Emmylou Harris prepares for new album, summer tour
Legendary Southern songbird Emmylou Harris will be hitting the road this summer for a North American tour. Harris has already done some touring this year, first with Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller in January, and a month later as a headliner on the 2008 Cayamo Cruise. Her summer tour will be in support of her upcoming album, All I Intended To Be, due out June 10 on Nonesuch Records. The new record is Harris’ first solo release since 2003’s Stumble Into Grace. The singer/songwriter recorded the new album over a four-year period with her longtime producer Brian Ahern... read more
Isabella Rossellini will explore bug sex in Green Porno
Other than a desire to expose what lies beneath the surface, the tiny-insect documentary Microcosmos and David Lynch's twisted suburban classic Blue Velvet may not seem to have much in common. But starting May 5, the worlds of bug copulation and the memorable visage of Isabella Rossellini will come together for Green Porno, a online series of "third screen" short films commissioned by the Sundance Channel and directed by Rossellini and Jody Shapiro. Sundance co-produced My Dad is 100 Years Old, Rossellini's debut short film (co-directed with Guy Maddin) about her Italian director father Roberto Rossellini, and later asked the... read more
Documentary to feature Bill Cosby, Steve Harvey, more
Bill Cosby has joined the ranks of comedians featured in a documentary entitled Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy. The film is based on Darryl Littleton’s book that was released late in 2006 with a similar title. Robert Townsend will direct, and Littleton also has a hand in production. A stand-up comedian under the stage name D'Militant, Littleton’s lens is both first-hand and historical. “I feel like maybe in the last decade it has become a little bit more buffoonish than it was,” Littleton said to NPR. “My role models were people like Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor and... read more
Scrubs poised for awkward shuffle to ABC
As the dust settles from the scuffle between NBC and ABC over the series, Scrubs prepares to take its exit from NBC. After seven years with the network, the final episode airs next week in a decidedly un-hyped fashion. The downplayed finale is part of a deal between NBC and ABC that sees Scrubs moving to the latter, negotiations of which ceased to remain secret for long. Under the long-pending deal, ABC is set to pick up 18 episodes of Scrubs for next season. Although production has been going on for weeks, ABC has aimed to keep things quiet with... read more
Boris to conquer North America this summer
Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about Japan creating a new, standing army. That seems a tad unnecessary, doesn't it? Who needs a standing army when you've got the face-melting metal of Boris to defend your great nation? Think about it: if it came down to some bootleg North Korean nuke versus the band that wrote Pink and Amplifer Worship (50-megaton records if we've ever heard one) we all know who would come out on top. Just in time for the stateside release of its latest album, Smile, Boris has announced a new North... read more
Virgin Mobile Festival's full line-up announced
This summer's festival line-ups have likely caused more than a few people to scratch their heads and wonder if they've somehow been caught in a time warp or kidnapped by Doc and stuffed in a Delorean headed for 1996. Headliners like Portishead, The Verve, Rage Against the Machine, G. Love & the Special Sauce and Love and Rockets have dominated the announcements of many prominent festivals this summer. Now, Baltimore's Virgin Mobile Festival has announced a group of artists that fit snugly in with this pervasive '90s theme. Headliners include the Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Moby, Stone Temple Pilots, Nine... read more
Lebowski Fest to celebrate namesake film's 10th anniversary
Fans from across the country will gather to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Coen Brothers’ film, The Big Lebowski, this summer at the 7th annual Lebowski Fest. The event will take place July 11-12 in Louisville, Ken., kicking off Friday evening with performances by comedian Brian Posehn, comedic Seattle band Pleaseeasaur and a screening of the titular movie. Saturday’s events include a garden party with performances from Mike Doughty, Snow Monster and Everthus the Deadbeats, as well as a bowling party with a guest appearance by actor Jim Hoosier (who played Liam in the film.) The festival got its... read more
Prism Awards celebrate Michael Clayton, Dr. Drew, more
In the words of one Paste staffer, “Who knew there were awards like this, huh?” But the annual Prism Awards, which honor movies and television that most accurately depict mental illness and substance abuse, are a worthy cause for recognition. The Prism Awards began in 1997, and, according to their website, are, “judged by members of the creative community and scientific experts for entertainment value, accessibility of the message, and scientific accuracy.” This year’s awards, sponsored by FX network, the Entertainment Industries Council and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, took place on April 24. The awards gala... read more
Jason and Ivan Reitman unite "Just for Laughs"
The Reitman clan will be having a bit of a family reunion come July 17. Directors Ivan and Jason Reitman, father and son, are scheduled to appear at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal this summer. Set to interview each other, both men will surely have plenty to tell regarding the films they have worked on over the years. Ivan is best known for movies such as Stripes and Ghostbusters, while his son has most recently taken the spotlight by ushering a supreme cast of characters through a little film called Juno. Scheduled to take place July 10-20,... read more
What is Judd Apatow's best project so far?
Announced last week, Get Him to the Greek will be the next movie to receive the Judd Apatow treatment. What is his best project so far? [1339 votes total] Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (27): 2% Kicking & Screaming (10): 1% Superbad (326): 24% Drillbit Taylor (4): 0% Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (55): 4% Forgetting Sarah Marshall (61): 5% Knocked Up (190): 14% The 40-Year-Old Virgin (276): 21% Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgurndy (340): 25% Other (50): 4% Full Results Comments... read more
Paste 43 cover story sneak preview: Scarlett Johansson
Yes, Scarlett Johansson is beautiful in person. It's not an optical illusion or camera tricks or makeup magic or airbrushing. That's usually what people want to know when they find out you've interviewed her. Guys ask if she's real. Girls always—without fail, without hesitation—ask what she was wearing. What can I tell you about her that I don't mention in my June cover story? When answering a question, she'll look past you into space for the words. But then, without warning, she'll lock eyes with you mid-sentence, utterly confident in her ideas, even as they take shape. The most animated... read more
Urban Outfitters brings more Free Yr Radio
Think that your favorite place for clothes shopping is only good for supplying your sweet hipster duds? Well, think again, because Urban Outfitters isn't just into printed T's and cotton dresses. They are also all about supporting the backbone of new and off-the-cuff music: independent radio stations. Teamed up with the Toyota Yaris, the apparel store has launched into their second year of Free Yr Radio, a series of concerts and events that raise money for radio stations that cater to the independent demographic. With 10 shows planned for the May-Oct. season, FYR boasts performances by White Williams, Yeasayer, Simian... read more
Jay Reatard makes pact with Matador, tours violently
Awww... why so pouty, Mr. Reatard? Didn't you hear that Matador Records has snatched you up with a "multi-album worldwide exclusive recording agreement"? For crying out loud, dude, you're rubbing elbows with Mission of Burma and Cat Power now! As previously reported, Matador was already releasing a cool half-dozen of this punk-rock powerhouse's 7" singles. But now it looks like the two parties are set for a longer-term relationship, according to a recent statement from Matador. There are currently plans for Reatard to drop a fresh solo album on the label in early 2009. If that's too long to wait... read more
Oxford Collapse to release limited-edition 7
Look at these guys, all smiley in their summer foliage as we're still rubbing the seasonal affective disorder out of our eyes. Just in time for spring, Brooklyn-based Oxford Collapse is releasing a limited-edition pressing of 500 "Spike of Bensonhurst" 7-inches this month. Bonus: 100 of them will be on sweet orange vinyl. The pressings also include MP3 downloads for both tracks, which were recorded during sessions for the band's upcoming full-length, but are exclusive for this May 13 release. Those interested in pre-ordering in an attempt to secure a special orange copy can make said attempt right here. Oxford... read more
John Hiatt announces Same Old tour dates
Following Paste's swim-trunks-clad editor-in-chief recently catching up with John Hiatt aboard a cruise, the veteran singer-songwriter has confirmed nationwide dates for his upcoming summer tour. Hiatt's new full-length album, Same Old Man, is set for a May 27 release. And if a 30+ year career and being covered by the likes of Bob Dylan and Iggy Pop weren't enough, the Americana Music Association will bestow a Lifetime Achievement Award upon Hiatt this fall. Dates: July 6 - Alexandria, Va. @ The Birchmere 7 - Alexandria, Va. @ The Birchmere 11 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Atlanta Botanical Gardens 12 - Maryville,... read more
Jimmy Fallon to take over Conan's Late Night slot on NBC
Although the official announcement won't come until May 12, it's been confirmed this week that SNL alum Jimmy Fallon has been officially secured as the successor to Conan O'Brien's Late Night program on NBC. Fans of the red-headed comic needn't worry: O'Brien isn't going far. He'll be moving to Jay Leno's 11:35 p.m. Tonight Show spot following Leno's retirement in 2009. Watch Fallon's video, "Idiot Boyfriend," to gear up for his new job: Related links: YouTube: Q&A with Conan O'Brien and Andy Richter YouTube: Jimmy Fallon - Freak Out Conan O'Brien on IMDb Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.... read more
McSweeney’s new Wholphin to feature Rudd and Deschanel
McSweeney’s will release the fifth edition of its DVD magazine, Wholphin, on June 5. Wholphin No. 5 features 12 rare or unseen short films hand-picked by the editors of McSweeney’s, the publisher of all things dryly humorous, and home to authors including Tobias Wolff and Ian McEwan. The movies are plucked from all corners of the film world, from the festival circuit to basement animation studios. Contributors include established directors and writers, filmmakers who submitted their work to WholphinDVD.com, and McSweeney’s editors. The June DVD clocks in at 155 minutes, and is packaged with liner notes including Q&A’s with the... read more
Fergie, The Weepies grace Sex and the City soundtrack
New Line Records will release the soundtrack to Sex and the City: The Movie on May 27, just three days before the film hits theaters. Producer Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Nas, The Fugees) put together the soundtrack and re-imagined the TV show’s theme song to become the film’s opener, “Labels or Love,” performed by pop star Fergie. The soundtrack also features a song by Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), who plays Carrie Bradshaw’s personal assistant in the film. The rest seems random—songs by established artists ranging from Al Green and Nina Simone to indie bands like The Bird & The Bee, Morningwood... read more
Beck announces summer tour
It's not officially summer until three things happen: neighborhood pools open, really smart people get really terrible tans, and Beck announces his latest warm-weather tour. Well, it's time to grab the SPF 15 and light up the BBQ, because everybody's favorite Midnite Vulture is headlining a summer trek that's sure to get all you neon mamacitas' totally bzooty. What's "bzooty" mean, you ask? Look it up in the Becktionary. (For more detailed information, please refer to the Encyclopedia Becktanica.) Before hitting up the U.S., Mr. Hansen has a bunch of European dates in June and July. He'll make it back... read more
Zach Galifianakis to host Indie Rock Trivia in NYC
We love Zach Galifianakis here at Paste (a lot, like, wasting entire days watching his hundreds of hilarious Internet videos a lot), and the Comedian of Comedy/pianist who likes to introduce himself as "Zatch," well, he loves music. Ol' Gal pals around with Fiona Apple and Kanye West—last year he and fellow beard aficionado Will Oldham (a.k.a. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy) spent a day on Zatch's North Carolina farm filming a countrified lip-dub for 'Ye's "Can't Tell Me Nothing"—so he must've been a natural choice for New York magazine's latest NY x NY event: Indie Rock Trivia featuring Les Savy Fav... read more
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