News
Stephen Merritt Does Valentine’s Day Right
Shannon Hassett :: Monday, February 1st, 2010 6:00 pm
It’s that time of year again, and cashing in on the month long retail therapy binge, there has been no shortage of box set announcements. The champion, of course, being The Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs, not only the most fitting gift for your Valentine (or yourself) but by far the most involved. The 1999 masterpiece from the ambitious Stephen Merritt was originally released as 3 CDs, and the box set does nothing but increase this grandeur. Rereleased by Merge, the set features remastered versions of all tracks on six separate 10″s, along with a 10″ copy of the original CD booklet. It also appears that the original cover will be preserved, and who doesn’t want to open a giant 69 from their sweetheart — it certainly beats the post-chocolate bloat. The set will be out on April 20th (yet another gift giving holiday) but is currently available for pre-order on the Merge site, where your diligence will be rewarded with a $10 discount. It may require an IOU, but is there really a better way to say ‘I love you’ than Mr. Merritt?
TV Shows
Michael Vick Reality Show Finally to Premiere
Shannon Hassett :: Monday, February 1st, 2010 5:20 pm
A lot of press has surrounded the countdown to Michael Vick’s new reality series, The MIchael VIck Project, and tomorrow marks its big debut. Created by the BET, the show’s tagline reads “a life in progress” and aims to capture the star as he attempts to rehabilitate his life and his career. As if you needed any reminding, the then quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons was arrested in 2007 for his participation in an illegal dog fighting ring, the evidence for which was discovered as part of a drug investigation on the star’s Virginia property. He was sentenced to 23 months in jail at Kentucky’s Leavenworth Prison, as well as one million in restitution fees, and was released a few months early due to his participation in a drug treatment program. Vick also incurred a slew of loan default charges upon his release, racking up millions in fees and illegal spending costs. For a much more dramatic rendering of these events, please see the BET’s own Vick timeline. MORE »
News
New Crop of Singers Gets Proactiv
Shannon Hassett :: Monday, February 1st, 2010 4:00 pm
Proactiv deserves some applause. It is impossible to hear mention of the brand without a scripted Jessica Simpson coming to mind, heinous bumps of both varieties highlighted for at home viewers. The formula is well crafted: we are introduced to a star, shown paparazzi shots of blemished days of yore and then amazed at their now fresh faced beauty thanks to the acne-treatment system. There has been a recent renewal in the inundation of the commercials, making them impossible to ignore, as well as their long list of mostly musical spokeswomen. When did Proactiv become our generation’s music video? MORE »
News
Andrew W.K. Hosts Town Hall Meeting to Dispell Rumors
Shannon Hassett :: Monday, February 1st, 2010 2:15 pm
It was a sad moment this morning when I clicked the link for tickets to Mr. W.K.’s town hall meeting and found they were sold out; sad, but not surprising. The enigmatic rocker, an undeniably gifted showman and party slogan wunderkind, has little left unconquered in the world of music: two successful full lengths, his own record label, a night club, a book of sheet music, frequent collaborations and surprise guest appearances (he’ll also be headlining this year’s Warped Tour with full band in tow). It seems that such success is beginning to take its toll, however, and the artist is facing the reality of life in the spotlight, one that leaves a performer subject not only to criticism, but the more paralyzing question of identity. MORE »
News
Bad Religion Turns 30
Shannon Hassett :: Monday, February 1st, 2010 11:40 am
In 1980s Los Angeles, there was a lot of great music happening, but few bands have had the staying power of punk rock pioneers Bad Religion. Now entering its 30th year, the band is rightfully planning a yearlong celebration. A number of California and Las Vegas shows will kickoff March 17th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, and plans for a new album were also revealed for late fall (marking the band’s 15th studio release). Singer Greg Gaffin mused, “If Bad Religion somehow serves as a symbol for the lasting importance of punk, then I am satisfied beyond words by reaching this milestone.” For a full listing of tour dates, check out the jump. MORE »
News
Ambush of New Album Announcements
Shannon Hassett :: Friday, January 29th, 2010 1:00 pm
It may have been a slow week with regard to news (unless you’re the sort that found the State of the Union entertaining), but as for music, there were enough new album announcements to tide us over for a year. The artists themselves seemed to be just as excited about the prospects, with a slew of sources publishing interviews and information on the upcoming releases. For your (anticipated) listening pleasure, a summary of the week’s heavier hitters. MORE »
News
J.D. Salinger Dies at 91
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 3:30 pm
It’s hard for one to appropriately announce the death of J.D. Salinger, because there are too many things that should be said about him. Do I begin with the innumerable amount of fellow authors, musicians, filmmakers and restless adolescents who count him as a serious factor in the direction of their lives? Do I recall scorning Vassar during my college application process as a result of Franny’s disdain for the “two absolutely Vassar types” on her train? Do I admit that my love for the Glass family prompted me to begin writing, or that Jawbreaker’s “For Esme” holds the highest plays in my itunes? MORE »
News
Pete Doherty Breaks His Own Record for Poor Planning
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 3:00 pm
There are a few reasons Pete Doherty is still in the headlines, and none of them have to do with drugs. He’s (very) attractive, used to shack up with the reigning queen of fashion and actually manages to have a terrific voice when he’s not, you know, shooting up. I withhold drugs from that list on account of the sheer frequency with which Doherty incurs legal problems related to them; it’s no longer news. His appearance in a British court yesterday, however, draws attention to an incident that transcends all semblance of wow-that-was-dumb drug related behavior. MORE »
News
Surfer Blood Announces Additional Tour Dates
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 2:15 pm
The Jaws invoking Floridians Surfer Blood have officially announced an overwhelming number of additional dates to their tour. The new shows arrive in the wake of a successful debut album, Astro Coast, which is out on Kanine Records. It would appear difficult to miss them at a venue near you, so check out all the dates after the jump. MORE »
News
Can Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Save Soulless VH1?
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 2:00 pm
It’s really not VH1 that I’m worried about in this scenario, it’s the Camp. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, which sounds simply like another Rock of Love ripoff, is actually the name of a legitimate operation based in both London and Los Angeles and running since 1997. It offers individuals of any musical ability the chance to learn and jam with the heaviest hitters in rock (and that’s no exaggeration; this year’s Camp mentors include Lemmy (Motorhead), Ace Frehley (KISS), Lita Ford (The Runaways), Kip Winger (Winger), and that’s not even the half of it). The list also features one Bret Michaels, however, and therein lies my concern. MORE »
News
Fol Chen to Tour with Liars
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 11:30 am
It’s hard to imagine topping a year that included a critically acclaimed debut album (Part One: John Shade, Your Fortune’s Made), a track on Spin’s Purplish Rain compilation, a music video with the Laker girls and a featured song on NPR, but Fol Chen doesn’t give up without a fight. They have just announced an April tour with Liars, as well as work on a new LP and video shoot in India with director Chris Wilcha. Check out these west coast wonders at a venue near you. MORE »
News
Spoon Sees Strong Debut for Transference
Shannon Hassett :: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 11:15 am
Seven albums in to their strong career, Spoon has achieved a new level of success, their latest album debuting at #4 on the U.S. album chart. Transference sold more than 50,000 copies its first week on the shelves, signaling no lack of momentum or creativity from the now seasoned Spoon. In support of the album, the band will be heading out on a huge national tour, kicking off at March’s South by Southwest with a performance at Stubbs on March 17th. For a complete list of tour dates, check out the jump. MORE »
News
Howard Zinn Dies at 87
Shannon Hassett :: Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 7:20 pm
Howard Zinn, the influential activist and author responsible for such revolutionary work as “A People’s History of the United States,” died today of a heart attack while vacationing in Santa Monica with his family. Dr. Zinn, who was 87, was a longtime professor at Boston University, where he was a very vocal opponent of college president John Silber. In addition to “A People’s History,” Dr. Zinn authored a number of other groundbreaking works dealing with subjects that include antiwar protesting and American political history.
Death+Taxes was lucky enough to conduct an interview with Dr. Zinn for its forthcoming issue, a preview of which can be found here.
News
Jersey Shore 2 Becomes a Reality
Shannon Hassett :: Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 5:45 pm
There is a longstanding tradition amongst New Jersey high school seniors that gets kept quiet in an effort to preserve its existence. Rather than your average post-prom rager, us Jerseyans really dig deep, renting out entire seaside motels and thus extending prom night to three glorious days in the process. Even more sacred than the migration itself is the slew of indiscretions that occur, satiating the small school love of gossip until the graduation party circuit can commence. Among the scandal emerges one King or Queen, however, committing a high enough number of poor decisions to earn them a final crowning title: Shore Whore.
It is with this in mind that I inform you of the earth shattering news today that, yes, MTV’s Jersey Shore will more than likely be returning for a second season. I make no claims regarding the show’s intellectual or cultural merits; I have no desire to express my feelings about the image it presents of a place I often frequented in my youth. I share the above high school memento with you simply to evidence that there are still lessons to be learned from the series, and that these characters have a lot of love left to give. MORE »
News
New Kids On The Block: Hit Me Baby One More Time
Shannon Hassett :: Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 4:30 pm
New Kids On The Block has reached a point in its lifespan that no band ever wants to reach. It’s not that I’m asking myself how they’re not 80 by now with beer guts and no cash to match; no, it’s much worse than that. The literally inherent reaction upon hearing mention of 1989’s favorite band of brothers is the chorus to another group’s song. I don’t have to spell this one out for you people, but I will (sort of): LFO.
Some bands would give up after such a revelation, but not these guys. Fighting the good fight for washed up boy toys the world over, New Kids On The Block is back, again! Their original comeback occurred in 2008, which is why you may be scratching your head as to how they’ve reentered the news. There’s no room for failure this time, however, because in the world of comebacks, number three possesses very little charm. The NKOTB method to success? None other than New York City’s own Radio City Music Hall, where they will be performing two shows in June of this year (don’t you miss out; tickets go on sale this Saturday at 11am).
I’m not sure whether I’m posting this out of genuine awe at a second comeback attempt; mostly because my awe is usually disgust masquerading as pity. I am sure that there are much more dedicated eighties babies out there than me though, so we’ll leave it to the ticket sales to call my bluff.
