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
The Weepies' Guide to a Happy Life
This unassuming husband/wife duo’s music has graced sitcoms like Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs, not to mention Sundance hit Friends With Money and major TV ad campaigns. They’ve also collaborated with pop-star-turned-singer/songwriter Mandy Moore, and their... 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
Paul Weller's 22 Dreams to be released in the U.S. on June 24
Paul Weller hadn’t recorded anything for three years, but it’s not like he took time off to nap. While he was out of the studio, he played concert series in New York City and Los Angeles, earned Lifetime Achievement honors at the 2006 Brit Awards and reissued a deluxe edition of his timeless record, 1995’s Wild Wood. And that’s all fine and good. Great, even. But this summer, there’s another Weller-related cause for excitement. His new album, 22 Dreams, will hit stores June 24 on Yep Roc . And it’s been a year in the making. 22 Dreams will feature... read more
José González releases remix EP, announces tour
With his sophomore album, In Our Nature, singer/songwriter José González proved he had more to him than the brooding covers he was known for, which included renditions of the Knife’s “Heartbeats,” Kylie Minogue’s “Hand on Your Heart,” and Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” Songs from the album, his most recent release, are featured on a new remix EP, which comes with the announcement of a summer headlining tour. The In Our Nature Remixes EP is available only as a digital download and features songs remixed by Todd Terje, Penchenga Nord, Beatfanatic, Landberg & Skogehall and others. González begins... read more
Hüsker Dü rarities compilations in the works
File this under "Something I Learned Today." Fans of legendary indie rockers Hüsker Dü (IE: former idealistic college students from the '80s now begrudgingly working corporate jobs) will be excited to learn that a rarities compilation and live album are in the works for the group. This summer, Garage D'Or Recording Company (Can we stop for a second and just ponder was an awesome name that is for a record label? Thanks.) will release First Strike, a collection of 14 early Hüsker Dü demos from 1979. That's right: 1979. The year our Hüsker Düdes got together to for their first... read more
Yoko Ono sues Expelled for undisclosed damages
John Lennon's ex-wife, Yoko Ono, made her way back into the headlines last week when she sued the filmmakers of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the documentary featuring none other than Ferris Bueller's economics teacher (anyone? anyone?), erm, Ben Stein. The movie, which claims that scientists who support intelligent design are routinely fired or censored, features Lennon's "Imagine," a song Ono says the filmmakers never received permission to use. She's joined in the suit by Lennon's two sons, Sean Ono Lennon and Julian Lennon. The producers of the film released a statement saying, "We are disappointed...that Yoko Ono and others have... read more
Dr. Dog, Del McCoury, Method Man, more go Forecastle
This is the seventh year for Forecastle in Louisville, Ky., and the festival has broadened its range accordingly. The fest announced a new venue last June, and has booked Method Man, Dr. Dog, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Disco Biscuits, Morning State, Z-Trip and Del McCoury to headline. Other notable acts include Snowden, Unwed Sailor, Peter Searcy and Film School. And Prizzy Prizzy Please, but mainly because we just like saying their name. “It’s the best line-up in the festival’s seven year history,” said festival founder and producer JK McKnight in a recent statement. “It’s twice the size... read more
Guitar Hero IV to incorporate more instruments, vocals
The fourth installment of the wildly popular Guitar Hero franchise will incorporate more instruments and add vocals. In an interview with Portfolio magazine, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said that the addition of more instruments and vocals were a few of the significant changes gamers could expect when Guitar Hero IV hits stores later this year. Kotick said these elements were meant to increase the appeal of a game franchise that has already managed to cross a few generation gaps. “The age appeal is something we've never seen before -- seven-year-olds who have no idea who Aerosmith is are playing the... read more
Jeff Mangum Sings: NMH singer featured with Instruments
Jeff Mangum is perhaps one of the most reluctant musicians to ever inspire a cult following. In March, the indie music world rightfully celebrated the tenth anniversary of Mangum's masterwork with his band Neutral Milk Hotel, the stunning In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. Since he stopped recording under that moniker a decade ago, there's been endless excitement and speculation attached to every project in which he's been involved even the tiniest little bit. Content to stay far away from the spotlight, however, Mangum's appearances have been few and far between. The latest fodder for Mangum fanatics, then, arrives in... read more
Atmosphere: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
This marks the... read more
My Bloody Valentine to headline inaugural ATP festival
My Bloody Valentine will be headlining the inaugural ATP New York music festival Sept. 19-21, marking the band’s first U.S. appearance in 16 years. British concert promoter All Tomorrow’s Parties is hosting ATP New York at Kutshers Country Club in Monticello. Described as a “boutique festival,” the event will feature about 30 bands, and a capacity of less than 3,000 people. Other headliners for the three-day festival include Built to Spill, the Meat Puppets and Thurston Moore, which will also feature on-site amenities including tennis courts, golf course, swimming pool and nightly DJ sets. My Bloody Valentine only recently announced... read more
The Pharcyde, Nas, Tribe, Mos Def head up Rock the Bells
Rock the Bells is sort of an anomaly. It’s rare to find successful hip-hop arena tours, and in 2007, Rock the Bells was the top-grossing hip-hop event in the country. Following last year’s performances by a reunited Rage Against The Machine, this summer’s Rock the Bells tour will feature performances by A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Rakim, Method Man & Redman, Dead Prez and a reunion of the group Pharcyde, amongst others. Also billed to perform are a handful of emergent artists including Washington D.C.’s Wale, Flosstradamus and others from the electro-hip hop scene. “This... read more
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