Oct 19, 2009

It’s going to be a Nirvana November this year because Sub Pop is marking off Bleach‘s 20th anniversary with a handsome re-issue of the Platinum Certified album. There’s also that coveted Live at Reading CD/DVD coming out the same day.

The expanded CD/double-LP of the grunge goldmine will drop November 3rd and includes a never-before-released live recording a complete February 9^th, 1990 show at the Pine Street Theatre in Portland, Ore. The first run of the double-LP will be on 180g white vinyl, just like the original release. Additionally(!), a 48-page CD /16-page LP booklet includes candid photos of the group not previously revealed.

Here we have a preview mp3 of Bleach‘s third cut, “About a Girl.” If the rest of the remastered goodness is anything like this we’re all in for a rockin’ treat.

Oct 19, 2009

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs electro anthem, “Heads Will Roll,” has already been re-rubbed raw by Passion Pit and others, but the Canadian producer/turntablist A-Trak gives it a fresh scan just in time for Halloween.

The young club artist’s version magnifies the already-solid melody and blows it out to a six-minute glowstick banger. Prepare to lose your shit on the dancefloor folks. (via Discobelle)

Oct 19, 2009

Watch on YouTube

Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas is prepping his debut solo venture, Phrazes for the Young, for a November 2nd release in the U.K. and on November 3rd in the U.S. (via Cult/RCA). You’ve most likely heard its 80s-like lead single, “11th Dimension,” but now there’s another full track streaming on Casablancas’ site. It’s dubbed “River of Brakelights” and it will knock your head for a loop.

Also, some quick audio teasers of the full-length’s eight tracks are available now thanks to the nifty YouTube video above. Surprise of the day: there are futuristic country ditties! (via Stereogum)

Oct 16, 2009

Watch on YouTube

In the video for Frightened Rabbit‘s new single, “Swim Until You Can’t See Land,” the charming Scotsmen are supported on all sides by fans waving flashlights. The single is out November 16th on FatCat (pre-order here). “Swim” is a primer for the Selkirk quintet’s forthcoming third album. The Winter of Mixed Drinks is expected in Spring 2010. They begin touring the U.K. next week. (Via MBV)

Oct 16, 2009

Watch on YouTube

Last night (October 15th), Boise, Idaho’s Built to Spill stopped by the Ed Sullivan Theatre to play “Oh Yeah” for David Letterman‘s audience. The slow, hazy and contrapuntal guitar jam seems like an odd choice for a live telecast but it works as an prime soundtrack to this type of soggy weather. Dave seems to love it though. There Is No Enemy is out now on Warner Bros.

BtP are touring the U.S. with fellow indie-rock vets, Dinosaur Jr. Remaining tour dates are below:

10-18 Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
10-20 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
10-21 Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
10-22 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater $
10-23 Houston, TX - Warehouse Live $
10-24 Austin, TX - Stubb’s $
10-25 Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom $
10-27 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
10-28 Tucson, AZ - Dry River
11-15 Eugene, OR WOW Hall
11-17 Bellingham, WA - The Nightlight
11-18 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
11-19 Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
11-20 Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
11-21 Spokane, WA - The Big Easy Concert House

# = w/ Dinosaur Jr.

Oct 16, 2009

Watch on YouTube

The U.K.‘s Arctic Monkeys are prepping the release of “Cornerstone,” the second single from their third LP Humbug (Domino Records), which debuted at #1 on the U.K. charts. The 10” will feature three b-sides - “Catapult,” “Sketchead,” and “Fright Lined Dining Room.

Above we’ve got the video for “Cornerstone,” directed by Richard Ayoade, who also lensed the band’s hit single “Fluorescent Adolescent” and Humbug’s first single “Crying Lightning.” “Cornerstone” may be the new album’s best song but this minimal clip

leaves much to the imagination. It’s pretty much Alex Turner speaking into a field recorder in front of a white wall. “Cornerstone” is available digitally on November 17th and physically on December 8th.

Oct 16, 2009

Watch on YouTube

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down‘s sophomore (technically third) album revolves around the concept of love lost but you wouldn’t know it from listening/watching the bouyant beach party clip for “When We Swam.” Nguyen flirtatiously sings “Bring your hips to me,” as the single’s catchy chorus, while snorkeling in a lake, playing some tug o’ war, and getting buried in a sand pit.

Sounds like your typical beach bum party day to me. The cute clip was largely a Portland affair: Aubree Bernier-Clarke produced and directed and Moira Morel was the cinematographer. Know Better Learn Faster is out now on Kill Rock Stars and the San Francisco-based musician is touring this fall, including this Sunday (October 18th) at the Treasure Island Music Festival.