BECK TO LAUNCH NEW COVERS PROJECT

Beck is launching a new section to his website, Beck.com, which will see him invite various other musicians into a studio to cover an entire album in one day with no rehearsals or advance planning. He will upload tracks from these sessions to his website, while other artists who are involved will also be invited to include tracks on their sites. The first album to be covered is 'The Velvet Underground & Nico'. This sounds like a brilliant idea, I can't wait.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

SAVE POLYVINYL'S STOCK

10,000 records pressed by US indie label Polyvinyl risk being destroyed as their distributor is downsizing its warehouse. Apart from being very wasteful, it would be a tragedy, as Polyvinyl's roster is packed full of great stuff. Among the CDs and DVDs facing the crusher are albums by Of Montreal, Mates Of State, and Architecture In Helsinki.

So, the company are asking for people to donate money to help them cover the costs of clearing the overstock. In return for these donations, you'll get (funnily enough) some of the records they're trying to shift.

Here's what your money will get you:

$5: A DVD
$10: Two CDs and a DVD
$15: Five CDs and a DVD
$20: eight CDs and DVD
$30: Thirteen CDs and a DVD
$50: Twenty six CDs and two DVDs

For details of which specific CDs and DVDs feature in each package, and to give Polyvinyl your cash, go here

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

SINGLE REVIEW: The Big Pink - Stop The World (Beggars/4AD)

Riding on the back of the success of first single 'Velvet', The Big Pink's 'Stop The World' is another heavily stomping indie track with the face of Kasabian, the brain of Glasvegas and the heart of Jesus And Mary Chain. Despite its drone-like intentions, however, the track is close to squeaky clean and, God forbid, a little NME-punter friendly. If The Big Pink aren't sucked into the oftentimes sound-killing vortex of "this is the greatest band you'll ever hear EVER this year goddamn, this is 2009, woo!", then my guess is they'll be okay. 'Stop The World' is another loud anthemic tune that could get old fast, but has enough melodic quality and scuzzy shoegaze influence that makes it credible without too much pretention.
TW
Release Date: 29 Jun

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

The Victorian English Gentlemens Club: Dates

July
03 Clwb Ifor Bach – Cardiff
06 The Lexington (single launch) – London
August
03 Ruby Lounge – Manchester
04 The Cabaret Voltaire – Edinburgh
05 King Tuts – Glasgow
06 Fibbers – York
07 The Cluny – Newcastle
08 Moles club – Bath
09 The Flapper – Birmingham

Hjaltalín: Dates and Single

Hjaltalín play these dates and release a new single 'Goodbye July' (release date still tbc):

July
Sat 4 Hitchin, Rhythms of the World Festival

Sun 19 Latitude Festival (stage time, approx 1.15 but details still tbc)
Mon 20 Brighton Latest Music Bar
Tue 21 London The Lexington
Wed 22 Manchester Deaf Institute
Thu 23 Newcastle Cluny II
Fri 24 Birmingham Rainbow
Sat 25 Truck Festival (main stage)
Sun 26 Reading South Street Arts Centre
Mon 27 Nottingham Bodega
Tue 28 Bristol Louisiana

SINGLE REVIEW: The Maccabees - Can You Give It (Universal/Fiction)

Continuing their evolution from standard indie plodders with cool haircuts, The Maccabees have released their second single in a row that stays in the memory for much longer than the three minutes it lasts. As hinted in the brilliant 'Love You Better', frontman Orlando Weeks' voice has matured into something approaching menace, and the military drums and epic tremolo guitar rival Editors for potential stadium grandiosity. Surely a hit for the busy festival season, and a thankful display of a band overcoming second album syndrome and actually turning talk and ideas into truly worthy output. Hopefully this single sets a precedent for many more to follow.
TM
Release Date: 6 Jul

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

SUPERGRASS CHAPS DO NEW PROJECT

Danny Goffey and Gaz Coombes of Supergrass have teamed up with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich on a new project called 'Hot Rats', and, according to NME, are busy working on a covers album, which will feature new versions of tracks from the likes of The Kinks, Roxy Music and Gang Of Four. The group will play live at the Glastonbury, Truck, Bestival and the Reading and Leeds festivals.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

VENTURES MAN BOB BOGLE DIES

Bob Bogle, one of the two founders of legendary and influential band The Ventures, has died at the age of 75 after suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Bogle first met Ventures co-founder Don Wilson in Seattle in 1958, and the two men initially played as a duo, performing at small clubs and parties. They later became a four piece, which went through a number of line up changes over the years. Their instrumental style made their music palatable to a truly international audience, and they developed a huge following around the world, especially in Japan. Major hits included 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'Telstar/The Lonely Bull', and their work is considered to have been pivotal in the development of the surf sound.

The band were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in March last year. At the event, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, speaking of The Ventures' 1960 hit 'Walk - Don't Run', told the audience: "That song started a whole new movement in rock 'n' roll. The sound of it became 'surf music', and the audacity of it empowered guitarists everywhere".

Bandmate Wilson has paid tribute, saying: "His last four years have not been pleasant at all; it's kind of a blessing he doesn't have to endure that pain anymore. I never had a brother, but he's the brother I never had. But he was much more than a brother to me. He was one of the kindest men I ever met".

Bogle is survived by his wife Yumi, six children, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

KATY PERRY SUES NAMESAKE OVER NAME

I'd love to know the background to this case. Whose idea was it? Does this come from Katy Perry herself, or some idiot lawyer pushing his luck?

Australian fashion designer Katie Perry says she has received a legal letter from lawyers representing her American pop singing differently-spelled namesake ordering her to stop putting her name - her own name - on the clothes she designs. Even though she spells it differently than the pop star, has been using her name on her loungewear line for two years, ie since before Katy Perry's career-launching pop album debut last summer, and Katy Perry isn't even Katy Perry's birth name.

Commenting on the legal letter, the Aussie Perry told reporters: "I got such a huge shock. It really felt like I was being intimidated and bullied into signing everything away. [The letter] asked me to give up the trademark, withdraw sale of my clothes, withdraw any advertising and any websites, and sign that I will not in the future use a similar trademark to Katy Perry. I pretty much burst into tears. I love my business. I'm not going to give it away without a fight either. I'm not trying to become a singer. I'm not pretending to be her. This is my income. And it's the livelihood of my contractors as well".

Assuming there isn't some sort of confusion going on here, and Katy's lawyers are really making these demands, I really hope it goes to court and the judge tells popstar Perry's attorneys to fuck off and die. And in the meantime we should all boycott Katy Perry's records and buy a nice Katie Perrie jumper instead.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

A Hawk And A Hacksaw's UK tour starts today (16 June) in Brighton

The dates in full:

Tuesday 16 June
Duke of York's Picturehouse, BRIGHTON (with Sons Of Noel & Adrian)
Preston Circus, BN1 4NA
Doors 9pm
Tickets £11.00 adv/£13.00 door
http://www.meltingvinyl.co.uk

Wednesday 17 June
Fiddlers Club, BRISTOL Willway St, BS3 4BG
Doors 8pm
Tickets £8.00 adv
http://www.qujunktions.com

Thursday 18 June
Cecil Sharp House, LONDON (with Highlife & Stephanie Hladowski)
Doors 8pm
Tickets £12.50 adv
http://www.milesofsmiles.co.uk

Friday 19 June
BALTIC, GATESHEAD
Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Tickets £10 adv / £11
http://www.no-fi.org.uk

Saturday 20 June
Tolbooth, STIRLING
Jail Wynd, FK8 1DE
Doors 7.45pm
Tickets £10.00 / £12.00
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth

Sunday 21 June
The Arches, GLASGOW
Glasgow International Jazz Festival
253 Argyle St, G2 8DL
Doors 8pm
Tickets £10.00
http://www.thearches.co.uk

Monday 22 June
The Ruby Lounge, MANCHESTER
26-28 High St, M4 1QB
Doors
Tickets £10 adv
http://www.myspace.com/wotgodforgot

Tuesday 23 June
Hare & Hounds, BIRMINGHAM
High St, B14 7JZ
Doors 8pm
Tickets £10.00
http://www.capsule.org.uk

Wednesday 24 June
Holywell Music Room, OXFORD
Holywell St, OX1 3SD
Doors 8pm
Tickets £10.00 / £12.00

Thursday 25 June
Arts Centre, NORWICH
St. Benedict's St, NR2 4PG
Doors 7.45pm
Tickets £10.00 adv / £11.00
http://www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Friday 26 June
The 1 in 12 Club, BRADFORD
21-23 Albion Street, BD1 2LY
Doors 7.30pm
Tickets £5
http://www.1in12.com

Friday 10 July
Lounge On The Farm, CANTERBURY
http://www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk

Saturday 11 July
South Street Arts Centre, READING (with Sleeps in Oysters)
21 South St, RG1 4QU
Doors 8pm
Tickets £10
http://www.readingarts.com/southstreet

Sunday 12 July
The Gate, CARDIFF
Keppoch Street, CF24 3JW
Doors 7.30pm
Tickets £10
http://www.thegate.org.uk

SINGLE REVIEW: Basement Jaxx - Raindrops (Beggars/XL Recordings)

Basement Jaxx are literally kicking off the summer, almost single-handedly. Not only are they headlining a host of huge festivals but they've announced the arrival of all things sunny and joyous with 'Raindrops'. The first single from their forthcoming album, 'Scars', 'Raindrops' is an instantly immortal Basement Jaxx track. It's catchy, upbeat, and manages to perfectly fuse pop and dance without seeming even remotely mainstream. The single artwork matches the atmosphere and feel of the entire song; a celebration of the cleansing notion and ultimate power of raindrops. An incredible return to form for Basement Jaxx who have issued a warning to the many summer-anthem impostors that will be making the rounds this (hopefully) sunny season. If 'Raindrops' is anything to go by, Jaxx's new album will own this summer.
GM
Release Date: 22 Jun

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Blur Play Comeback Gig

Blur played the first of those previously reported intimate live dates on Saturday night in preparation for their bigger dates later this summer. The band's original line up played a set at the East Anglian Railway Museum, near Colchester, where the group performed their first ever gig twenty years ago. "It's a bit different to last time we played here," Damon Albarn told his audience, who consisted mainly of friends and family, and included producer Stephen Street.

According to reports, the band played all the old favourites, including 'Girls and Boys', 'Tracy Jacks', 'Coffee And TV', 'Country House', 'Popscene' and 'To The End'. During the course of the gig, Albarn added: "Thanks for coming to see us play. I don't know if it's been 10 years, but 10 years is an easy number!"

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

ALBUM REVIEW: Future Of The Left - Travels With Myself And Another (Beggars/4AD)

The second album from the masters of punk with wit, hooks and rhythm is another stripped, simple, impassioned affair that clocks in at just over half an hour, keeping to a well-expressed point, with no chance for reflection along the way. God, more bands should be like this. 'Travels With Myself And Another' is an album that could teach Newton a thing or two. All notions of resistance and friction are forgotten, as each joule of potential energy stored in Jack Egglestone, Andy Falkous and Kelson Mathias is transformed into something powerfully kinetic - these three guys have the dynamism of the Hoover Dam. Opening track 'Arming Eritrea' may bring to mind Biffy Clyro early on, but Future Of The Left thankfully lack the pretension that mars the viscera of Kilmarnock's most famous exports. And Falkous' vocals could never be mistaken for anyone else, all enraptured in cynicism, pessimism and spite, yet so excited for it all. It's as if Scrappy Doo smoked 40 a day, and was taught the ways of the world by Charles Manson rather than Scooby. Which I think is what we all wanted to happen really. Few bands mix humour, anger and brilliant music so well, and all in 30 minutes. In a perfect world - the future for British music.
TM
Release Date: 22 June

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

DJs Arrested For Stealing Their Own Music

Well, this is an interesting way of going about credit card fraud - a remix of the original concept if you like. A group of ten DJs from around England have been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently acquiring some £200,000 by using stolen credit cards to buy their own music off online music services like Amazon and iTunes.

It's alleged that the DJ types, who range between the ages of 19 and 46, uploaded some tunes they'd made to the digital music stores. Then they went online using 1500 different stolen credit cards and bought their own music, spending some £450,000, and earning themselves £200,000 in royalties. Simple.

The group hail from London and the Midlands, and were arrested as part of a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and the FBI.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Macca To Rerelease Solo Catalogue Via One Little Indian

In another snub to poor old EMI, Paul McCartney has reportedly struck a deal with London independent One Little Indian regarding the re-release of his solo back catalogue. Macca worked with EMI on most of his post-Beatles career but left the major in 2007 to release a new album via what was then Starbucks' record label Hearmusic. At the time he said he'd continue to work with EMI on his classical projects, but it wasn't clear what he had in mind for his back catalogue, which he controls.

Well, it seems that since then Macca has become even more disillusioned with the ever evolving EMI, and at the same time was impressed with Team Indian when they worked on 'Electric Arguments', last year's third album from the former Beatles' side project The Fireman. Which has led to the indie winning the deal to repackage and re-release Macca's previous solo work, 'Frog Chorus' and all.

One of those sources told the Sun: "Paul has been unimpressed with EMI for quite some time now. He's really enjoyed working with One Little Indian on his Fireman project, so didn't think twice about giving them the responsibility of handling his solo catalogue too".

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Phoenix: Dates

Sunday 19 July – SOUTHWOLD – Latitude Festival
Friday 24 July – CAMBRIDGESHIRE – Secret Garden Festival
Saturday 25 July – DORSET – Camp Bestival
Saturday 22 August – CHELMSFORD – V Festival
Sunday 23 August – STAFFORD – V Festival
Sunday 25 October – GLASGOW – Arches (£13)
Monday 26 October – BRISTOL – 02 Academy (£13)
Tuesday 27 October – MANCHESTER – Academy2 (£13)
Wednesday 28 October – LONDON – Brixton Academy (£15)

SINGLE REVIEW: The Rumble Strips - Not The Only Person (Universal/Island/Fallout)

Take a hit making producer, mix in an award winning violinist and garnish it with Devon's finest (sorry, Muse fans!) and the outcome is one fine piece of music. 'Not The Only Person', the first single to be taken from The Rumble Strips' highly anticipated second album 'Welcome To The Walk Alone', has been produced by none other than the 'King Of Brass' Mark Ronson. This can only be a good thing since he has the ability to bang out catchy songs left right and centre. However, what makes the track really stand out are the strings arranged by Owen Pallet who has previously worked with Arcade Fire on both 'Funeral' and 'Neon Bible', and also with The Last Shadow Puppets. So, no pressure then! However, it all works and, despite the above names' involvement, everything we love about the Strips has been kept intact. Lead singer Charlie Waller comforts us with the song's hook "You're not the only person to get it wrong, it's alright" and you know it is! His voice is as wonderful as ever and enhanced by a 60s-esque set up, it's very likeable. A welcome return by the boys.
SD

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Arctic Monkeys Name New Album

The new Arctic Monkeys album will be called 'Humbug' and will be released on 24 Aug. The names of some of the songs on it will be 'My Propeller', 'Crying Lightning', 'Dangerous Animals', 'Secret Door' and 'Fire And Thud'. Imagine that.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Glastonbury Tickets Delay Murder Trial

Not really a pop courts story, but a murder trial being heard in a North London court has been postponed because one of the jurors has got Glastonbury tickets.

With the murder case set to run for weeks, and very probably through Glasto week (24-28 Jun), said juror asked to be excused from the case, but the judge refused and the trial began. But then the judge had a change of heart after someone seemingly explained to him what a big deal a trip to Glasto is - and, possibly, that a Glastonbury ticket is non-refundable and quite hard to sell on the secondary ticketing market because it has the ticket holder's name printed on it.

According to the Daily Mail, Judge Radford subsequently halted the trial and excused the Glasto fan, telling him: "If you had elaborated a bit more on what going to Glastonbury entailed I would have stood you down this morning. I think you perhaps presupposed a bit too much knowledge on my part. This is essentially a pre-booked holiday, and you have organised to go with friends. A new jury will be sworn in on Wednesday morning allowing the trial to begin".

The late in the day decision means the trial will have to start again with a new jury, something which could cost the criminal justice system several thousand pounds apparently. Perhaps they could have just moved the trial to Worthy Farm for the week - if any festival can accommodate a Court Of Justice Tent, surely its Glasto.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Patrick Wolf Arrested

According to reports, and his Twitter account, Patrick Wolf was arrested in San Francisco on Monday because he spat in a bouncer's face when at the city's Slim venue for a performance on his US tour.

The singer Tweeted as followed: "Was arrested by san fran police for spitting in a bouncer's face in protection of myself. Was almost shot in the face by a policeman. WTF? was told by the policeman "take your shitty ass music out of this city and if you ever step off that tour bus you will be ***** Feeling very thelma and louise right now.. must sleep... not allowed off the bus or i will be shot by a policeman. this country is insane!!! btw. apparently my spit DEFINITELY contains hiv, swine flu and hepatitis that is why my spit is a deadly weapon according to police here!"

Well, to be fair, some pretty nasty stuff can be passed on that way. And spitting is a really nasty thing to do in my opinion. No offence, PW.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

The Warlocks: UK Dates

UK Tour
Jul 10 2009 La Maroquinerie Paris
Jul 14 2009 The Other Rooms Newcastle, Wales
Jul 15 2009 Fibbers York, Northeast
Jul 16 2009 Roadhouse Manchester
Jul 17 2009 Monochrome Liverpool
Jul 18 2009 The Bodega Nottingham
Jul 19 2009 The Rainbow Rooms Birmingham, Midlands
Jul 20 2009 Barfly Cardiff, Wales
Jul 21 2009 Thekla Bristol, Southwest
Jul 22 2009 Southend Railway Hotel Essex, East
Jul 23 2009 Hoxton Square Bar &Kitchen London, London and South East
Jul 24 2009 Audio Brighton, South
Jul 25 2009 Joiners Southampton, London and South East

ALBUM REVIEW: Tiny Masters Of Today - Skeletons (EMI/Mute)

One of the only names that yes, you CAN let fool you, Tiny Masters Of Today are, indeed, quite tiny - fifteen and thirteen years old, to be exact. And this is their second album. This brother and sister team started writing songs together when they were eight and ten, releasing their debut single a year later, so they're almost old pros now. But are they any good, or is this a novelty act that's gone on too long? Well, having continued to cement their position on the Brooklyn indie scene since the release of their first album in 2007, and having adopted MisShapes' Garth Algar lookalike and super-cute Jackson Pollis as their touring drummer, TMOT are growing into their shoes quite nicely. And I can only see them continue to do so as they grow older. They have a sound similar to defunct Nashville garage-rock outfit Be Your Own Pet - the lyrics aren't exactly profound, and they're not going to change the world with them, but who cares when the sound of the music is this fun and energetic? And while there's still something a little bit sinister about listening to a couple of kids play their guitars better than I can, 'Skeletons' is actually a pretty catchy record with a few good, solid tracks on it. From the scuzzy, sweet 'Real Good' to the very cool sound of 'Big Bass Drum', this album certainly has a focus and is not as all-over-the-place as one might imagine.
TW

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Thom Yorke To Play Latitude

Thom Yorke will perform a rare solo set at this year's Latitude festival. Sunday lunchtime on the main stage will be handled by the Radiohead frontman, who will start playing at exactly midday, not one moment sooner or later, on 19 Jul.

Yorke, of course, released a solo album, 'Eraser', in 2006, but aside from the odd acoustic appearance, has rarely played live as a solo artist. Announcing the set, Latitude organiser Melvin Benn said: "That it is a special one-off performance for Latitude only fills me with enormous pride at the statement it makes about the festival".

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Hafdis Huld Stuff

Bit of trivia for you. Hafdis Huld's 2006 album 'Dirty Paper Cup' won Best Pop Album at the Icelandic Music Awards, but, more importantly, is really quite good at calming down small children who are being tired and fractious in the back of your car.

The singer, formerly of GusGus, is on tour in the UK at the moment, and recently had this to say about the filming of the video for her new single 'Kongulo': "Kongulo means spider in Icelandic and the song is about a Frenchman they call the human spiderman. He climbs tall buildings using just his bare hands and has his long hair streaming out behind him and he's very cool. His name is Alain Robert and I wrote to him and he wrote back but he couldn't be in my video because he's just been arrested in Australia for climbing another building. So instead I got my friend Ben to dress up in a Spiderman costume and we took a picnic to the woods and while I sang the song, Ben tried to climb a tall tree. He had to use a rope because he's not good at climbing trees - but he wasn't very good at that either and kept getting stuck upside down! He's now got blisters all over his hands, which isn't very rock and roll, but I gave him some chocolate and he's OK now".

Given all of Ben's efforts, you really ought to go watch the video here... www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke0pQzZQ-6g

And, assuming you like the music you hear, then go check out one of the following Hafdis gigs (though I can't guarantee Ben will be doing any climbing at them)...

10 Jun: Birmingham, Academy 3
11 Jun: Bath, The Porter
14 Jun: Reading, The Oakford
16 Jun: Brighton, The Freebutt
18 Jun: Glasgow, Brel
22 Jun: London, Pure Grooves - instore
23 Jun: London, Slaughtered Lamb
25 Jul: Secret Garden Party

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Songwriter Kenny Rankin Dies

Musician and singer songwriter Kenny Rankin, who also wrote songs for the likes of Peggy Lee and Mel Torme, has died at the age of 69 in Los Angeles. He had been suffering from lung cancer.

Rankin was born and raised in New York and encouraged in his musical pursuits by his mother. He began his career as a singer-songwriter, releasing a number of albums in the seventies that made the Billboard Top 100, and which brought him a considerable following.

He was to prove more interested in jazz than pop, however, and as time went on his style developed to have a more jazz orientated sound. He went on, as aforementioned, to write songs for other artists, as well as reworking classic songs, one such being The Beatles' track 'Blackbird', which Rankin recorded on his 1975 album 'Silver Morning', and which impressed Paul McCartney so much that he asked Rankin to perform it at his and John Lennon's songwriters' Hall Of Fame induction.

Denny Stilwell of Rankin's label Mack Avenue Records, said: "That he was still at the top of his game is one of the saddest parts of his passing for me. He performed the new material in our office over the last few months and his voice was still in its finest form - he sounded absolutely amazing. Our hearts and prayers are with his family".

Rankin is survived by a son, two daughters and one grandchild.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Jeff Healey Widow Sued For Criticising Box Set

The widow of late Canadian jazz blues rock man Jeff Healey is being sued over allegations she conspired with her late husband's former publicist and a Toronto-based radio host to stop people from buying a Healey box set they released.

Winnipeg-based label Arbor released 'Legacy: Volume One', a collection of previously unreleased music by the famous blind guitarist and musician, last Autumn, six month's after Healey's death from cancer.

I'm not sure where Arbor got the recordings from, but Cristie Healey said she didn't endorse the release. She issued a statement at the time saying: "We ask that Jeff's fans please refrain from purchasing this compilation out of respect for Jeff and his family".

That pissed off Arbor, who say their sales were hit by Healey's statement. They are suing her, Healey's publicist and talk shot host Bill Carroll, who is presumably named for publicising Cristie's statement. Arbor say the trio "conspired" to stop people from buying their product.

Under what laws Arbor hope to sue Mrs Healey et al I'm really not sure. The defendants are yet to respond to the litigation.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

The Horrors at Electric Ballroom in London on 5 Jun

I've never attended a gig before where I've been squashed so thoroughly and actually enjoyed it - er, not in a weird way, mind you. "Is that The Horrors? Yeah, 1963 called, they want their Beatles fans back". After getting used to the fact that I was being swung around like a bag of potatoes at a farmer's market for the majority of the proceedings whilst standing beside a troop of screaming young ladies, I found myself fully immersed in a spectacular live experience that was truly like no other. The Horrors - flanked by special guests acts German band 1000 Robota (who had a captivating novelty charm, and in my opinion should have been higher on the bill) and mysteriously-lit drone borers Factory Floor - spent their entire set, bar encore, playing material from their sophomore and most recent album 'Primary Colours'. The split was well received - 'New Ice Age' and 'Scarlet Fields', not only highlights from the LP but definite new live favourites, had revved the crowd up to hyperactivity by the time that they came out for three last songs chosen specifically from 'Strange House' - 'Sheena is a Parasite', 'Count in Fives' and 'Gloves'. Frontman Farris Badwan, who has always had a certain Nick Cave-esque swagger about him, lumbered coolly around stage completely aloof to the mass hysteria that was happening before him, a mere three yards away in the pit. But somehow, despite his seemingly detached onstage presence, he created - along with his bandmates, with their equally too-cool-for-school reservation - a fan feeding frenzy. The crowd were hungry - and The Horrors (as much as it pains me to write this), were quite willingly their meat.
TW

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

4AD Celebrate Pixies Release

Beggars label 4AD have announced a music and art event to celebrate the release of new Pixies multi-album box set 'Minotaur'. It will all take place on the release date, 15 Jun, at Village Underground in Shoreditch and will feature art installations by Vaughan Oliver, who did all of The Pixies' album cover art, and the band themselves will be in attendance, following a turn at the just sold out Isle Of Wight Festival this coming weekend.

Minotaur consists of all five of the group's albums - 'Come On Pilgrim', 'Surfer Rosa', 'Doolittle', 'Bossanova', and 'Trompe le Monde' - and comes in various editions with various bits of bonus material.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Jeff Lynne produces Regina Spektor

According to reports, ELO/Traveling Wilburys man Jeff Lynne has produced four songs for Regina Spektor's new album 'Far'. The tracks he's worked on are called 'Blue Lips', 'Folding Chair', 'Wallet', and 'Genius Next Door'. The LP, which has also been part-produced by both Jacknife Lee and Mike Elizondo, is due out later this month.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Saxophonist Sam Butera Dies

Saxophonist Sam Butera, who played with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Prima, has died in hospital in Las Vegas at the age of 81. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Butera was born in New Orleans, and began playing saxophone at the age of seven after hearing it played at a wedding. He began work as a professional musician straight after high school, and was immediately successful, beginning by working for big band drummer Ray McKinley's orchestra, and being named one of America's top upcoming jazz men by Look magazine when he was just eighteen years old. By his early twenties, he had worked in the orchestras of Tommy Dorsey, and Paul Gayten.

When the big band sound decreased in popularity, he turned to lounge jazz in Las Vegas, a move that ultimately led to what was probably his most significant career phase, his period of time leading a band, The Witnesses, for the aforementioned Louis Prima, from 1954 to 1975. The arrangements and compositions the pair created during that period have since been covered by the likes of David Lee Roth, Los Lobos and Brian Setzer.

Prima's widow Gia, who sang with the band from 1962 to 1975, told Billboard: "Make no mistake. Louis' true ace-in-the-hole was Sam Butera. For 21 years, Sam and Louis kicked Las Vegas butt!"

Speaking about when she heard Butera play for the first time, she said: "I was fourteen years old. Best thing I ever heard and saw. He was an amazing technician of his instrument. Every night on stage and feeling the camaraderie, for me, are my fondest memories of Sam. Every night was a new experience. It was beautiful".

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Sleepy Sun: Dates

JULY
Tue 7th - LONDON Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Weds 8th - NOTTINGHAM Seven Live
Thurs 9th - NEWCASTLE Cumberland Arms
Fri 10th - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Sat 11th - ­ CARDIFF Buffalo
Sun 12th - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Mon 13th - GLASGOW Captains Rest

Here We Go Magic: Dates

JULY
Sun 5th - LONDON Hyde Park 'Wireless' - Bella Union Stage
Mon 6th - LONDON ICA - Bella Union Night
Tue 7th - LONDON Madame JoJo's 'White Heat'
Thur 9th - GLASGOW Captains Rest
Fri 10th - LIVERPOOL Korova 'Evol'
Sat 11th - LEEDS The Faversham 'Bad Sneakers'

The Thermals UK tour starts next Sunday

June
14 Bristol Thekla
15 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
16 Edinburgh Sneaky Petes
17 Glasgow Stereo
18 Belfast Auntie Annies
19 Dublin Academy 2
21 Manchester Ruby Lounge
22 Birmingham Academy 3
23 London Cargo
24 Brighton Freebutt

Low Anthem: Dates

Tuesday 23 June – LONDON – Union Chapel (£7.50 adv)
Friday 26 June – GLASTONBURY – Glastonbury Festival (Q Stage)
Saturday 27 June - GLASTONBURY – Glastonbury Festival (Park Stage)
Sunday 28 June – LONDON – Hard Rock Calling
Saturday 4 July – LONDON – Wireless Festival
Saturday 5 September – IRELAND – Electric Picnic
Sunday 6 September – MANCHESTER – Deaf Institute (£8 adv)
Monday 7 September – GLASGOW – Oran Mor (£8 adv)
Tuesday 8 September – NEWCASTLE – The Cluny (£8 adv)
Wednesday 9 September – BIRMINGHAM – Glee Club (£8 adv)
Thursday 10 September – OXFORD – Bullingdon Arms (£8 adv)
Friday 11 September – DORSET – End of the Road Festival
Saturday 12 September - DORSET – End of the Road Festival
Sunday 13 September – ISLE OF WIGHT – Bestival

Lupen Crook: EP and Dates

The Lost Belongings EP is out 6th July.

2nd July - London, Camden Barfly
5th July - Maidstone, The Loft
9th July - Rochester, The Eagle Tavern

Richmond Fontaine: Album and Dates

Richmond Fontaine release 8th studio album "We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River" on 17 August 2009 and announce September UK dates:

Fri 4th Ireland - Electric Picnic Festival www.electricpicnic.ie tickets 240euro
Sat 5th Pontypridd – Muni Arts Centre Festival tickets £25.00
Sun 6th - Winchester – SXSC Festival www.sxsc.co.uk tickets tbc
Mon 7th - Leicester – The Musician www.themusicianpub.co.uk tickets £12.50
Tues 8th – Newcastle – The Cluny www.jumpinhot.com tickets tbc
Wed 9th - Glasgow – Stereo www.stereocafebar.com tickets £12.50
Thurs 10th - Leeds – The New Roscoe www.newroscoe.co.uk tickets tbc
Fri 11th - North York Moors - Band room www.thebandroom.co.uk tickets £20.00
Sat 12th – Bedford - Civic www.entshed.com tickets £12.00
Sun 13th – End of the Road Festival www.endoftheroadfestival.com tickets £115.00
Mon 14th – Bristol - St Bonaventures www.crhmusic.com tickets tbc
Tues 15th - Nottingham – Maze www.cosmicamerican.com tickets £14
Wed 16th - Manchester -Academy 3 www.manchesteracademy.net tickets £12.50
Thurs 17th – London – Garage www.thegarage.co.uk tickets £14.00

X's Exene Cervenka diagnosed with MS

Exene Cervenka, of influential punk band X, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but says that it won't stop her from continuing with her group's current US tour, and that she is still planning to release a solo album.

The 53 year old singer said in a statement: "After some months of not feeling 100% healthy, I recently had some medical tests run and the prognosis is that I am suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. Apparently, it has been affecting me for quite some time. Although this is obviously unfortunate news, I am choosing to see the positive in it. I, and X as a band, have supported the charity since the mid-1990's; the irony of this is not lost on any of us. Sweet Relief was started as an aide to uninsured artists by musician Victoria Williams when she herself was diagnosed with MS in 1992".

She continued: "While this diagnosis will most certainly mean some changes for me, personally, it will not affect my commitments to the current X US tour, nor will it affect my solo album that is slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records. My focus will certainly be on maintaining my health - many people remain strong and continue to live their lives as productively as they had before an MS diagnosis and I plan to be one of those people".

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

"Queen Of Blues" Koko Taylor Dies

Koko Taylor, popularly known as the "Queen Of Blues" has died at the age of eighty in a hospital in Chicago. She had recently undergone surgery for a gastrointestinal bleed.

The singer, born Cora Walton, earned the nickname of Koko because of her love of chocolate. She was born in Tennessee, but moved to Chicago in 1952 with her truck-driver husband Robert Taylor, and began singing in blues clubs in the city. In the sixties, she was signed by Chess Records, and achieved a hit with the Willie Dixon penned track 'Wang Dang Doodle', which sold a million copies and reached number four in the r&b chart, becoming her signature song.

Her subsequent career saw her release a plethora of albums and receive a host of awards, including a 1985 Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album, and a lifetime achievement honour from The Blues Foundation. She was a prolific live performer, playing as many as 200 gigs per year up until 2003, when she suffered a heart attack and was forced to cut back her commitments; even so, she continued to perform at a rate of around 90 shows per year until her death. She gave her last performance on 7 May at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

Taylor is survived by her husband Hays Harris and her daughter, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Monkeys Announce Album Release Date And Songs

The third album from Arctic Monkeys will be released on 24 Aug. Look, it even has songs on it that have names:

My Propeller
Crying Lightning
Dangerous Animals
Secret Door
Potion Approaching
Fire And The Thud
Cornerstone
Dance Little Liar
Pretty Visitors
The Jeweller's Hands

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

The Enemy Announce Tour

The Enemy have announced a new set of tour dates for the autumn. The band, who are supporting on Oasis's stadium tour, are also to play Somerset House on 10 Jul.

Here are the new dates:

8 Nov: Liverpool University
10 Nov: Edinburgh Corn Exchange
11 Nov: Glasgow O2 Academy
12 Nov: Sheffield O2 Academy
15 Nov: Newcastle O2 Academy
16 Nov: Leeds O2 Academy
17 Nov: Lincoln Engine Shed
19 Nov: London HMV Forum
22 Nov: Folkestone Leas Cliff
24 Nov: Portsmouth Guildhall
26 Nov: Birmingham O2 Academy
27 Nov: Leamington Assembly
29 Nov: Manchester Apollo

Source: Unlimited Media www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk

Hjaltalín

The Icelandic women's football team has made it through to some stage of some tournament and are going on tour in Finland in late August. The team wanted to take some Icelandic culture with them in a kind of ambassadorial way, so they invited Hjaltalín. Naturally Hjaltalín accepted. They will be playing the nights before the matches, in Tampere and Lahti, and the band will also play in Helsinki while they're over. Dates are approx Aug 23-30. Sorry it's still a little vague, more details to follow soon. Should you be travelling to Finland around this time, watch this space.

The Leicester Bangs Blog

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