Category: Music News

Google has deleted a number of prevalent MP3 blogs without warning, claiming that they violated copyright law.

The blogs hosted on Google’s Blogspot and Blogger services included the likes of I Rock Cleveland, Pop Tarts Suck Toasted, Masala and It’s A Rap, while their owners have yet to be informed on the specifics of their infringements.

Bill Lipold, owner of I Rock Cleveland, responded, “I assure you that everything I’ve posted for the past two years, has either been provided by a promotional company, came directly from the record label, or directly from the artist.”

He goes on to add, “Apparently DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) operate on their own set of odd rules,” explaining, “they even requested that the BLK JKS official blog remove their own song.”

As promised, Christmas number one winners Rage Against the Machine have announced a free UK show this summer. The gig will take place at Finsbury Park on 6th June.

To be in with a chance of securing a ticket, fans must register at this website with a passport sized photograph by Sunday 14th February. Those registered can then use their registration number to buy a maximum of two tickets per person. Those seeking to buy two tickets, however, must have two registration numbers and tickets cannot be sold or transferred in any way.

North Atlantic Oscillation have just confirmed a UK headline tour to accompany their album release in March and have also unleashed a beautiful (and slightly twisted) new video for the single.

Their much anticipated debut album ‘Grappling Hooks’ will be released on March 22nd through Kscope and is to be preceded by single ‘Drawing Maps from Memory’ on March 8th.

The dates for their headline tour are:

February

13th London Carnivalle (2 White Church Lane, E1 7QR)
21st Glasgow Nice’n’Sleazys (supporting Xiu Xiu)

March

3rd London Barfly (The Fly Presents…)
22nd London Lexington (album launch presented by Sonic Cathedral)
23rd Bristol Louisiana
24th Manchester Ruby Lounge
25th Leeds Cockpit
26th Edinburgh Sneaky Petes
27th Glasgow Captains Rest

Here’s the video for ‘Drawing Maps from Memory’:

Warner Music has revealed its plan to stop licensing its artists on free music streaming services such as Spotify, We7 and Last FM. Larger bands that this will effect include REM, Muse and Green Day but the effects are likely to be more widespread.

The label’s chief executive, Edgar Bronfman Jr, reasoned that the services offered by streaming services are “clearly not positive” for the music industry.

The full implications of this move are unclear as of yet, but it is quite possible this move could spark a chain reaction among over major labels.

The forthcoming re-issue of Bright Eyes’ 2004 EP One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels, will come backed with new material

Collaborating with Saddle Creek label mate Neva Dinova on four new songs, the package will be released on March 23rd.

The full tracklist reads;
Rollerskating
Happy Accident
Someone’s Love
I Know You
Tripped
Black Comedy
Poison
I’ll Be Your Friend
Get Back
Spring Cleaning

Strokes drummer Fab Moretti has revealed that the band is aiming for a September release for their new album.

The New York band have been working on the album with producer Joe Chiccarelli (Bjork, U2, Beck), and Moretti went on to explain the “basic tracks are done”, as the band add their own finishing touches.

Unlike earlier records, their latest project is more of a creative free-for-all, as every member of the band has contributed ideas.

Baltimore’s The Dangerous Summer have announced details of their debut album to be released this Spring. The record, Reach For The Sun, will be released on 12th April through Hopeless Records.

Reach For The Sun was produced by Paul Leavitt (Circa Survive, All Time Low, Dashboard Confessional), who the band have been working with since being in high school.

Check out the video for Where I Want To Be, released last year;

Here’s one for the old school visitors to this zine. Vans continue their band collabs on shoes with none other than Suicidal Tendencies. Click below for the full collection and look out for various ST DVDs and re-issues throughout the year.

Portland’s finest power pop trio The Thermals have released a new single through Kill Rock Stars. The track, entitled Canada, was written on the road as the band finish off touring last year’s Now We Can See.

Meanwhile the ever industrious band is finishing up recording for their new album, set to be released later this year. Personal Life will be produced by Chris Walla and released on September 7th.

The hugely awaited follow up album from MGMT will be released this April, the band has announced.

The release of the record, entitled Congratulations, has been marked by a countdown on the duo’s website which is due to end on April 13th, coinciding with the release of the record in US (the album is released a day earlier in the UK).

Congratulations was produced by the band themselves alongside the more experienced head of Pete Kemeber of Spaceman 3. The tracklisting reads;

It’s Working
Song for Dan Treacy
Someone’s Missing
Flash Delirium
I Found a Whistle
Siberian Breaks
Brian Eno
Lady Dada’s Nightmare
Congratulations