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This Week

Pitchfork Invades Austin!

From www.pitchfork.com at 12/03/10 08:55 PM. 0 comments.

For a large version of this poster, click here. Graphics by Erez Avissar

Pitchfork is throwing two big parties in Austin, Texas on March 19 and 20. Come hang with us!

We've once again teamed up with our friends at the Windish Agency to present the fifth annual Pitchfork/Windish Austin Party. The party will go down at Emo's (603 Red River St.) on Friday March 19 from 12 - 6 p.m. It features 12 bands on both the outdoor stage and the Emo's Jr. indoor stage. The party is free and open to the public, but be warned: Lines get long if you don't show up early. Thanks to our friends at Ticketweb for helping out.

Bands playing the Pitchfork/Windish Austin Bash include Neon Indian, Japandroids, Real Estate, Memory Tapes, Surfer Blood, Local Natives, Best Coast, and more.

On Saturday, March 20, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., we'll kick off the first ever official Pitchfork SXSW Showcase at the Scoot Inn (1308 East 4th St.). This is a full-on SXSW show, so badges and wristbands will be free, with a very limited number of tickets possibly available at the door. (Stay tuned to SXSW.com for more info.) The showcase lineup features Titus Andronicus, Sleigh Bells, the Very Best, Bear in Heaven, and more.

Check out the lineups and set times for both shows below. See...

Why urban acts are long overdue as art critics

From www.guardian.co.uk at 12/03/10 05:16 PM. 0 comments.

Grime MCs rapping about Chris Ofili paintings? If it challenges white, middle-aged art critics then it can only be a good thing

The art world thrives on the reactions of critics. Sensationalist work damned as "gratuitous" or "pretentious" is what makes the Turner prize so exciting. The most media-worthy pieces of the last 10 years have been the work of the YBAs: an unmade bed, a light flashing on and off, a black Mary. Opinions may differ on works such as these, but one thing remains constant: the views belong to white, middle-class (mostly) male critics. Certainly academics are seen as credible authorities, but what of those outside the artistic elite?

It seems like the Tate has realised the importance of having diverse voices to challenge and criticise the way art is seen. Over the next two Sundays, Tate Britain will be inviting urban acts, producers and poets to show the art world a new side to criticism. Each artist â€' including the current UK No 1 Tinie Tempah â€' will use the space to present individual responses to artwork by Chris Ofili (in this particular instance Tinie will be spitting 32 bars about one of Ofili's paintings).

The Tate, then, has done something not only long overdue, but relatively unheard of: it's taking artists from the urban underground (Rapper Rinse MC, producer Cooly G) and giving them a forum to speak about the same kind of things that the likes of Andrew...

Pink Floyd's legal victory over EMI is a triumph for artistic integrity

From www.guardian.co.uk at 12/03/10 03:32 PM. 0 comments.

The prog-rock band's court win against their record label is a vindication of the album as a creative format

They don't often look cheery in photos â€' and at least two of them can barely stand to be in the same room â€' but Pink Floyd have a lot to celebrate. The prog-rock legends won a pivotal victory against record company EMI over the sale of their own music. Basically, EMI wanted to make their classic concept albums available to download as individual songs. The band, however, prefer their albums to be downloaded as they were made: in their entirety, as complete musical works. And the judge agreed with Floyd.

At first glance, their motivation seems a little pretentious, recalling a time when supergroups like Led Zeppelin only released albums because they were serious artists and above all that pop stuff, man. However, Floyd's victory is more than just musical snobbery: it's a triumph for artistic integrity.

Michelangelo wouldn't have wanted his Sistine Chapel ceiling to be chiselled into bits and flogged to individual buyers, so why should the same fate happen to Floyd's painstakingly crafted The Dark Side of the Moon? Floyd's most famous album appeared in 1973, when "long-playing records" appeared on vinyl. Back then, unless acts released tracks as singles, the only way of hearing individual tracks alone was to fiddle with the needle or hold a microphone in front of the stereo â€' a popular pastime among 70s...

The Cribs, Foals, Mumford & Sons added to Benicassim line-up

From www.nme.com at 12/03/10 02:26 AM. 0 comments.

Acts will join Kasabian, The Prodigy and Vampire Weekend at the event

The Cool Kids Photos:

thecoolkids_5

From www.flickr.com at 12/03/10 01:54 AM. 0 comments.

The White Stripes News:

Conan O'Brien Announces Music/Comedy Tour!

From www.pitchfork.com at 11/03/10 09:00 PM. 0 comments.

Ever since Conan O'Brien was unceremoniously kicked off "The Tonight Show" stage, there's been a certain missing feeling going around-- a feeling Jay Leno's fast-food-fart of a return to the show did little to quell. But Team Coco can rejoice as the big-haired comedian is plotting a North American tour described as "a night of music, comedy, hugging, and the occasional awkward silence" on its official site.

Amazingly, the endeavor is called "The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour." (Conan's $32.5 million payout from NBC included a stipulation that he can't appear on TV until September 1, according to The New York Times.)

The show will reportedly feature sidekick Andy Richter and members of the "Tonight Show" band. And, considering Conan's guitar skills and his ties with artists like the White Stripes (who performed on his last "Late Night") and Beck (who performed on his last "Tonight Show"), we could be in for some very special musical moments along with the requisite lulz. Not to mention the fact that he's playing Bonnaroo-- who knows what could go down there.

Dates below:

Conan O'Brien:

04-12 Eugene, OR - Hult Ceter for the Performing Arts
04-13 Vancouver, British Columbia - Orpheum Theatre
04-14 Vancouver, British Columbia - Orpheum Theatre
04-16 Spokane, WA - INB Performing Arts Center
04-17 Enoch, Alberta - River Cree Resort & Casino
04-18 Seattle, WA - Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
04-19 Seattle, WA - Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
04-22 San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill...

News in Brief: The Strokes, Peaches, Dr. Dog, Ether Festival

From www.pitchfork.com at 11/03/10 06:05 PM. 0 comments.

Photo by Cody Smyth

-- The Strokes have announced their first American show in years. The Chicago Tribune confirms that the band will serve as headliners at this year's Lollapalooza, which goes down in Chicago's Grant Park August 6-8. Talking to the Trib, frontman Julian Casablancas says that he thinks the band's new album, which they're recording now, will be out in September. Other rumored Lolla artists include Arcade Fire, Phoenix, Soundgarden, Green Day, and Lady Gaga.

-- Last month, the people who owned the rights to the musical Jesus Christ Superstar blocked electroclash shock-rapper Peaches from performing the one-woman version of it that she was planning to stage in Berlin. But Expatriarch reports that Peaches has successfully negotiated with those rights-holders, and now the musical is back on. She'll perform it March 26-28 at Berlin's HAU1. Sacrilege reigns!

-- On April 6, Anti- will release Shame, Shame, the new album from Philly chooglers Dr. Dog. It'll be the group's first record since signing with the label last year.

-- The Ether Festival will come to the venues of London's Southbank Centre April 16-24. This year's fest will include shows from Lou Reed's Metal Machine Trio,...

Atari Teenage Riot Reunite

From www.pitchfork.com at 11/03/10 05:30 PM. 0 comments.

German electro-punks Atari Teenage Riot had something of a zeitgeist moment in the mid-90s by blurring hardcore punk, jungle, noise, and bloodcurdling screaming, turning all that stuff into a hyperspeed mush that basically forced you (well, me) to stop doing your homework and run around your bedroom screaming, "Deutschland! Has gotta! Dieeeee!" The one time I saw them live, they exited the stage to a wall of white noise so loud it made my stomach hurt. They were something to behold.

Atari Teenage Riot were signed to the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label and toured with the likes of Beck, Rage Against the Machine, and the Wu-Tang Clan. The group has been effectively disbanded since founding member Carl Crack died of a drug overdose in 2001. But NME reports that the group will reunite, with founders Alec Empire and Hanin Elias joined by late-90s member Nic Endo and new recruit CX Kidtronik, who has worked with Saul Williams.

According to Alec Empire's website, Atari Teenage Riot have several tour dates lined up for Europe this summer. NME reports that on May 17, they'll release the new single "Reactivate" on their own Digital Hardcore label. It may very well have some screaming on it.

Gil Scott-Heron News:

And in other news ... Smashing Pumpkins want YOU (but you want Taio Cruz and the Prodigy)

From www.guardian.co.uk at 11/03/10 03:25 PM. 0 comments.

All the news that's fit to link

Want to play bass in Smashing Pumpkins? Here's your chance (via smashingpumpkins.com)

Murdoc says Gorillaz turned down Katy Perry for a guest spot on their new album because she's got "Russell Brand all over her" (via Contact Music)

Kelis, as photographed by Rankin (via The Wonderland of Alexandra)

The US women's hockey team talk about being inspired by Beyonce's music (via Jezebel)

The Prodigy will headline this year's Bestival (via prodigy.com)

New Madlib tracks, taken from forthcoming album Beat Konducta in Africa (via Gorilla Vs Bear)

The revolution will not be blogged: Gil Scott-Heron on his new album
(via Daily Swarm)

MGMT show off their new, freaky (unlistenable?) direction
(via Stereogum)

First Jay Sean, now Taio Cruz: UK R&B tops the US charts (via BBC)

guardian.co.uk/music

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Ratatat News:

Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" With MGMT and Ratatat Gets Another Video

From www.pitchfork.com at 11/03/10 03:00 PM. 0 comments.

"Pursuit of Happiness", Kid Cudi's spaced-out MGMT/Ratatat collaboration, already had a video. It involved both Drake and slow-motion champagne spillage, and it wasn't that good.

But an alternate video for the same song made its way onto the internet earlier this week, as New York magazine points out. And hey! This one is way better! Director Megaforce brings out some gravitational weirdness that could well make you nauseous, and Ratatat actually show up in this one. Watch it below:

Radiohead News:

Are women really on top when it comes to the charts?

From www.guardian.co.uk at 11/03/10 12:37 PM. 0 comments.

This week saw the most successful UK charts run ever enjoyed by female artists. But marketing women in pop hasn't changed much from the poster girls of postwar Britain

It's not often you spot a trend started by Vera Lynn. She might be a mistress of the music hall and soldiers' sweetheart, but fashionably ahead of the curve at 93? You'd hardly bet on it.

But, in September last year, Lynn's best of album went to the top of the charts and as Music Week pointed out recently, it was the first of 11 No 1s out of the last 18 to come from solo female artists. Last Sunday, Ellie Goulding's hyped debut landed in the top spot, sealing the most successful run on the UK charts ever enjoyed by women. Swap a Cheryl Cole for a Colbe Caillat, Whitney Houston for Leona Lewis, and the picture in the US is near identical; 10 of the last 16 Billboard No 1s are from solo female singers.

It's a triumph, especially for such a male-dominated industry â€' only 23% of senior management and 34% of UK jobs in music are held by women. And that the girls have come out on top can only inspire another wave of female musicians, singers, and innovators. Whether the fashion for kooky pop stars in hairbands and heavy eye make-up will hold is one thing; that they're there in such strong numbers â€' and making classic...

Mark Owen: 'I've had 10 affairs behind my wife's back' - Daily Gossip

From www.nme.com at 11/03/10 11:06 AM. 0 comments.

Snow Patrol's Lightbody breaks jaw, Busted to reform, Dizzee to stop Lily's retirement? â€' your music gossip stop

Radiohead News:

Happy Birthday

From www.radiohead.com at 11/03/10 07:53 AM. 0 comments.

BBC 6 Music - 8 years old today. Something worth celebrating: I mean, when Chris Moyles and Ken Bruce aren't for you - and Radios 1 and 2 strive to appeal to ever younger and older listeners - where else can you turn during the day?

Happy Birthday 6 Music, and all you other nerdy music lovers everywhere....now let's fight for many happy returns.

Jonny

Radiohead News:

Happy Birthdaty

From www.radiohead.com at 11/03/10 07:49 AM. 0 comments.

Radiohead News:

Happy Birthday

From www.radiohead.com at 11/03/10 06:52 AM. 0 comments.

BBC 6 Music - 8 years old today. Something worth celebrating: I mean, when Chris Moyles and Ken Bruce aren't for you - and Radios 1 and 2 strive to appeal to ever younger and older listeners - where else can you turn?

Happy Birthday 6 Music, and all you other nerdy music lovers everywhere....now let's fight for many happy returns.

Jonny

Beck News:

Beck Recruits St. Vincent, Liars, and Os Mutantes for Next Record Club

From www.pitchfork.com at 10/03/10 09:00 PM. 0 comments.

Beck's Record Club is arguably the best reason to make sure you're regularly checking the man's website. Record Club is a project wherein Beck rounds up a few of his friends, famous and otherwise, and records a cover version of an entire album in one day. He then posts the results to his website one song at a time.

Thus far, he's done the Velvet Underground's The Velvet Underground and Nico with Nigel Godrich and Giovanni Ribisi, Leonard Cohen's Songs of Leonard Cohen with MGMT and Devendra Banhart, and, most recently, Skip Spence's Oar with Wilco, Feist, and Jamie Lidell. And the next one should be a hell of a thing.

In a post on her Twitter earlier this afternoon, St. Vincent leader Annie Clark revealed that she'd recorded a Record Club with Beck, Liars, and Brazilian tropicalia legends Os Mutantes last week: "It will be online soonish. Serious fun." She did not reveal which album that particularly badass crew had recorded. But given the level of talent in this mob, the result would be worth a listen even if they were taking on Ugly Kid Joe's America's Least Wanted. (Or, hell, especially if they were taking on America's Least...

Florence And The Machine, Belle And Sebastian, Vampire Weekend to headline Latitude

From www.nme.com at 09/03/10 07:15 PM. 0 comments.

Empire Of The Sun, Maccabees also set for Suffolk festival

Vampire Weekend News:

Florence And The Machine, Belle And Sebastian, Vampire Weekend to headline Latitude

From www.nme.com at 09/03/10 07:15 PM. 0 comments.

Empire Of The Sun, Maccabees also set for Suffolk festival

Friendly Fires News:

FF vs HG split 12" [2]

From wearefriendlyfires.com at 09/03/10 04:56 PM. 0 comments.

Just a short note to say that our split 12” and download with our friends Holy Ghost! is available in shops from today. We contribute a cover of their excellent song ‘Hold On’, and on the other side they molded our song ‘On Board’ in their own image. Shout to the late great Jerry Fuchs who plays drums on Holy Ghost’s side.

It first got floated as an idea through a boozy, sunshine-y, beachy haze at the beautiful Calvi On The Rocks festival in Corsica (if you haven’t been, go; book it this very instant), and unlike so many other drunken ideas, it has actually come to fruition. Here’s hoping you like it.

Rough Trade 12”:
click here to buy

iTunes:
click here to buy

All the best

FFx

Basement Jaxx News:

Streets of London: The city's shifting soundtrack

From www.guardian.co.uk at 09/03/10 03:39 PM. 0 comments.

The capital's soul is harder to pin down than other cities because its musical climate can change between postcodes

If London had the grid system of Manhattan, or had been rebuilt entirely like the Paris of Haussmann, then maybe it would have a readily identifiable sound. After all, you can spot the sound of Manchester â€' whether it's the Hollies, Joy Division, the Stone Roses or MC Tunes â€' at 20 paces. London has always been more fluid, in its architecture and its population. Different eras, and different postcodes, define the sound of the city at any given time. The Barbican's forthcoming Songs In the Key of London event could have included such mismatched performers as Chas & Dave, Rod Stewart, and Dizzee Rascal on the bill and it would have all made perfect sense.

Instead, along with likely lads Suggs and Chris Difford, it features a bunch of singers who aren't even from London â€' Robyn Hitchcock is Cambridge to his toes, Kathryn Williams's Byker Grove accent is a bit of a giveaway. The reason they will be sharing a stage with compere Phil Daniels is that most of the great London songs have been written by outsiders and suburbanites.

David Bowie, tucked away on the fringes of Kent in Beckenham, wrote a few pre-fame songs in the 60s about moving to the big bad city: Can't Help Thinking About Me...

MIA to headline Underage Festival

From news.bbc.co.uk at 09/03/10 03:36 PM. 0 comments.

Tinchy Stryder, Chase & Status and Ellie Goulding join MIA to play at this summer's Underage Festival in London's east end.

Dizzee Rascal News: