This is fine.
The nice folks at NPR are streaming the brand new Sunset Rubdown record Dragonslayer in its entirey. We’ve been pretty pumped about this release so let’s hope it doesn’t dissapoint. Head over to NPR to check it out now. Anyone want to offer some first opinions?
It’s no surprise that Sub Pop has been able to stay atop the game as one of the leading independent record labels since its inception. To this day they continue to release albums that always matter; let’s just say that the label is known for its good taste. They’re here to offer you a brand new sampler full of songs that you can get later this year, such as a track from Grand Archives, or songs you should already own this year. Grab yourself a copy of this fresh new sampler here.
As you can see ATH is taking Memorial Day off, but we wanted to share some sad news with everyone before signing off. Jay Bennett, formerly of Wilco, has passed away today at the young age of 45. No cause of death has as of yet been reported. The Chicago Sun Times has more information as it develops. To say the least, this is the worst news we’ve ever reported on. Jay was someone that we all admired here at ATH and loved most anything he worked on with or without Wilco. Jay will be best remembered as one of the creative minds behind historic Wilco albums Being There, Summer Teeth, and the big one Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Words won’t do you justice Mr. Bennett, so we’ll just say that you will sorely be missed by all. Your music was far ahead of its time.
Yes that’s right ladies and gentlemen, the legendary Elvis Costello will be playing Bass Concert Hall on September 9th. Why are we telling you about this now? Tickets go on sale today at 10am, that’s why! Head here at 10 Monday to purchase your tickets. Anybody want to take guesses on how flippin’ expensive this will be?
Long-running Paste Magazine is struggling in this economy, just as we all are, and they are asking for your help. Most of us here at ATH have attended various Paste parties during SXSW, and we respect everything they’ve done for the independent music community. To top that off, while we may be contributing to the technological musical age, we still harbor great love and admiration for the traditional print format. So head over to Paste and help these guys out.
Wilco is streaming their new album Wilco (The Album) from their website! The stream is really crappy and poorly set up… but check it out anyway. Anyone want to offer some first opinions? You can get your physical copies of this one June 30th via Nonesuch.
So we just updated our Dears + Eulogies at the Parish ticket/merch contest. Now you can enter the contest by leaving a comment about almost anything on the contest post or hit us up on twitter with something about the contest in your @. Do it now. Get to the choppa! Contest ends on Tuesday – May 12th.
Bill Callahan has just been confirmed for a last minute/surprise instore at Waterloo on Friday. As always, these events are totally free, start around 5:30pm and include free keg beer. Check out our recent review of Bill’s new album Sometimes I wish I Were an Eagle or head elsewhere on the site to hear new single “Eid Ma Clack Shaw”. You won’t want to miss this.
NPR is streaming a few new to stores albums and one that isn’t even out yet as part of their Exlcusive First Listen series. For Starters, they are streaming the new Camera Obscura album, St. Vincent’s latest Actor, and the new Conor Oberst joint. On top of that, a First Listen for Jason Lytle’s new album Yours Truly, The Commuter, which isn’t our for a week or so, went up a couple days ago. We gave you first single “Brand New Sun” from Lytle’s new album a while back and we’re really digging the whole thing. What’s your take?
It’s finally here. You’ve been waiting all Spring; you’ve even bought your tickets, and now the 2009 ACL lineup is here. I won’t lie, the headliners aren’t really doing anything for me, esepecially because of my extreme hatred for Dave Mathews Band. But, there are some killer bands that will be gracing smaller stages that you’ll definitely want to check out such as Sonic Youth, Phoenix, Grizzly Bear, The Dodos, Passion Pit and the Walkmen. You can still buy tickets for a measly $185 here.
