Star Fucking Hipsters to tour with Anti-Flag in 2010

Star Fucking Hipsters's album Never Rest In Peace is out now on Alternative Tentacles, but the big news for the band may be who they're touring with in 2010. Starting on January 29, the band will be taking to the road with the legendary Anti-Flag for a string of dates. The tour ends right here in New York City at the Highline Ballroom on February 4. Also on the tour are Cancer Bats and Aiden. All tour dates are after the jump.

Star Fucking Hipsters tour dates:
Dates marked * w/ Anti-Flag, Cancer Bats, and Aiden
12.11.2009 - TBA - Hartford, CT
12.12.2009 - Middle East Upstairs - Boston, MA
12.13.2009 - Club Hell - Providence, RI
1.29.2010 - Mad Hatter Club - Covington, KY *
1.30.2010 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH *
1.31.2010 - Town Ballroom - Buffalo, NY *
2.1.2010 - Northern Lights - Clifton Park, NY *
2.2.2010 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA *
2.3.2010 - Trocadero Theater - Philadelphia, PA *
2.4.2010 - Highline Ballroom - New York, NY *

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Pylon "Beep"s on new video

Pylon's sophomore record, CHOMP, was recently reissued by DFA--the first time it's gotten a proper digital/CD release. And now old footage from the 80s has been crafted into a video for the song "Beep." Check it out above.

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Air return to the US (w/ NYC show at Terminal 5 on March 19)

Electronic pop duo Air are returning to North America in 2010! It'll mark their return to the US for the first time in several years. Air will be joined by British drummer/percussionist Alex Thomas (who has played with Bat For Lashes and Badly Drawn Boy), and opening up with be British act AM, a revered multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles. All dates in support of the band's fifth studio album, Love 2, are after the jump, but pay special attention to the March 19 show when they'll be hitting up New York City's Terminal 5.

Air tour dates:
March 13: Miami, FL @ Fillmore
March 14: Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
March 15: Atlanta, GA @ Centerstage
March 17: Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
March 18: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
March 19: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
March 20: Boston, MA @ Berklee Performance Center
March 22: Montreal, PQ @ Metropolis
March 23: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
March 24: Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
March 26: Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre
March 27: San Diego, CA @ 4th & B
March 28: Los Angeles, CA @ Walt Disney Concert Hall

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Weezer's December tour canceled

Looks like the Decemebr Weezer tour is off. The band were involved in an accident on their way to Boston. Rivers Cuomo is hurt, but it sounds like major disaster was averted. The official statement from Weezer's website:

Today at 7:18 AM EST, about 40 miles West of Albany on I-90, the weezer tour bus carrying Rivers and his family and assistants lost control as it hit a patch of black ice. The driver employed every ounce of skill he had in fighting to keep the bus upright, as the vehicle violently fishtailed over the highway. And while the bus did indeed go off the road, plunging about 8-10 vertical feet into a muddy ravine off to the right of the Thruway thus coming to a very abrupt stop, it did not flip or roll, despite having plowed right over a guardrail, flattening it. Kudos to the driver for somehow keeping things as level as they could be - surely this story would have been far more tragic if not for his actions.

Nonetheless the damage was severe, and everyone on the bus was either terrified or injured or both. The bus contained Rivers, his wife and daughter, their nanny, and Rivers' assistant Sarah. Both Sarah and Rivers' wife were pitched out of their upper level bunks onto the floor 5 feet below. Somehow Rivers' wife was uninjured, but Sarah sustained 2 fractured ribs and a fractured lower vertebrae. The baby daughter was in her crib unit and was fine, as was the nanny who was sleeping near the floor in her bunk at the time. However in the back lounge, Rivers was tossed around violently, waking up as he landed back on his mattress. He recalled not hitting anything, but later we learned that he must have, as he cracked 3 ribs and sustained some mostly minor but very painful internal damage, as well as hurting his lower leg somehow.

The interior of the bus was a chaotic mess with broken glass, smashed glasses and plates, food and clothing items strewn everywhere, as well as the refrigerator flying off the wall and many drawers coming right out of their slots, spewing their contents everywhere. On top of it the sliding interior doors were fused shut and the bus's electronics were ruined, so no one could get into the back lounge where Rivers lay immobile and unable to speak due to the pain in his ribcage. To top it off, the front door was jammed shut with 5 feet of heavy wet mud up pressed against it so there was no way to leave the bus.

Finally, using the jaws of life to remove a rear window bar, the local EMTs and firefighters got a ladder across the ravine to the rear bus window, where they could get to Rivers, eventually getting him and Sarah out on stretchers and into an ambulance. Meanwhile they dug frantically in the mud at the front of the bus, clearing the front door so everyone else could come out. To access the rest of the bus from Rivers' lounge, the fused sliding door was destroyed by the firefighters.

The other buses pulled up within 20 minutes of the accident, and already a long line of firetrucks and EMT vehicles were on the scene. I threw on my shoes and walked up just as the jaws of life were being turned on, catching a glimpse of Rivers lying inside on his back surrounded by EMTs. I couldnt believe what was happening in front of me, as Rivers lay so helpless, shivering in the center of the chaos, and meanwhile the sun was coming up and revealing an utterly beautiful light covering of snow on the surrounding trees. I dont know how to describe the wave of awfulness that gripped me as I watched, but adrenalin took over and the next thing I knew I was in the passenger seat of an ambulance transporting Rivers and Sarah to the hospital in Amsterdam, NY, about 10 miles from there. That adrenalin would sustain me all day, as everyone's did, from family to band to crew - everyone pitched in to help however they could all day as things unfolded.

Fast forward to now - Sarah was discharged, a 3-4 week period of extreme pain awaiting her as she heals from her injuries the only way possible, with time and gritted teeth. Rivers was transported to a larger area hospital where he remains under observation. He is resting about as comfortably as could be expected now, and we were relieved to hear that surgery is unlikely. Hopefully tomorrow the docs will have more info. You don't fool around with internal injury. Whatever happens, we forsee some gritted teeth in his future too.

We are sorry to say that the rest of the December Raditude Tour has been cancelled - when we can reschedule the dates we will, of course. I have no ticket or refund or whatever info at this time, but stay tuned to this site and the ticketing websites for more info. For now its a waiting game for all of us. Thanks for your kind thoughts and good wishes, we need them!

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Girl Talk's Night Ripper gets a vinyl release

It's hard to believe that despite all the success Girl Talk received because of Night Ripper the album was never released on vinyl! Well, all of that is about to change starting tomorrow, December 8, when Illegal Art releases the sound collage album that put this Pittsburgh boy on the music map. In addition, a limited edition pink vinyl version of the record will be made available for $100 with hopes to get 50 donors to allow for Illegal Art and Girl Talk to fund a $5,000 well that will provide clean water for a community for 20 years.

Girl Talk tour dates:
Thu. 12/31 -- Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
Fri. 1/15 -- Auckland, NZ @ Big Day Out
Sun. 1/17 -- Gold Coast, AUS @ Big Day Out
Wed. 1/20 -- Melbourne, AUS @ Palace
Fri. 1/22 -- Sydney, AUS @ Big Day Out
Sat. 1/23 -- Sydney, AUS @ Big Day Out
Mon. 1/25 -- Newtown, AUS @ The Enmore
Tue. 1/26 -- Melbourne, AUS @ Big Day Out
Fri. 1/29 -- Adelaide, AUS @ Big Day Out
Sun. 1/31 -- Perth, AUS @ Big Day Out
Sun. 5/2 -- East Rutherford, NJ @ Meadowlands Sports Complex

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Sisters play Mercury Lounge tonight (+ photos from Friday's Monster Island performance)

Sisters | Monster Island Basement | December 4, 2009

It's already established that Sisters are playing Mercury Lounge tonight, but they also played at Radio Flyer Review's show at Monster Island Basement on Friday night with Shellshag. Check out photos from that performance below.

www.myspace.com/sisterssound | www.deathbyaudiorecords.com

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Mincemeat or Tenspeed performed yesterday at a Punk Rock Flea Market (photos)

Mincemeat or Tenspeed | Death by Audio | December 6, 2009

The Punk Rock Flea Market at Death by Audio didn't seem that impressive when I first showed up--there was a few tables set up with various jewelry, a few records, and a ton of comics. Maybe I just showed up a little too late in the day, but what was impressive was the performance of Mincemeat or Tenspeed. The Philadelphia musician creates music and melody with a collection of pedals, hitting on them to alter the sounds (without using a single instrument). It's fascinating to watch, and the photos below don't do it justice.

www.myspace.com/mincemeatortenspeed | www.zumonline.com

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To Do List: Monday, December 7, 2009

Recommended Show:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD, DINOWALRUS, & SISTERS
@ MERCURY LOUNGE
217 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002
$8, 7PM

Even though Sisters played on Friday at Monster Island, they've got another show tonight at Mercury Lounge. This one has an equally good lineup with JEFF The Brotherhood and Dinowalrus also on the bill. However, it's not the only show going on tonight; check out more shows after the jump.

Teenage Prayers @ Glasslands
Tori Amos @ Manhattan Center
Rev Vince Anderson @ Union Pool
Split Lip / Chamberlain @ Bowery Ballroom
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin & Jason Anderson @ The Bell House
Shark?, Dinosaur Feathers, Coyote Eyes, & I'm Turning Into @ Cameo Gallery

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To Do List: Sunday, December 6, 2009

Recommended Show:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009
MINCEMEAT OR TENSPEED
@ DEATH BY AUDIO
49 South 2nd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
$1, 1PM

Mincemeat or Tenspeed plays as part of the Punk Rock Flea Market at Death by Audio in Brooklyn today. It's an early show that starts at 1PM (the whole thing will be over by 7:30PM), but it also only costs a single dollar. Check out some later events after the jump.

FTW @ Pianos
SHAPES @ Cameo Gallery
The Script @ Terminal 5
Free Blood @ Mercury Lounge
Outernational & Japanther @ Highline Ballroom
Golden Bones, Drew Victor, & Afternoon @ Union Pool
The Besties, Bunnygrunt, & The Specific Heats @ Bruar Falls
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, JEFF The Brotherhood, & Stupid Party @ Bowery Ballroom

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Shellshag played Radio Flyer Review's show at Monster Island last night (photos)

Shellshag | Monster Island Basement | December 4, 2009

Shellshag are moving away from their self-released Starcleaner label to prepare for a new release on February 9 for Don Giovanni Records. The band will be playing a headlining gig at Bowery Ballroom on February 6 to celebrate the release as part of a showcase for the label featuring Groucho Marxists, Black Wine, The Measure, Jeff the Brotherhood, Screaming Females, and Forgetters. However, we were happy to catch a preview of some of the songs the other night at Monster Island, where we snapped some of the photos after the jump.

www.myspace.com/shellshag | www.dongiovannirecords.com

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Hockey play west coast shows

Every year radio stations put on big holiday concerts in the month of December, and bring some of the hottest acts to town to celebrate. Hockey might be one of the buzziest bands this year when they play several of these shows on the west coast. When the New Year comes in, they continue their string of west coast dates. All tour dates are listed after the jump.

Hockey tour dates:
Dec 5th - Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre (KEDJ Radio Show)
Dec 7th - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom (KNRK Radio Show)
Dec 12th - San Jose, CA - The Blank Club (KSJO Radio Show)
Dec 17th - Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa (KROX Radio Show)
Jan 13th - Seattle, WA - The Vera Project
Jan 15th - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of The Hill
Jan 16th - Los Angeles, CA - Spaceland
Jan 18th - San Diego, CA - The Casbah

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To Do List: Saturday, December 5, 2009

Recommended Show:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2009
BOWERBIRDS & SHARON VAN ETTEN
@ UNION POOL
484 Union Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
$10, 9PM

When we talked with Sharon Van Etten recently, she told how she was looking forward to playing this show with Bowerbirds at Union Pool. However, there are a number of great shows going on tonight, check out the list after the jump.

DJ Spooky @ BAM
Espers @ The Bell House
Sam Champion @ Union Hall
Pants Yell! @ Bruar Falls
Finding Fiction @ Cameo Gallery
Yes Giantess @ Tribeca Grand Hotel
Ghostland Observatory @ Terminal 5
Friendly Fires & The xx @ Webster Hall
Richard Buckner & Milagres @ Mercury Lounge
Heloise and The Savoir Faire @ Brooklyn Bowl
Stalkers, The Beets, & War Party @ Glasslands
The Queers & The Leftovers @ Maxwell's (early)
Brendan Benson & Cory Chisel @ Maxwell's (late)
El Vez & Los Straightjackets @ Bowery Ballroom
Alicia Hall Moran & Gordon Voidwell @ The Kitchen
Elvis Perkins in Dearland @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
The Young Republic, Electric Black, & I Hate This Place @ Littlefield
Air Waves, Talk Normal, US Girls, & Total Slacker @ Secret Project Robot
Kites, Boogie Boarder, Nick Gazin, Sam Gascan, & Graffiti Monsters @ Death By Audio

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The Summer Set ask "Who's Driving" on tour?

The Summer Set seem to be touring relentlessly, and 2010 will be no exception. In January they'll be on the "Who's Driving Tour" with Every Avenue, The Audition, Sparks The Rescue, and Ian Walsh. Check out the full list of tour dates after jump.

The Summer Set tour dates:
1/08/10 - Elgin, IL @ Mad Maggies
1/09/10 - Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
1/10/10 - Kettering, OH @ The Attic
1/12/10 - Altoona, PA @ The Eldolyn Terrace
1/13/10 - Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon
1/14/10 - Vineland, NJ @ Hanger 84
1/15/10 - Wilmington, DE @ The Harmony Garage Hall
1/16/10 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft @ The Chance
1/17/10 - Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
1/19/10 - Bowling Green, OH @ Howards

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Tupac, Fleet Foxes, and Muse on the Vatican's playlist (and hopefully the Pope's iPod)

Some stories are just too strange to pass up. According to CNN...

Music from late rapper Tupac Shakur has been included as part of the Vatican's official MySpace Music playlist.

The seat of the Catholic Church released a list of 12 songs onto the social networking Web site's streaming music service this week when the site launched in the United Kingdom.

Among selections from Mozart, Muse and Dame Shirley Bassey is the slain rapper's song "Changes," which was released two years after his shooting death on a greatest hits album in 1998.

"The genres are very different from each other, but all these artists share the aim to reach the heart of good minded people," the Vatican wrote on its official MySpace Music page.

As of Thursday night, "Changes" had been played more than 4.6 million times on the Web site.

The list was compiled by Father Giulio Neroni, artistic director of church publisher St Paul's Multimedia. He was also responsible for compiling the Vatican's recent Alma Mater album, which combined Gregorian chants and prayers with classical music and the voice of Pope Benedict XVI speaking in five languages.

Shakur, who spent time in prison for sexual assault, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Nevada in 1996.

The lyrics of "Changes" describe Shakur's desire to change a grim life of drugs, crime and violence on the streets.

Lyrics of the song, which is labeled as "explicit," include 'Is life worth living, should I blast myself?" "Give the crack to the kids, who the hell cares, one less hungry mouth on the welfare," and "My stomach hurts, so I'm looking for a purse to snatch."

At another point, Tupac sings: "Cause both black and white are smokin' crack tonight."

In contrast, the playlist also contains selections from the album "Music of the Vatican" such as "Advocata Nostra" and "Causa Nostrae Laetitiae."

Other contemporary tracks on the mix include Muse's "Uprising" from their new album "The Resistance" and "He Doesn't Know Why" by the folk group Fleet Foxes.

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Harvey Milk's debut release finally gets a proper release in 2010

Harvey Milk (the band not the polician) are gearing up to release their debut album early next year. What? I know what you're thinking. Haven't Harvey Milk been around for a long time and already have several releases in their discography? The fact of the matter is that the album, previously known as The Bob Weston Sessions, has actually never seen a proper release--up until now that is! On January 26, Hydra Head will put this now self-titled Harvey Milk record out for the masses. Track list is after the jump.

Harvey Milk track list:
1. Blueberry Dookie
2. Plastic Eggs
3. Merlin Is Magic
4. Dating Pressures
5. My Fatherʼs Lifeʼs Work
6. Probölkoc
7. Smile
8. Jimʼs Polish
9. F.S.T.P.
10. Anthem

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Freelance Whales sign to Frenchkiss/Mom+Pop Records

Frenchkiss Records announced their latest signing today: New York City's Freelance Whales. Expect an upcoming release from the band in the Spring of 2010. If you just can't wait that long, the band are currently on tour with Fanfarlo and will be swinging back to the Big Apple with a show at Webster Hall on December 18. All tour dates are below.

Freelance Whales tour dates:
12/04 - Walter's on Washington - Houston, TX
12/06 - The Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
12/09 - Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD
12/10 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
12/11 - Iota Cafe - Arlington, VA
12/12 - Brillobox - Pittsburgh, PA
12/14 - Majestic Cafe - Detroit, MI
12/15 - El Mocambo Club - Toronto, ON
12/16 - Il Motore - Montreal, QB
12/17 - TT the Bears - Cambridge, MA
12/18 - Webster Hall - New York, NY

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Pet Shop Boys to release digital Christmas EP

Pet Shop Boys, who album Yes was nominated for a Best Electronic/Dance Album Grammy for Yes this week, have just announced that they will be releasing a special holiday EP. Christmas will be a digital only affair put on by Astralwerks on December 15. Check out the track listing after the jump.



Christmas track list:
It doesn’t often snow at Christmas (new version)
My Girl
All over the world (new version)
Viva la vida/Domino dancing
My Girl (our house mix)

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Dan Deacon remixes Salvador Santana

MP3: Salvador Santana feat. GZA - "Keyboard City (Dan Deacon remix)"

Now this is something interesting. Dan Deacon remixing Salvador Santana's "Keyboard City" (which features GZA). Though the vocals are totally from the world of hip-hop, the music is certainly from the wild mind of Dan Deacon. If you really want to hear Deacon go wild on the vocoder remixing (and, trust me, it's a trip):

MP3: Salvador Santana feat. GZA - "Keyboard City (Dan Deacon alternate remix)"

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Rihanna played MySpace Music's "The Release" at Hammerstein last night

Rihanna | Hammerstein Ballroom | December 3, 2009

A few years back I went out to New Jersey to see Rihanna at Hot97's Summerjam. She was scheduled to play the bill along with Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Public Enemy, but she simply didn't show up. I would later that she bailed on the show to be with Chris Brown in Los Angeles...and we all know how well that turned out! Last night was my chance to catch that missing chunk from Summerjam. Once again, it was a Hot97 affair, but this time it was in conjunction with "The Release," MySpace Music's urban music concert series.

Despite the massive crowds and long lines, "The Release" know how to throw a party, and shortly after doors opened, I found my way inside Hammerstein Ballroom where a DJ played to warm up the crowd. Rihanna ended up taking the stage a little after 9PM playing a few selections from her new album, Rated R, as well as older material like "Disturbia" and "Don't Stop the Music." The finale consisted of costume change and a medley of T.I.'s "Live Your Life," Jay-Z's "Run This Town," and her own "Umbrella." Ultimately, the set seemed a little short, and while I usually enjoy performances that run around a half hour, Rihanna's set was the first show in long time that actually left me wanting more. It's a credit to a larger than life live show, amazing songs, and great performance.

www.rihannanow.com | www.islanddefjam.com

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To Do List: Friday, December 4, 2009

Recommended Show:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009
SHELLSHAG, BIG TROUBLES, SISTERS, & SUNDELLES
@ MONSTER ISLAND
210 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
$7, 8PM

This show was already mentioned a few days ago, but now that day is upon us. Shellshag, Big Troubles, Sisters, and The Sundelles will all play at the Monster Island Basement tonight for a show presented by Radio Flyer Review. However, there are a TON of great shows going on tonight, so check out a more complete list after the jump.

DJ Spooky @ BAM
The Beets @ Silent Barn
The Library @ Union Pool
Mark Ronson @ Wired Store
Slasher Risk @ Glasslands
Nitzer Ebb @ Gramercy Theatre
Mew & Bear in Heaven @ Webster Hall
Good Omens & Free Blood @ Bruar Falls
Raphael Saadiq & Anjulie @ Terminal 5
The Wrens & Palomar @ Maxwell's (early)
The Wrens & Bob Fields @ Maxwell's (late)
Ian McCulloch @ The Studio at Webster Hall
Crystal Antlers & Soren Well @ Cameo Gallery
Brendan Benson & Cory Chisel @ Le Poisson Rouge
The Figgs, The Sights, & Thee Borders @ Cake Shop
Chyld, Quest for Fire, Naam, & Weird Owl @ Pianos
Alicia Hall Moran & Gordon Voidwell @ The Kitchen
Woods, Real Estate, & Cloud Nothings @ Market Hotel
Pissed Jeans @ Lerner Party Space, Columbia University
Sloan, Magneta Lane, & Deleted Scenes @ The Bell House
The Big Pink, Crystal Antlers, & Von Haze @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Bowerbirds, & Dave Godowsky @ Bowery Ballroom
Pink Reason, Sightings, York Factory Complaint, & White Suns @ Death By Audio

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Tori Amos to bring holiday cheer to New York City

Tori Amos is coming to New York City to celebrate the release of her most recent album, Midwinter Graces. She'll be playing some very special performances while she's here, check out below for more info.

December 7 - Etown Holiday In New York at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center - Tickets here
December 9 - WNYC’s “Soundcheck” at the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space - Tickets here (Sold out)
December 11 - Global broadcast from New York’s Electric Lady Studios on Facebook - More info

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Luaka Bop signs Javelin!

We've seen Javelin a bunch of times now, so we're happy to say that the band have signed with Luaka Bop! The band will have their debut LP out early next year! In the meantime, they'll be playing December 11 at the Bowery Ballroom.

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Erin McKeown Nominated For 2 BMAs (she didn't win) + playing Highline Ballroom tomorrow with Jill Sobule

While the Grammy nominations may be the heavyweight award announcement recently, they aren't the only musical honors out there. Erin McKeown was nominated not long ago for two BMAs (that's Boston Music Awards), Female Vocalist Of The Year and Singer-Songwriter Of The Year. She didn't end up winning (the awards ceremony was last night), but you can still catch her when she comes to town tomorrow (Friday) night with the original "I Kissed a Girl" singer Jill Sobule. Check out all of McKeown's dates after the jump.

Erin McKeown tour dates:
Dates marked + w/ Jill Sobule
12/03: Asbury Park, NJ @ The Saint +
12/04: New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom +
12/05: Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live +
12/06: Goshen, MA @ The IMA Big Barn +
12/10: Portland, ME @ One Longfellow Square
12/11: South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Lounge
12/12: Becket, MA @ Dream Away Lodge
12/13: Providence, RI @ The Speakeasy @ Local 121
12/17: Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club & Cafe

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Cazals break up, but still have one more Boring" release

MP3: Cazals - "Life Is Boring (Jali Remix)"

Cazals have broken up. They are no more, but that doesn't seem to be stopping them from putting out one final release. Life Is Boring is getting the remix treatment (including the Jali Remix above) for an Insound exclusive. The limited edition vinyl will be available from Insound starting December 8.

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Jello Biafra (who is currently on tour in Spain) will play New Year's Eve in Portland, OR

Though there is sure to be lot of great shows going on in New York City on December 31st, I have to say that I'm a little bit jealous of Portland, OR right about now. It was recently announced that Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School of Medicine will be playing at the Roseland Theater in the northwestern city to ring in the New Year. Biafra is a legend, so consider yourself lucky, Portlanders! Check out Biafra's dates in Spain (where he is currently on tour) after the jump.

Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School of Medicine tour dates:
Dec 3 2009 - Estraperlo Club - Badalona, Spain
Dec 4 2009 - Sala Assaig - Mallorca, Spain
Dec 5 2009 - Sala El Tren - Granada, Spain
Dec 7 2009 - Kafe Antzoky - Bilbao, Spain
Dec 8 2009 - Sala Albeñiz - Gijón, Spain
Dec 10 2009 - Sala Live - Madrid, Spain
Dec 11 2009 - Cine Teatro Corroios - Lisboa, Portugal
Dec 12 2009 - Sala Capitol - Santiago, Spain
Dec 31 2009 - The Roseland Theater - Portland, OR

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Wakey! Wakey! releasing acoustic digital 7" (+ playing Mercury Lounge tonight)

I'm not sure exactly what it means to release a "digital 7 inch," but that's exactly what Wakey! Wakey! are doing. The "acoustic" part means that the lead song featured is an acoustic version of "Brooklyn," a song originally on the band's War Sweater EP. The "B-side" for this 7" will be an unreleased song called "Clinton St. Girl." This song will NOT be on their upcoming album; however, for a taste of what will be, check the band out tonight as they perform at the Mercury Lounge (217 East Houston Street), and head on over to Thefamilyrecords.com for information on purchasing that digital 7" on December 7!

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Photos from Jaicko's intimate performance at Capitol Records last night

Jaicko | Capitol Records | December 2, 2009

Jaicko has been gearing up for the release of his debut album Can I for a while now. He has been touring with Sean Kingston and playing some early exclusive shows getting ready for the early 2010 release. Last night he stopped by the office of Capitol Records in New York for a very special acoustic performance. Jaicko only had one beatboxing guitarist backing him up, but the simplistic instrumentation created a one-of-a-kind sound. This stripped down environment worked absolutely beautifully for the Barbados-born singer. Photos from the performance are below.

www.myspace.com/jaicko | www.capitolrecords.com

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To Do List: Thursday, December 3, 2009

Recommended Show:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
DAN FRIEL, KNYFE HYTS, DINOWALRUS, & ELECTRIC TICKLE MACHINE
@ UNION POOL
484 Union Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
$8, 9PM

There are tons of great shows going on tonight. However, don't expect to see Rihanna at Hammerstein unless you're already in line, and Imogen Heap at the Music Hall of Williamsburg is already sold out. However, with an amazing lineup at Union Pool tonight, this show might be the best bang for your buck.

The Queers @ Southpaw
The Wrens @ Maxwell's
Flobots @ Brooklyn Bowl
Soundpool @ Cameo Gallery
NinjaSonik @ Public Assembly
Rihanna @ Hammerstein Ballroom
Liturgy & Goes Cube @ Fontana's
Gil Mantera's Party Dream @ Europa
Bear in Heaven @ Sound Fix Records
The Binary Marketing Show @ Glasslands
North Highlands & Neighbors @ Cake Shop
Imogen Heap @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Good Old War & Cast Spells @ Knitting Factory
The Sights, The Figgs, & The Nouvellas @ Bruar Falls
Field Music, Wye Oak, Pulsars!!, & Rumours @ The Bell House
The Big Pink, Crystal Antlers, & Von Haze @ Bowery Ballroom
Your 33 Black Angels, Wakey! Wakey!, & Casey Shea @ Mercury Lounge

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The Grammy Nominees were announced!

The Grammy nominees were announced today. Beyoncé has more nominations than anyone (in a large part thanks to the number of R&B awards), but Lady Gaga racked up a good collection herself. Check out the list of Grammy Award nominations (that we care about) after the jump. For a full list with all those "Best Classical Producer" noms and others like that, visit grammy.com.


Record Of The Year
Beyoncé - "Halo"
The Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
Kings Of Leon - "Use Somebody"
Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"
Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me"

Album Of The Year
Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce
The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.
Lady Gaga - The Fame
Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
Taylor Swift - Fearless

Song Of The Year
Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"
Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"
Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"
Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me"

Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Adele - "Hometown Glory"
Beyoncé - "Halo"
Katy Perry - "Hot N Cold"
Pink - "Sober"
Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me"

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
John Legend - "This Time"
Maxwell - "Love You"
Jason Mraz - "Make It Mine"
Seal - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
Stevie Wonder - "All About The Love Again"

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
The Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
Bon Jovi - "We Weren't Born To Follow"
The Fray - "Never Say Never"
Daryl Hall & John Oates - "Sara Smile"
MGMT - "Kids"

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Rosanne Cash & Bruce Springsteen - "Sea Of Heartbreak"
Ciara & Justin Timberlake - "Love Sex Magic"
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat - "Lucky"
Willie Nelson & Norah Jones - "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
Taylor Swift & Colbie Caillat - "Breathe"

Best Pop Vocal Album
The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.
Colbie Caillat - Breakthrough
Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
The Fray - The Fray
Pink - Funhouse

Best Dance Recording
The Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
David Guetta & Kelly Rowland - "When Love Takes Over"
Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"
Madonna - "Celebration"
Britney Spears - "Womanizer"

Best Electronic/Dance Album
The Crystal Method - Divided By Night
David Guetta - One Love
Lady Gaga - The Fame
LMFAO - Party Rock
Pet Shop Boys - Yes

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
Bob Dylan - "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'"
John Fogerty - "Change In The Weather"
Prince - "Dreamer"
Bruce Springsteen - "Working On A Dream"
Neil Young - "Fork In The Road"

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - "Can't Find My Way Home"
Coldplay - "Life In Technicolor II"
Green Day - "21 Guns"
Kings Of Leon - "Use Somebody"
U2 - "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"

Best Hard Rock Performance
AC/DC - "War Machine"
Alice In Chains - "Check My Brain"
Linkin Park - "What I've Done"
Metallica - "The Unforgiven III"
Nickelback - "Burn It To The Ground"

Best Metal Performance
Judas Priest - "Dissident Aggressor"
Lamb Of God - "Set To Fail"
Megadeth - "Head Crusher"
Ministry - "Señor Peligro"
Slayer - "Hate Worldwide"

Best Rock Song
Pearl Jam - "The Fixer"
U2 - "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
Green Day - "21 Guns"
Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"
Bruce Springsteen - "Working on a Dream"

Best Rock Album
AC/DC - Black Ice
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - Live From Madison Square Garden
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
U2 - No Line On The Horizon

Best Alternative Music Album
David Byrne & Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Death Cab For Cutie - The Open Door
Depeche Mode - Sounds Of The Universe
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Melanie Fiona - "It Kills Me"
Lalah Hathaway - "That Was Then"
Ledisi - "Goin' Thru Changes"
Jazmine Sullivan- "Lions, Tigers & Bears"

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Anthony Hamilton - "The Point Of It All"
Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"
Musiq Soulchild - "Sobeautiful"
Pleasure P - "Under"
Charlie Wilson - "There Goes My Baby"

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Jamie Foxx & T-Pain - "Blame It"
India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild - "Chocolate High"
Musiq Soulchild & Mary J. Blige - "Ifuleave"
Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters - "Higher Ground"
Calvin Richardson & Ann Nesby - "Love Has Finally Come At Last"

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
Beyoncé - "At Last"
Anthony Hamilton - "Soul Music"
Boney James & Quinn - "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight"
Ann Nesby - "Sow Love"
Calvin Richardson - "Woman Gotta Have It"

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
The Foreign Exchange - "Daykeeper"
Robert Glasper & Bilal - "All Matter"
India.Arie & Dobet Gnahore - "Pearls"
Eric Roberson, Ben O'Neill & Michelle Thompson - "A Tale Of Two"
Tonex - "Blend"

Best R&B Song
Jamie Foxx & T-Pain - "Blame It"
Jazmine Sullivan - "Lions, Tigers & Bears"
Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"
Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Pleasure P - "Under"

Best R&B Album
Anthony Hamilton - The Point Of It All
India.Arie - Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics
Ledisi - Turn Me Loose
Maxwell - Blacksummers' Night
Charlie Wilson - Uncle Charlie

Best Contemporary R&B Album
Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce
Jamie Foxx - Intuition
Pleasure P - The Introduction Of Marcus Cooper
Trey Songz - Ready
T-Pain - Thr33 Ringz

Best Rap Solo Performance
Drake - "Best I Ever Had"
Eminem - "Beautiful"
Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)"
Kid Cudi - "Day 'N' Nite"
Mos Def - "Casa Bey"

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
Beastie Boys & Nas - "Too Many Rappers"
Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent - "Crack A Bottle"
Fabolous & Jay-Z - "Money Goes, Honey Stay"
Kid Cudi, Kanye West & Common - "Make Her Say"
Kanye West & Young Jeezy - "Amazing"

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Beyoncé & Kanye West - "Ego"
Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo - "Knock You Down"
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West - "Run This Town"
The Lonely Island & T-Pain - "I'm On A Boat"
T.I. & Justin Timberlake - "Dead And Gone"

Best Rap Song
Drake - "Best I Ever Had"
Kid Cudi - "Day 'N' Nite"
T.I. & Justin Timberlake - "Dead and Gone"
Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)"
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West - "Run This Town"

Best Rap Album
Common - Universal Mind Control
Eminem - Relapse
Flo Rida - R.O.O.T.S.
Mos Def - The Ecstatic
Q-Tip - The Renaissance

Best Americana Album
Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
Levon Helm - Electric Dirt
Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel - Willie And The Wheel
Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Lucinda Williams - Little Honey

Best Contemporary Folk Album
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
Tracy Chapman - Our Bright Future
Shawn Colvin - Live
Elvis Costello - Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
Steve Earle - Townes

Best Comedy Album
Spinal Tap - Back From The Dead
Stephen Colbert - A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All!
"Weird Al" Yankovic - Internet Leaks
Patton Oswalt - My Weakness Is Strong
Kathy Griffin - Suckin’ It For The Holidays
George Lopez - Tall, Dark & Chicano

Best Short Form Music Video
Beast - "Mr. Hurricane"
The Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
Coldplay - "Life In Technicolor II"
Depeche Mode - "Wrong"
Oren Lavie - "Her Morning Elegance"

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Album Review: Foot Village - Anti-Magic (Cassette Version)

FOOT VILLAGE
ANTI-MAGIC (Cassette Version)
(Rock Is Hell Records)
www.footvillage.org

Before I even start writing this review I should probably point out a conflict of interest. Back when Foot Village announced that they were recording a new album, they asked for submissions to help them create a "We Are the World" style version of the album's final song, "Chicken & Cheese 2." I put on my musician's hat and submitted my cover of their song. My version appears in a strange mix alongside many other artists (including Lucky Dragons, AIDS Wolf, and Radio Shock) on the cassette version of Anti-Magic, which is different from the iTunes and CD versions.

Self-interest aside, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Foot village. The concept of the band is one of those things that many have had the idea for but few (if any) have ever actually pulled it off. Four drummers, all of whom sing into the air or megaphones, simply pound their hearts out for the entire length of the album. The end result sounds like a mix of something tribal in nature with elements from the noise scene (they aren't afraid of feedback!). There are times I wonder how they create some of the sounds that they do with this setup--the last song on the first side has something that totally sounds like a squealing guitar, but there's no mention of it in the liner notes--it would almost seem contrary to the band's image anyway.

However, in this case I am specifically reviewing the cassette version of Anti-Magic--it's not just due to that element of self-interest described above! I have a soft spot for cassettes, but I learned not too long ago that simply throwing a recording onto cassette isn't always appealing. Foot Village not only make it work, they've crafted a sound that might just sound better on that whirring magnetic tape. Yes, there is a bit of hum to it (perhaps just from the fact that my tape player is not that great), but it also is warm in way. There are still bands that insist on recording with magnetic tape for this "warm" feel, so is it any stretch for a band to achieve this same effect by releasing the songs on cassette?

The thing that impressed me most about Anti-Magic on cassette weren't all these nuanced things--it was that there was actually a great deal of care taken into making this an actual release. The tape is numbered (mine is 17 out of 100), and comes is a little box with full album art. It seems only slightly shrunken from what the CD might look like. Considering how easily music is pirated these days, this offers something different and unique on a DIY budget.

Oh, and if you're wondering how "Chicken & Cheese 2" sounds on this...one word: amazing.

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They Might Be Giants schedule some family friendly shows for Decemeber

Starting a career as a kids band was probably a good move for They Might Be Giants. For each city they play, they can often schedule two shows in a single day--one early for kids and one late night for adults. Many of the band's upcoming December shows follow this pattern. On 12/28 they play Washington, DC's 9:30 Club with a kids show at 4PM and an adult show at 9PM. They play New Year's Eve in Northampton, MA at Calvin Theatre, and once again there is a kids show at 3PM and an adult show at 8PM. The exception to this? The band play at the New York Hall of Science in Queens for two family friendly shows on 12/13 (one at 1PM and one at 3:15PM). They kick it all off after playing The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson on December 11 with special guest John Hodgman.

They Might Be Giants tour dates:
12/13 - Queens, NY @ New York Hall of Science
family shows @ 1 pm and 3:15 pm
12/28 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club,
kids show @ 4 pm, adult show @ 9 pm
12/31 - Northhampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre,
kids show @ 3 pm, adult show @ 8pm

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The Dodos get interviewed by Joe Walker (from Breakfast at Sulimay’s)

As we've said, Breakfast at Sulimay's is always hilarious. Getting one of the old reviewers to actually interview a band takes it to the next level. Joe Walker from the internet phenomenon interviews The Dodos in this latest incarnation. You can also head over to Pitchfork to see a music video of The Dodos' "Long Form."

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Sub Pop still releases 7"s (from Avi Buffalo, who come to NYC in January)

MP3: Avi Buffalo - "What's In It For?"

Remember how Sub Pop Records used to have to have that awesome 7" singles club? Well, the singles club may be long gone, but the label still puts out some amazing 7"s from time to time. The latest is from Long Beach, California's Avi Buffalo. What’s In It For? will be released by Sub Pop on December 8th. Check out an MP3 above. In addition, the band will be making their way to New York City for the first time EVER in January. First on January 18th, they'll play Bowery Ballroom supporting Final Fantasy. Then they'll headline their own show the next night at Union Pool.

Avi Buffalo tour dates:
Dec 5 - Los Angeles, CA - Pehrspace
Jan 18 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
Jan 19 - Brooklyn, NY - Union Pool

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The Word reunite!

Chris Chew, Cody Dickinson and Luther Dickinson (all three from North Mississippi Allstars), John Medeski (of Medeski Martin and Wood), and Robert Randolph (of Robert Randolph and the Family Band) are getting back together as The Word for a series of three shows, which includes a New Year's Eve performance at Terminal 5 right here in New York City. The Word have only one self-titled album (released back in 2001) and have only had toured a small amount since. Each member has been keeping busy with their own projects of course (with Medeski Martin and Wood releasing a box set next week for instance). Check out the full list of tour dates for The Word after the jump.

The Word tour dates:
Dec 30 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre for the Living Arts
Dec 31 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
Jan 1 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room

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McCarren Park Pool groundbreaking to take place on December 7

One of the biggest complaints about moving concerts from McCarren Park Pool was that the space hadn't changed. No construction had taken place, and it was still usable for shows. The argument still rages on at Brooklyn Vegan any time the words "JellyNYC" or "Pool Parties" are mentioned. Well, on Monday, December 7, McCarren Park Pool will be off the table as the groundbreaking will take place with a ceremony to start the construction of the renovation of McCarren Pool and Community Center. On a related note, JellyNYC are still looking for a location to host their free summer concerts for the 2010 season.

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