4AD to release the next RED HOT compilation! 31 Oct 2008

Announcing……
DARK WAS THE NIGHT
(A Red Hot compilation)
 
4AD is pleased to officially announce Dark Was The Night – a compilation album (double cd, triple vinyl) to benefit the Red Hot Organization. Red Hot is an international organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.
 
This release marks the 20th anniversary of the Red Hot Organization, and is also the 20th Red Hot album!
 
Dark Was The Night was produced by Aaron & Bryce Dessner of The National, and will be released by 4AD in February of 2009. "Dark Was The Night" is the title of an early blues song by Blind Willie Johnson, which is covered on this album.
 
The album consists of 32 exclusive tracks by a multitude of today's most beloved and respected independent recording artists.
 
Stay tuned for more news updates on this exciting project, and feel free to read Pitchfork's news story on it today.

XL Recordings is pleased to announce the signing of TITUS ANDRONICUS 30 Oct 2008

XL Recordings is pleased to announce the signing of TITUS ANDRONICUS

The band’s debut album, The Airing of Grievances, has been newly mastered and will be re-released digitally in November and physically in January. The album received plenty of praise from places like Spin Magazine, Pitchfork and a plethora of blogs upon it’s initial release in May of 2008.

Titus Andronicus hails from Glen Rock, New Jersey – a small, safe suburban enclave to the west of New York City. The band is a five-piece, led by Patrick Stickles, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter along with Ian Graetzer on bass, Andrew Cedermark on guitar, Ian O’Neil on guitar and Eric Harm on drums.

Stickles wrote The Airing Of Grievances between his senior year of high school and junior year of college – a particularly crucial time in any young person’s life. He launches his insights across a wall of defiant, triumphant rock anthems, which have earned Titus Andronicus comparisons to such iconoclasts as Bruce Springsteen, the Pogues, and The Replacements.

What does Titus Andronicus want people to walk away with after experiencing The Airing of Grievances? “Just that we’re humans, like them,” Stickles says. “That we’re every bit as imperfect and flawed and weak as they are. People always used to talk about Led Zeppelin, and how they were, like, gods onstage. I want people to look at us and see humans onstage, reveling in their humanity. We’re just regular guys from New Jersey, with the same wants and needs and desires and anxieties and disappointments that everybody else has.”


http://www.myspace.com/titusandronicus

In Austin, TX on November 8th and 9th? 29 Oct 2008

Check out The National and St. Vincent at Fun Fun Fun Fest!

The National headline the saturday show (11/8) from 8:40 - 9:40pm
and ST. Vincent plays sunday (11/9) from 6:30pm - 7:30pm.

Both play on stage 1, the full lineup is here: http://www.funfunfunfest.com/lineup/

Tickets are available here: http://transmission.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?pl=448&lid=25026&eid=30534

Monkey Takes Over YouTube Home Page Today 28 Oct 2008

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE YOUTUBE TAKEOVER

Gorillaz Masterminds Damon Albarn & Jamie Hewlett To Premiere "Monkey Bee" Video, Curate YouTube Homepage For 24 Hours And Announce Remix Contest.

"A rare non-terrible pop-classical crossover"-NEW YORK

"BreathtakingŠ effortless integration of different traditions"--TIME

Following on the heels of the September 23 release of MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST (XL Recordings), an album based on the Mandarin Opera reinterpreted by GORILLAZ creators Damon Albarn (music) and Jamie Hewlett (visuals), comes an October 28 YouTube takeover during which the duo will premiere the "Monkey Bee" video and curate featured videos on the YouTube homepage for a full 24 hours.

Featured videos exclusive to the MONKEY YouTube Takeover will include:

o   The world premiere of "Monkey Bee"

o   The making of "Monkey Bee"

o   Damon & Jamie's YouTube takeover and curatorial introduction

o   Damon & Jamie's Excellent Adventure (feature-length documentary)

o   A contest allowing fans to make their own version of the video - http://www.youtube.com/group/monkeybee

In addition to these MONKEY firsts, bloopers, B-Roll and assorted other material, the Takeover will also feature supplementary clips related to the themes and inspirations that helped shape the unique musical and visual aesthetic of JOURNEY TO THE WEST.

MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST was first staged June 28, 2007 in the UK at the inaugural Manchester International Festival, when world-renowned theatre, opera and film director Chen Shi-Zheng enlisted Albarn and Hewlett to provide unique, modern musical and visual interpretations of the themes and characters of this most beloved work of Chinese folklore. The result was a new stage show for the 21st century that recast an ancient Chinese legend as a dazzling spectacle involving nearly 40 Chinese circus acrobats, martial artists and singers, and an orchestra of both Western and traditional Chinese instruments. MONKEY has since played to sold-out houses across Europe, made its U.S. debut at the 2008 Spoleto Festival USA, played at London's famed Royal Opera House, and will soon begin a Nov. 8-Dec. 5 London run in a specially built tented theater adjacent to the O2 Arena.

Scott Walker news.... 27 Oct 2008

Here's some news from our friend Stephen Kijak - he made this movie about Scott - 30 Century Man

Here's his news!
As you all probably know by now..."Drifting & Tilting: The Music of Scott Walker" will take place Nov 13-15 at the Barbican in London. Scott will NOT be performing, but Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Dot Allison, Gavin Friday and others will be, along with strings and band - including the amazing Hugh Burns and most likely, pork-puncher Alisdaire Malloy.

Following the Friday Nov 14th show, yours truly (Stephen Kijak) will be DJ'ing after the show at the Barbican's Friday Lates Lounge, reprising the popular "Scott Walker Lounge" set that I toured around to some film festivals. After a few hours worth of The Drift and Tilt, a little "Stormy" will no doubt soothe our troubled souls.

The following Saturday Nov 15th afternoon, the Barbican cinema will be screening "Scott Walker - 30 Century Man" before that night's performance and I'll be on hand to do a Q&A.

And then...yes folks...on December 17th in NYC, "Scott Walker - 30 Century Man" will begin a limited theatrical run in North America. More details to be announced soon... (and don't even ask why it took so long - it's been painful but it will be worth the wait. Thanks to everyone who has helped keep the dream alive!)

YAY! Thanks for the news Stephen!

Little Joy set out on US tour immediately following NOV 4th album release 24 Oct 2008

http://www.myspace.com/littlejoymusic

Little Joy's self-titled debut album is out in two short weeks - Tuesday Nov 4... of course a very important *something
else* is happening that day, so the band have confirmed more tour dates in both Red and Blue States,
kicking things off on Nov 7th in St. Paul, Minnesota!

West Coast dates in December are still being confirmed, but here is the current list:

Little Joy Tour Dates

Nov 7 Station 4 St. Paul, Minnesota
Nov 8 Subterranean Chicago, Illinois
Nov 9 Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan
Nov 11 Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nov 12 The Khyber Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 13 Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Nov 14 Maxwell’s Hoboken, New Jersey
Nov 15 Wonder Bar Asbury Park, New Jersey
Nov 16 TT the Bears Cambridge, Massachusetts
Nov 18 Black Cat Backstage Washington D.C.
Nov 20 Atlanta Room at Smith’s Olde Bar Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 21 Exit/In Nashville, Tennessee
Nov 22 Duck Room at Blueberry Hill St. Louis, Missouri
Nov 24 Jackpot Music Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Nov 26 The Lounge on Elm Street Dallas, Texas
Nov 28 Warehouse Live Studio Houston, Texas
Nov 29 The Parish Austin, Texas

Stream the songs
"Keep Me In Mind"  http://www.imeem.com/littlejoymusic/music/-7E9bT83/little_joy_keep_me_in_mind/
and "Brand New Start" http://www.imeem.com/littlejoymusic/music/MBPjtEew/little_joy_brand_new_start/

Jeffrey Lewis Band add more dates to current TOUR 24 Oct 2008

Jeffrey Lewis aka The Busiest Man in Showbiz gets even BUSIER!!!

As if crisscrossing the US and Europe (playing over 130 shows in 2008 alone) and recently putting out
a new edition of his comic book series Fuff weren't enough to occupy him, the road warrior has just added more
dates to the current Jeffrey Lewis Band tour!

The tour kicked off yesterday in Vancouver, check him out before he.. takes a break? 

Hey, stranger things have happened :)

Jeffrey Lewis Band US Tour Dates 2008

10/23 The Media Club Vancouver B
10/24 Comet Tavern Seattle WA
10/25 The Artistery Portland OR
10/26 Hotel Utah San Francisco CA
10/27 The Casbah San Diego CA
10/28 Spaceland Los Angeles CA
10/31 Mohawk Austin TX
11/01 Hailey's Denton TX
11/02 Black Lodge Microdome Memphis TN
11/03 The End Nashville TN
11/04 The Drunken Unicorn Atlanta GA
11/05 Tasty World Athens GA
11/06 House of Blues Lake Buena Vista FL*
11/07 Culture Room Ft Lauderdale FL*
11/08 Jannus Landing St Petersberg FL*
11/10 The Whig Columbia SC
11/11 The Spazz House Greenville NC
11/14 The Mercury Lounge New York NY

*Supporting Presidents of the United States

http://www.myspace.com/jefflewisband

http://www.thejeffreylewissite.com

http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Jeffrey_Lewis

Pitchfork Gives Props To Ed Macfarlane of Friendly Fires 23 Oct 2008

We are always prepared to comment on our band's music, their artwork, where they are at with recording schedules and the like.   But we tend to draw the line when it comes rating our band's derriers and even when we appreciate said body part we try and keep that to ourselves.   Thankfully Pitchfork has come to our rescue.  In reviewing the Friendly Fires show at Bowery Ballroom on Tuesday night they asserted that the "best ass of the night belonged to Friendly Fires' clean-cut lead singer Ed Macfarlane, not Lykke Li."  That's a bold statement right?  Friendly Fires are touring the US with Lykke Li so feel free to go judge for yourself.     Tour dates are here

They also said of the show that "Every song was a dance song, every song made Macfarlane dance; every dance made the girls have minor freak-outs of cooed joy."

Read the full review (with some nice pics) here   http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/146707-cmj-tuesday-jessica-suarez

Vampire Weekend will play at 2008 mtvU Woodie Awards! 22 Oct 2008

SANTOGOLD, VAMPIRE WEEKEND, LYKKE LI & ALL TIME LOW
TO PERFORM AT THE 2008 “mtvU WOODIE AWARDS”

New York, NY – October 20, 2008 – mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, today announced that college favorites Santogold, Vampire Weekend, Lykke Li and All Time Low will take the stage for a night of unforgettable live performances at the 2008 “mtvU Woodie Awards” – the definitive college music awards.  All four are nominated for Woodie Awards this year, as voting continues on mtvU.com/woodies.

The only awards to honor the music voted best by the college audience, the 2008 “mtvU Woodie Awards” will take place on November 12, 2008 at Roseland Ballroom in New York City and premiere on-air November 19, 2008 at 8pm ET on mtvU, mtvU.com and in high definition on Palladia.  MTV, MTV2 and MTV News will also broadcast highlights from the musical performance-packed show. 

A culmination of emerging artists hoisted to the forefront by college students, this year’s acts represent the best up-and-coming music celebrated by college fans across the country.  Santogold returns to the “Woodie Awards” this year as a “Woodie of the Year” nominee, having surprised the crowd last year with a guest appearance alongside Spank Rock in the 2007 “mtvU Woodie Awards.”  Philly-based artist Santogold quickly caught the attention of college fans and mtvU with her new-wave, hybrid sound.  Vampire Weekend, a New York quartet, emerged from Columbia University with a self-produced first album and songs like “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” that continue to generate buzz.  mtvU has broadcast all of Vampire Weekend’s music videos since premiering “Mansard Roof.”  Newcomer Lykke Li, nominated for a “Breaking Woodie,” was recently named one of mtvU’s “Freshman Five,” a semi-annual list of emerging artists poised to break-through to mainstream acclaim.   Both of her videos, “Little Bit” and “I’m Good, I’m Gone” are currently buzzing on the college music scene and on mtvU.  Fresh off their killer performances headlining mtvU’s 2008 VMA Tour, “Breaking Woodie” nominee All Time Low will also perform.  mtvU first premiered the Baltimore band’s “Six Feet Under the Stars” video in September 2007. 

Powered by college students from across the country, the fifth annual “mtvU Woodie Awards” will feature students in front of the camera and behind the scenes, as they present, introduce and honor their favorite music and artists.  The “mtvU Woodie Awards” have a legacy of tapping into artists before they hit mainstream.  Acting as a catalyst for the top emerging artists, college students established the “mtvU Woodie Awards” as a crystal ball for the industry, propelling some of their favorite acts to new heights – including surging record sales, headlining tours and accolades at other award shows such as the MTV Video Music Awards.   Since the first “mtvU Woodie Awards,” artists such as Fall Out Boy (Streaming Woodie ’04), the Killers (Breaking Woodie ’04), Death Cab for Cutie (Best Video Woodie ’05), Plain White Ts (Breaking Woodie ’06), Boys Like Girls (Breaking Woodie ’07) and Gym Class Heroes (Woodie of the Year ’07) catapulted to new heights after winning big at the Woodies.

Voting is open through November 7, 2008 online at http://www.woodies.mtvu.com.  The fifth-annual “mtvU Woodie Awards” are brought to you by Army ROTC, Garnier Fructis, and CitiCard. 

Friendly Fires + The Teenagers + Anni Rossi do CMJ 2008 21 Oct 2008

In NYC for CMJ?  Scope out these shows and the RSVP info for the Beggars/Matador CMJ
party on friday at Stanton Public :)

-----------------------------------

This year The Beggars Group is proud to present:

Friendly Fires (XL Recordings) http://www.myspace.com/friendlyfires
The Teenagers (XL Recordings) http://www.myspace.com/theteenagers
Anni Rossi (4AD) http://www.myspace.com/annirossi

Tuesday, October 21:
Friendly Fires
Bowery Ballroom: 6 Delancey St.
Also on bill: Lykke Li, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Micachu
Set Time: 10PM
 
Wednesday, October 22:
Friendly Fires (Bring On The Brits Party)
The Annex – 152 Orchard St (b/w Rivington & Stanton)
Also on bill: Scouting for Girls, Dirty Fuzz, Radio Luxembourg, Virgin Passages
Set Time: 10:15PM
 
Wednesday, October 22
The Teenagers
Ben Sherman Store: 96 Spring Street
8PM Start
Set Time Pending

Wednesday, October 22
Anni Rossi
Lucky Cat: 245 Grand St. (Williamsburg, BK)
Set Time Pending

Thursday, October 23:
Friendly Fires (Brooklyn Vegan CMJ Day Party)
Pianos:158 Ludlow St.
Set Time: 3:00PM
 
Thursday, October 23:
Friendly Fires
FADER Sideshow
146 Orchard St.
Set Time: 6:45PM
 
Friday, October 24:
Beggars/Matador CMJ Party
Stanton Public: 17 Stanton Street
(btwn Bowery & Chrystie)
With DJ sets from:
Times New Viking (11pm-12am)
The Teenagers (1am-2am)
Billy Hayes (Jay Reatard band) (2am - ?)
+ Special Guests
11PM – 4AM
Drink specials provided by our friends at Imeem.com
RSVP here (click on the link below the flyer):
http://www.beggarsgroupusa.com/cmj2008/

Saturday, October 25:
Anni Rossi
Public Assembly - 70 N6th St. Williamsburg, BK (formerly Galapagos)
Party: Crashin' In "What's CMJ Unofficial Party"
Set Time 6PM - 7PM
Party from 4PM – 4AM

Saturday, October 25
The Teenagers
Antics Warehouse: 50 N.3rd Street, Williamsburg, BK
Set Time Pending