGMT

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Pulp - live at Radio City Music Hall

Pulp kicked off their North American tour last night in New York City at Radio City Music Hall. Watch some fan shot footage from last night's show below, and if you missed the band's appearance on Jimmy Fallon on Monday night, watch it here. Pulp are playing another show in New York tonight, then they'll head to the west coast for a handful of shows, including Coachella.

"Do You Remember The First Time"



"Disco 2000"



"Mis-Shapes"

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Lollapalooza 2012

If you missed all the drama/excitement last night, the Lollapalooza lineup was revealed, first by the Chicago Tribune, then officially by the festival itself. If you're keeping track, the lineup is consistent with the one leaked by a Brazilian website on Monday.

Headliners are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, and Black Sabbath. Other notable bands include Afghan Whigs, At The Drive In, M83, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, Florence + the Machine, Passion Pit, and tons more. Watch the official Lollapalooza lineup video below:



Tickets are on sale now for Lollapalooza 2012 which takes place August 3rd through 5th in Chicago's Grant Park.

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Jack White - Ebay

Remember on April Fool's Day when Jack White and Third Man Records released copies of a new limited edition single on flexi-disc and distributed them via helium balloons? No?



Well, as it turns out, a lucky soul in possession of one of the "Freedom at 21" flexidiscs is auctioning it off on Ebay and the current bid is around $1300.00 (the bidding started at $150.00). Keep in mind the auction isn't over yet, so who knows how much crazier it will get.

This is just the tip of the iceberg because there's no question that the limited edition Jack White "Sixteen Saltines" Record Store Day releases (the etched 12 inch and liquid 12 inch singles) will go for even more. If you haven't seen the unique Record Store Day releases from Jack White, take a look at them below (forward to 2:05).



Unfortunately, both limited edition releases will only be available at the Third Man Records headquarters in Nashville. If it's any consolation to fans outside of Nashville, the Vault just announced the latest installment for subscribers (package #12), and it features a White Stripes live DVD, Under New Zealand Lights, featuring unreleased footage from the band's 2000 and 2003 shows. The Vault package also includes vinyl releases from Raconteurs and Karen Elson. Those interested in this set of releases have up to April 30th to join the Vault in order to be eligible for this package.

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Lollapalooza 2012

The Chicago Tribune has posted the official Lollapalooza lineup a bit early (it was supposed to be released at midnight, so what's a couple of hours early?) The lineup is pretty much the leaked lineup that was posted yesterday on a Brazilian website.

Headliners are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, and Black Sabbath. Other notable acts include Afghan Whigs, At The Drive In, Jack White, M83, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Miike Snow, the Shins and TONS more.

This year Lollapalooza takes place August 3rd through the 5th in Chicago's Grant Park and tickets are already on sale. A three day pass is currently available for $230 and Lollapalooza traditionally boost ticket prices as the show nears, so you may want to buy tickets now if you're interested in attending.

Update: Lollapalooza has posted the lineup on the official site.

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The Smiths - Johnny Marr interview

Spin has posted a feature on Johnny Marr talking about the Smiths' studio records, and fans will definitely want to click over to read it. Yes, he confirms again that Strangeways, Here We Come is his favorite Smiths album. Indeed, how can you go wrong with Strangeways?

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Dandy Warhols - North American tour

The Dandy Warhols announced dates for their North American tour which includes a stop at the Royal Oak Music Theater on June 8th. The internet pre-sale starts today, and the general onsale for the Royal Oak show is this Friday at noon.

Today at 3:30 pm ET Courtney Taylor-Taylor is holding a Twitter chat with fans, so follow @vcastmusic or @thedandywarhols to participate.

The Dandy Warhols are dropping their new record This Machine on April 24th and you can still grab a free download of the first single, "Well They're Gone" on the band's official site.

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Paul Weller

Paul Weller has spoken out against television talent shows like X-Factor, American Idol, and the Voice. Weller told the Guardian's Radio Times:

"I'd be too embarrassed to be on those shows. You get some of these kids who think they're a little bit 'edgy', got a bit of a Pete Doherty haircut. You're not edgy, really, mate. Otherwise you wouldn't be on an effing talent show, would you?"

Notable television host Jools Holland was also interviewed for the piece and said:

"Budding artists need a break, I suppose. But music's not like a competition. It's an art form...there's a difference between having it like a game show and having it as something that connects with your spirit and moves you … that's what music's supposed to be about."

The article points out that though Weller is a critic of the programming, he does actually watch X-Factor (Noel Gallagher outed him!) Weller admits to viewing the show because his daughter is into it--he says he's kind of forced to watch it, much like he watches other shows that his son and wife want to see. Read the full story here.

By the way, Weller's new solo record Sonik Kicks is out now. Watch the video for the first single, "That Dangerous Age" below and listen to samples from all the songs on the record on Weller's official site.

"That Dangerous Age"

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James - North American tour

James kicked off their North American tour in Vancouver on Saturday night. The band is celebrating the tour by streaming a rare track, "America" (the song was the b-side to 1993's "Sometimes") which you can check out below.



Unfortunately James aren't playing Detroit, or any other midwest dates for that matter. Console yourself with live footage of "Getting Away With It" from the Vancouver show, and swoon over the setlist from last night's show in Portland, courtesy of guitarist Larry Gott. Also keep in mind James will be playing both weekends of Coachella, so you'll likely have a chance to watch a stream of their set.

"Getting Away With It" (4/7 in Vancouver)



James recently announced they'll release their chronically delayed boxset The Gathering Sound on July 16th and you can read more about that here.

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Pulp

Pulp appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night and performed "Common People." Watch video of that below plus the web-exclusive performance of "Like A Friend." Watch both performances below. Pulp kick off their two night stand at Radio City Music Hall tonight then head to the west coast for some dates including two weekends at Coachella.

"Common People"



"Like A Friend"

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The Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols have announced dates for their North American tour.  The Detroit area date is June 8th at the Royal Oak Music Theater.  The pre-sale starts tomorrow for all the shows on the itinerary. 

 

The Dandys will return with their new album This Machine on April 24th.

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Spiritualized

Spiritualized will return with their seventh album, Sweet Heart, Sweet Light on April 17th.  Listen to all eleven tracks on the record right now--the full release is streaming here on NPR's First Listen.  Don't miss Spiritualized live on the road this spring.  The Detroit date is May 4th at the Majestic Theater. 

 

 

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Noel Gallagher - BBC interview

Mark Lawson from the BBC recently sat down with Noel Gallagher for an hourlong interview. They talked at length about Gallagher's upbringing and childhood (Noel referred to his dad as a "shit dad") and called himself out for being moody ("I don't like smiling...I put it down to being a Gemini"). Of course they also got around to discussing the breakup of Oasis, Noel's solo career, and songwriting.

One of the best Noel quotes from the interview was the response to a question about what it's like for him to sing Oasis songs live as a solo artist:

"When I'm singing those songs I know what those words mean to me and I can deliver them in the way that they were written. So I know what "Wonderwall" is about--even if it's about nothing, I know what kind of nothing it's about."

Watch the full interview below:

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Public Image Limited - One Drop ep

Public Image Limited have launched an informational mini site for the One Drop EP, which will be released for Record Store Day. The band will follow up the four track ep with the long player This Is P.I.L. on May 28th.

Check out the One Drop mini-site here and watch a live performance of the ep's title track below:

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Lollapalooza 2012?

The Lollapalooza 2012 lineup is officially announced on April 11th, but a Brazilian website is claiming to already have the details and has posted the alleged lineup (via absolute punk). If this is legit, the headliners will be Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, and Black Sabbath. The website has posted the "full list" which also features Afghan Whigs, Jack White, M83, Franz Ferdinand, Florence + the Machine, and tons more. Lollapalooza 2012 happens August 3rd through 5th in Chicago's Grant Park and tickets are on sale now.

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Jarvis Cocker - DJ

Jarvis Cocker from Pulp has been in New York City doing a couple of dj gigs ahead of the band's mini-tour that kicks off Tuesday night. Check out a short clip of Jarvis on the wheels of steel--playing Hall & Oates, no less!



Here he is spinning something somewhat more current (Mr. Oizo)



Don't miss Pulp on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night. To get you more prepared for the big event, why not watch Pulp in action:

"This Is Hardcore" (Reading, 2011)

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Garbage

Garbage officially kick off their tour tomorrow in Los Angeles, and to get fully ready, they played a "rehearsal" show in front of 200 fans at the Bootleg Theater on Friday night. The band's set consisted of classic songs and a handful of new tracks from their forthcoming record Not Your Kind Of People. Watch some fan-shot footage from the performance below and be sure to see them live if they're coming to your town.

"Blood For Poppies" (new song)



"Battle In Me" (new song)



"Man On A Wire" (new song)



"Vow"



"Stupid Girl"



"Special"



"I Think I'm Paranoid"



"# 1 Crush"

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Jarvis Cocker/Relaxed Muscle

Jarvis Cocker is getting ready to take the U.S. by storm this week with Pulp, but he's arrived early and has been quite a busy guy. According to reports, Cocker has been in New York since Thursday night performing shows with his side project Relaxed Muscle at a Whitney Museum exhibit, plus he's been one of the guest DJs for a Kurt Cobain exhibition after party running this weekend at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in NYC.

Cocker will put his DJing skills aside and get back to his main gig as frontman for Pulp this week for a (regrettably short) tour of the U.S. The festivities kick off Monday night as the band performs on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, continues Tuesday with a two night stint at Radio City Music Hall, and then heads over to the west coast for a few shows which include appearances at both Coachella festivals. Did I mention Coachella is going to have a live stream?

Relaxed Muscle "Rod Of Iron"

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My Bloody Valentine

Pitchfork recently interviewed Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine, who revealed he's working on new MBV material:

"I've always said that we were going to make a record again. You never know, we might finish it really quickly, and it might be up in a few months! I tend to work really quickly, suddenly, and I might be willing to do that right now. We'll see!"

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. I'll believe it when I see it, Kev. Read the full interview with Kevin Shields in The 'Fork.

My Bloody Valentine are reissuing Isn't Anything, Loveless, and the compilation EPs 1988-1991 in the U.K. on May 7th. Fans in the U.K. can pre-order all three releases here, here, and here, while fans in the U.S. can only pre-order EPs 1988-1991 right now. The other two releases should be available for fans in the U.S. to pre-order shortly, and I'll post links when they are ready to go. Please note, at this time it appears the reissues will only be released overseas (which means import pricing for U.S. fans). This COULD change and they MAY get released domestically, so if you want to wait it out, go for it.

"Soon"

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Gorillaz/Blur R.I.P. ???

The Guardian published an interview with Damon Albarn today titled Damon Albarn: Gorillaz, heroin, and the last days of Blur. You might gather from the title that it might not be good news for Blur fans, and you're right. Brace yourself:

Albarn was asked if there will be any more Blur records to which he responded, "No, I don't think so," and also said it was unlikely the band would play live again after their Hyde Park gig this summer.

Wait though, it gets worse because Albarn also said that Gorillaz are pretty much done with too, saying new Gorillaz music would be "unlikely," due in part to some kind of falling out he had with band member Jamie Hewlett.

Here's a link to the full article.

Your only consolation is that Albarn is continuing to make music and will release his debut solo record Dr. Dee on May 8th. Check out the video for the first single, "The Marvelous Dream."

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Noel Gallagher on Detroit fans, the Fonz + more

Noel Gallagher updated his tour diary and made the following comments about his recent show in Detroit and Milwaukee:

"Yes . . . well . . . Detroit then? A lively bunch. Great show. Nearly up to speed now. Close to 100%. Ben our newest member was getting the shout out from the crowd. Funny."

"Yes comrades . . . where were we? Milwaukee? Yes, Milwaukee!!! Not much going on there let me tell you . . . . There was a statue of the Fonz across the road from the gig, That's just about the most exciting thing I can remember. Some of the lads on my crew spent the day posing for photo's with him . . . it . . . whatever. You know what I mean. Looking at some of the pictures later it was hard to tell who was the actual Fonz!! But why is there a statue of the Fonz in Milwaukee you ask . . . well . . . the series "Happy Days" was set in Milwaukee, see?"

Who knew Noel was a Happy Days fan?

"Married With Children"

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Last Shop Standing - Johnny Marr interview + new trailer

Last Shop Standing, the upcoming documentary about independent record stores in the U.K. is making progress. The filmmakers recently achieved their "phase 2" donation target and the film is on track to be released on DVD this summer. Last Shop Standing, named after the 2010 book by Graham Jones, takes the viewer on a tour of indie record shops with commentary from store owners, music fans, and musicians.

The producers of the film have just posted some unedited interview footage with Johnny Marr plus a new official trailer. Watch both videos below, plus if you're interested in donating you can purchase one of the perks packages here.

Last Shop Standing (Johnny Marr unedited interview)



Last Shop Standing (new trailer)

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Gary Numan - interview + Artrocker remix contest

Last night Gary Numan appeared on the Irish late night show Craig Doyle Live for an interview segment. Numan talked about his mega 1979 hit "Cars," revealing the song was written in only ten minutes (ten minutes!!!) He also discussed fame, his love of airplanes (he has a pilot license), and how he came to meet his wife Gemma. It's been common knowledge Gemma ran a Numan fanclub prior to their relationship and last night the couple (Gemma was in the audience) dished on how they came to hook up. Watch the interview below:




Gary Numan will drop his career spanning DVD Machine Music: The Best Of Gary Numan later this year. The limited edition release features promos, television appearances, music videos and more. The DVD will initially be available at Numan's live shows in the U.K. in May and will be released worldwide on June 11th.

Finally, coming later this year Artrocker will publish a Gary Numan edition of the mag which will come along with a Dead Son Rising remix album. The album will feature remixes by The Duke Spirit, Atari Teenage Riot, Is Tropical, and more, plus YOU have the opportunity to appear on it! Artrocker is holding a remix contest and the winning fan-submitted mix (chosen by Numan himself) will appear on the album. To enter, download the stems for "When The Sky Bleeds, He Will Come," put your mad skillz to work, then submit your creation. The deadline for the contest is May 20th, so get ON it. The stems and official rules are posted here.

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Mashups: Joy Division vs Sinead O' Connor & MGMT vs Echo & Bunnymen

Irish audio-visual artist Phil RetroSpector has created some new mashups. Take a listen to them below:

The first is "The Joy Is Getting Married" featuring Joy Division's "Atmosphere" + Sinead O'Connor's "The Wolf Is Getting Married."



Here's "The Killing Kids" featuring Echo & The Bunnymen "The Killing Moon" + MGMT "Kids"



Visit Phil RetroSpector on Soundcloud or Vimeo

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Happy Birthday, Frank Black!

Happy Birthday, Frank Black/Black Francis/Charles Thompson! Celebrate with some Pixies and Frank Black footage from over the years.

"Monkey Gone To Heaven/Tame" (first U.S. tv performance, 1989)



"Debaser" (live from Brixton Academy, London, 1991)



"Here Comes Your Man"



Interview with Frank Black from 1989



"You're Such A Wire"



"Scary Monsters & Super Creeps" w/ David Bowie (1997)



"Fashion" w/ David Bowie (1997)



Full Pixies concert from Brazilian television in October 2010

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The Smiths

Here's an update to yesterday's story on the individual Smiths remasters that were allegedly just released on Tuesday. Yesterday I posted links to five of the eight remasters I found on Amazon, but it was kind of driving me nuts that I only found five. Where were the other three? When I checked my email today, the fine folks at Amazon sent a link to the Smiths, so now only Meat Is Murder and Strangeways, Here We Come are missing, and those will likely be posted shortly.

FY to the I.

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Liam Gallagher: Spinal Tap aren't a real band?

The Irish Times article, "Rock's rich spinal tapestry: were Brother having us all along?" is mainly about parody Brit-pop band Brother, but the highlight of the article is an entertaining anecdote supplied by Noel Gallagher of Oasis. As the piece reveals, some time ago Noel and Liam Gallagher were in New York and heard Spinal Tap were playing Carnegie Hall. Liam, being a huge fan of the film, decided to go see them with Noel:

Liam complained loudly during A Mighty Wind’s performance, saying he didn’t want to sit through “this folk shit”, he just wanted to see Spinal Tap. Noel patiently explained that A Mighty Wind were the same people as Spinal Tap, so be quiet and enjoy the double bill.

Liam was confused. So Spinal Tap aren’t a real band? No, Noel replied, they were all comedy actors. Liam promptly stood up and stalked out of the venue in considerable disgust.

Awesome. Read the full story here.

"Whatever"

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James - The Gathering Box

The Gathering Box, the "chronically delayed" box set from James, now has an official release date. According to the band, the problem with the USB portion of the boxset is currently being resolved and Universal has confirmed the new release date of July 16th. The Gathering Box is a deluxe 3 CD/DVD set featuring 33 live recordings and demos, (including 12 previously unreleased or "lost" songs), culled from the band's career. The set also comes along with a 12'' and J-shaped USB. More detailed info on the Gathering Box has been posted here.

James are set to kick off their tour this Saturday in Vancouver and will be visiting a ton of cities in North America. Just not Detroit. :(

"Born of Frustration"

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Jim Marshall, R.I.P.

Guitar amp pioneer Jim Marshall has died at the age of 88. Marshall, aka, the Father of Loud, founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago. Read Marshall's obituatary on the Marshall website.

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Public Image Limited - Rise

Public Image Limited are releasing the One Drop EP on April 21st for Record Store Day, then will return with their full length This Is P.I.L. on May 28th. The band played two sold out shows in London earlier in the week and will be back on the road for more shows in Europe and the U.K. later this summer.

Watch some fan shot footage from the April 1st show in London:

"Rise"



"Disappointed"



"Death Disco"

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The Smiths - Remasters

Last year Rhino released The Smiths Complete--a collection of all the Smiths' releases remastered by Johnny Marr. According to Rhino and Warner Brothers, as of April 3rd (yesterday) the remasters are available individually, so if you were looking to replace, say, your worn out version of Strangeways, Here We Come, you can do so without having to buy the entire eight disc collection. In writing this blog post, I attempted to find links to the individual cds on Rhino's site, but quite honestly, their site isn't user friendly and I couldn't find direct links to the single cds there. I was able to find the single cds on Amazon, but in another oddball turn of events, there are only links for five of the releases:

The Queen Is Dead
Hatful of Hollow
Rank
Louder Than Bombs
The World Won't Listen

I'm not sure why links aren't available for The Smiths, Meat Is Murder, or Strangeways, Here We Come but perhaps they'll be posted soon. By the way, you can still purchase the deluxe edition with all eight cds, and the limited edition boxset version is still available too.

Meanwhile, it's become clear to me that the mainstream media should never write articles about The Smiths or any other meaningful bands. "Cheer up, and get ready to meet the Smiths, again." Wow. Just. No.

"How Soon Is Now?"

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Ultravox - Brilliant

As previously reported, Brilliant, the new album from Ultravox, will be released on May 28th. Take a look at short 'making of' video the band posted today:



Ultravox also request that fans who are going to buy Brilliant use the band's microsite (launching soon) to order the new record. From the official press release:

A pre-order microsite will shortly be launched with links to major retailers - Amazon, Townsend, Play, HMV and iTunes - where you can pre-order thebrand new Ultravox album, 'Brilliant'. It's important that you wait and order through this microsite, even if you see it pop up on Amazon etc before then - because you'll get some exclusive video clips if you do! So please don't post any other link on Facebook, Twitter, forums etc - wait for the official pre-order site. Thank you!

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Garbage - Official video + Ustream live event

Garbage premiered the official video for "Blood For Poppies" and held a live Ustream event earlier today. Watch the video and an archive of the Ustream chat below. Garbage will return with their new album Not Your Kind of People on May 15th.

"Blood For Poppies"



Ustream chat (starts at 9:00 into the video)



Video streaming by Ustream

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Amish 82/Conor Patrick

Earlier this year I posted about Amish 82 and their song "Crocodile," which was co-written by the band and Conor Patrick. Today Amish 82 tweeted out a link to Patrick's stripped down piano and strings version of the song. I love the electropop vibe of the original version, but this piano version makes the song even more intense and breathtaking. I'm not kidding, it brings me to tears it's so intense.

If you only listen to one song today, be sure it's this:



And here's the original version which will make you groove...



There Is A Solitude Of Space from Amish 82 is available here.

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Tim Burgess - A Case For Vinyl

Charlatans U.K. leader Tim Burgess is one of the founders of the O Genesis Recordings label. Take a listen to a song he recorded and will be releasing on the label for Record Store Day called "A Case For Vinyl"

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Frank Tovey

Frank Tovey, aka Fad Gadget, died on this day in 2002. Tovey released several records under the Fad Gadget name, and later, under his own name, though he's usually remembered for the classic, "Collapsing New People" from 1984's Gag.

"Collapsing New People"

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Noel Gallagher

Noel Gallagher is currently on the road on his North American tour, and according to his tour blog he had an entertaining moment on the street the other day while in Columbus, Ohio:

Before I let you go I must tell you this story that has literally JUST happened to me. So . . . I'm just stood at some traffic lights waiting to cross the street when some guy slopes up to me...

"Hey man I don't mean to disrespect you”, (now that usually means you're about to be disrespected) “but you do realize you got a little 80's thing going on with your hair there?"

I was speechless.

"What do you call that style you got?"

I was without speech.

"You look like that . . . who was that muh-fucker pro-doocer who shot that bitch in the face?"

Erm..Phil Spector?

"Phil Spector! You look like Phil Spector!!"

Erm..thanks..(I don't know why I said thanks)

"Say . . . do you believe in Jesus?"

Seriously that just happened to me!!!!

I fucking love America.

Gallagher's tour resumes in Milwaukee tomorrow night. Watch Noel's performance of "Whatever" from Saturday night's show at the Royal Oak Music Theater.

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Happy Birthday, Mike Ness

Happy Birthday, Mike Ness!

Ness formed Social Distortion in 1978, and though the band hit a few snags over the years they're still active today (they're about to launch a new round of touring in a few days). It wasn't an easy road for Ness, who famously struggled with drug addiction (he's been clean now for years) and problems with the law, but he's always emerged on top and is commonly cited by current bands as a major influence.

Celebrate Mike Ness and his amazing career by watching some classic interview and performance footage from over the years.

120 Minutes interview with Kurt Loder from 1990



Social Distortion "Prison Bound/It Coulda Been Me" (live, 1990)




"Don't Think Twice" (first solo late night television performance 1999)



"Bad Luck" (Bruce Springsteen + Mike Ness)



"Under My Thumb" (Rolling Stones cover)



Another State of Mind (Social Distortion/Youth Brigade tour documentary from 1982)

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Garbage

Garbage will premiere the video for their new single, "Blood For Poppies" Tuesday, April 3rd, during a live Ustream event. The band will answer questions from fans starting at 4pm ET/1pm PT, then premiere the video live from Los Angeles. If you are unable to watch the chat live, no worries, because the archive will be available for on demand viewing after the event. For more info on the Garbage premiere party, visit the band's official site.

Garbage's new studio record, Not Your Kind of People, drops May 15th and you can pre-order now it through iTunes and Amazon.

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Dandy Warhols + Bridging the Distance

The Dandy Warhols will return with their new cd, This Machine, on April 24th. The band premiered the first single, "Well They're Gone" last month, and now they've premiered another new song titled "Sad Vacation." Take a listen to "Sad Vacation" below via The Huffington Post.

"Sad Vacation"



Back in 2007 the Dandy Warhols covered the Cult's 1985 classic "She Sells Sanctuary" for the benefit record Bridging the Distance: A Portland OR Covers Compilation.


The 19 track album also features Chris Walla from Death Cab covering "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz, Blitzen Trapper performing Heart's "Crazy On You," plus other covers from The Decemberists, The Thermals, and The Minus 5.

Take a listen to the Dandys and their spacy take on "She Sells Sanctuary" below and check out the compilation here. Proceeds from the album sales go to P:ear, a charity that helps provide mentors to homeless youth.

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Morrissey Viva Hate reissue

Morrissey's 1988 debut solo record Viva Hate has been reissued today in the U.K. and fans in North America can order the release here. The new version finds the original cover art restored, plus some new liner notes, and the deletion of "the Ordinary Boys" and the addition of "Treat Me Like A Human Being." View the full tracklisting below.

01. Alsatian Cousin
02. Little Man, What Now?
03. Everyday Is Like Sunday
04. Bengali In Platforms
05. Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together
06. Late Night, Maudlin Street
07. Suedehead
08. Break Up The Family
09. Treat Me Like A Human Being
10. I Don't Mind If You Forget Me
11. Dial-A-Cliché
12. Margaret On The Guillotine

If you're a fan of Morrissey, or The Smiths, be sure to read a recent interview with producer Stephen Street and also watch a 1985 television interview with Morrissey and Johnny Marr.

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Afghan Whigs

Make your Monday better by watching some live footage of the Afghan Whigs from their 1994 appearance at Pinkpop. Afghan Whigs are reuniting later this year for some live shows, though Greg Dulli confirms there is NO plan for any new recorded material.

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Happy Mondays

Happy Mondays announced earlier this year that they were reuniting, and they're set to hit the road next month for their U.K. tour with Inspiral Carpets. However, fans who were hoping for a more extensive tour and an album will likely be disappointed--there are no plans for a new album according to a tweet the band sent out:

but the truth regarding ..no album is true..it will just be this run of gigs this summer..nothing more..

— Happy Mondays (@Happy_Mondays) April 1, 2012

Happy Mondays "The Boys Are Back in Town" (Thin Lizzy cover)

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Patti Smith

Patti Smith appeared on CBS Sunday Morning today, then took part in an hourlong webcast. During the interview Smith announced the release of her new single, "April Fool," (featuring Tom Verlaine on guitar) which is available today on iTunes, as well as the release of the full length record, Banga, which drops on June 5th. Smith also played two songs, "My Blakean Year" and "Grateful."

Watch the full Patti Smith interview and performance below and catch up with Smith on her official site.

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Pulp - footage from Teenage Cancer Benefit 3/31

Pulp played the Teenage Cancer Benefit at Royal Albert Hall in London yesterday. One of the highlights from the show was a rare performance of 1983's "My Lighthouse" featuring Jarvis Cocker's sister Saskia, and school friend Jill Taylor (both were featured on the studio version of the song found on 1983's It). Watch video of "My Lighthouse," plus a few other songs from Saturday's concert below. Pulp will be heading to North America later this month for a handful of shows, including two dates at Coachella.

"My Lighthouse"




"Do You Remember The First Time"




"This Is Hardcore"




"Like A Friend"




"Disco 2000"



"Babies"



"I Spy"

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Live Forever - The Rise & Fall of Britpop

Oasis, Blur, and Pulp are a few of the bands featured in the 2003 documentary Live Forever - The Rise & Fall of Britpop directed by John Dower. Watch the full film below.

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