New New Pornographers clip

Canada's The New Pornographers will be returning to Australia for a national tour which starts next week. The band are headed by A.C. Newman who will be releasing a solo album next year (more info here). Rounding out the band are vocalist Neko Case and an outrageously talented cast of musicians.

The tour will be the first time in Australia that the band will be performing tracks from their latest album Challengers, out last year. Go here for tour dates.

Coinciding with the tour is the release of a brand new video for the track Mutiny, I Promise You off Challengers. The clip features US comedians Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Concords, The Daily Show) and has been described by the pair as "The long awaited continuation of your favorite "girl-who-can-talk-to-animals-and-has-to-kill-a-popular-senator" series! Special guest stars: The New Pornographers - in a first time ever music video/adventure-comedy internet short!"


myspace.com/thenewpornographers

TV On The Radio on Letterman and to play BDO

“This is one irresistible party… a great, great record.” 5* Q
“Brooklyn art-rockers' clearest transmission yet.” Mojo

In a case of the worst kept secret ever, TV On The Radio have now been officially announced to play next year's Big Day Out.

They released their third album Dear Science last week and recently performed the track Dancing Choose off the album on the Late Show with David Letterman:



BIG DAY OUT 2009 DATES
Gold Coast – Jan 18 Parklands
Sydney – Jan 23 Sydney Showgrounds
Melbourne – Jan 26 Flemington Race Course
Adelaide – Jan 30 Adelaide Showground
Perth – Feb 1 Claremont Showgrounds

Tickets on sale
Sydney – Wed 8 October
Gold Coast – Thur 9 October
All other cities – Fri 10 October

Dancing Choose


myspace.com/tvotr

New track from Jóhann Jóhannsson

An American magnate builds a doomed utopia in the depths of the Brazilian rainforest. A Victorian poetess laments the death of Pan. A pagan rocket scientist blows himself up in his Californian garage. A crippled German physicist draws up the equations which can make faster than light travel possible, unseen by the rest of the world.

Jóhann Jóhannsson is an Icelandic composer and musician. His spellbinding new album, Fordlândia, draws these tantalising threads together, weaving a musical tapestry of hypnotic richness and surprising emotional depth.

The first glimpse of the album is the cinematic track The Rocket Builder:

The Rocket Builder [mp3]


His music is stately, slow-building and hauntingly melodic music, frequently combining electronic processing with classical orchestrations, that has been quietly bewitching listeners for the last few years.

His first solo album Englabörn was originally released in 2002 and re-released on 4AD last year, getting an 8.0 review on Pitchfork. The album was derived from music that Jóhann wrote for an Icelandic play using string quartet, piano, organ, glockenspiel and percussion. These elements were processed and manipulated, adding delicate electronic accents to the otherwise entirely acoustic recordings.

Jóhann's first release for 4AD, IBM 1401 - A User's Manual (2006), involved a sixty-piece string orchestra recorded at Prague's legendary Barrandov sound stage and incorporated electronics and vintage reel-to-reel recordings of a 1960's IBM 1401 mainframe computer and its accompanying instruction manual.

Fordlândia is Jóhann Jóhannsson's most complete and beautiful piece of music to date; a fascinating, immersive and deeply rewarding web of ideas and melodies, which is sure to win him a legion of new listeners. The album is due out November 1.

You can hear more tracks from the album on his myspace: myspace.com/johannjohannsson

Introducing St Helens

What’s that line? “I can’t remember, I can’t forget.”

That’s how St Helen’s came in to being… the inevitable outcome of too many nights out.

A cursory glance at the pre-history of the people involved reveals one-degree-of separation from Spider Vomit, Bird Blobs, Minimum Chips, Alpha Males and Kes. Satelliting the core band are occasional contributors from Love Of Diagrams and Panel Of Judges.

Initially live shows were intentionally few and far between. Despite this strategy, word quickly spread about the band’s razor sharp guitar interplay and Jarrod and Hannah’s bitter-sweet, intertwining vocals. Four gigs in, St Helens were opening for one of New York’s hottest bands, Blonde Redhead.

An album is already recorded for release in 2009.

St Helens are now focused on sharing their soon to be released material to a growing audience and will be playing a run of dates in Melbourne and Sydney over the coming month, starting tonight as they support Ned Collette at The Tote for his final Melbourne performance.

September
Fri 26th - The Tote, Melbourne w/ Ned Collette.

October
Wed 1st - Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne residency
Thu 2nd - Club 77, Sydney w/ Warhorse & Turtle Creek
Fri 3rd - Loui's Warehouse, Sydney w/ Circle Pit, Songs & The Atrocities
Wed 8th - Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne residency
Wed 15th - Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne residency
Wed 22nd - Birmingham Hotel, Melbourne residency

myspace.com/sthelens

New Future Of The Left track

Forming from the ashes of Mclusky and Jarcrew, Future of the Left released their debut album Curses late last year to a slew of praising review. Earlier this year they brought their sweaty, ferocious shows to Australia for the first time, playing to sold out crowds.

They are set to release their as yet untitled sophomore studio album next year on 4AD. Featuring on the album will be their new track The Hope That House Built:

The Hope That House Built [mp3]


adeadenemyalwayssmellsgood (from the album Curses) [mp3]


myspace.com/futureoftheleft

Sonic Youth and Be Your Own Pet unite for Gossip Girl

It seems that Thurston Moore will be taking a little time out from working on the new Sonic Youth album to team up with Jemina Pearl, front woman of now defunct band Be Your Own Pet.

They'll be covering Ramones' track Sheena Was A Punk Rocker for cult teen trash show Gossip Girl. Thurston revealed the little tidbit to Rolling Stone following their New York appearance for ATP's Don't Look Back series (which they performed in Australia earlier this year).

"Kim [Gordon]'s gonna show up soon, and my friend Jemina who sings in Be Your Own Pet is coming up with her, and she's gonna come up with me tomorrow to Ma and we're gonna record "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" for Gossip Girl. So you know, the fun never stops."

Be Your Own Pet's sophomore album Get Awkward is out now.

Be Your Own Pet - Becky


myspace.com/beyourownpetmusic | myspace.com/sonicyouth

Adele - Make You Feel My Love video

Adele is one of the brightest new talents to come out of the UK in recent times. Her debut album 19 was produced by Jim Abiss (Bjork, Arctic Monkeys, Massive Attack), debuting at #1 in the UK and being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.

Her latest video from the album is for Make You Feel My Love. Directed by Mat Kirkby, you can watch the clip below:


Hometown Glory [mp3]


Chasing Pavements [mp3]


myspace.com/adelelondon

New album for A.C. Newman

Known as one of the voices behind The New Pornographers, A.C. Newman is set to release his new solo album Get Guilty in January 2009.

Get Guilty was recorded this year at Brooklyn’s Seaside Lounge with Phil Palazzo. Along with the dozen or so other players Carl roped into this affair, the album also features cameos from Jon Wurster (Superchunk), Mates Of State and Nicole Atkins.

We'll hopefully have an mp3 from the album available in a few weeks.

In the meantime, you can catch A.C. Newman performing around Australia in early October as he tours with The New Pornographers. Dates and ticket info can be found here.

TV On The Radio bonus material stream

Currently streaming on last.fm is the bonus material from TV On The Radio's 16 track deluxe version of Dear Science. Included in the bonus material are remixes by Prefuse 73 and Telepathe, as well as a few tracks that didn't make it on the album proper.

You can hear the tracks here.

myspace.com/tvotr

Radiohead 'Reckoner' Remix comp

After the success of the Nude remix competition earlier this year, Radiohead are once again giving you the chance to remix one of the tracks from their latest album In Rainbows. This time it's the track Reckoner.

For more info about the competition head to the website: radioheadremix.com

And to get you inspired, Radiohead have enlisted Diplo and James Holden to kick things off:

Reckoner (Diplo Mix) [mp3]


Reckoner (Flying Lotus Mix) [mp3]


myspace.com/radiohead

Fucked Up on NME

With the latest edition of NME comes two firsts for the long lived mag. For starters, it's the first time the word "fuck" has appeared on the cover. So naughty. More used to having acts like Muse, Arctic Monkey and Foo Fighters appear on its covers, this is also the first time they've chosen a hardcore act to grace its glossy front page. And what a cover it is:

Fucked Up's new album The Chemistry Of Common Life is out October 4th.

Karina from Young and Restless on RocKwiz

Young & Restless's Karina Utomo appeared on RocKwiz with Steve Lucas on the weekend where they performed a duet of Something In The Air. You can watch the whole show on the RocKwiz website.

Young & Restless will be playing various shows across Australia over the coming months, including in Melbourne this Friday supporting The Faint.

TOUR DATES
Fri 26 Sep – Melbourne, Prince of Wales supporting The Faint
Sat 4 Oct – Geelong, Grazzhopper Festival *all ages*
Sat 11 Oct – Brisbane, Sounds of Spring Festival *all ages*
Fri 31 Oct – Adelaide, Edinburgh Castle Halloween Party
Sat 1 Nov – Perth, Horror Shop
Sun 2 Nov – Perth, Mojo’s
Sat 29 Nov – Coffs Harbour, Open Arms Festival

myspace.com/youngandrestlessau

Police Police


Karina on RocKwiz Firsts & Faves

Ned Collette Band's final Australian shows for '08

This Friday 26th, Ned Collette Band will perform their final Melbourne show of '08 at The Tote. Supporting them on the night are Melbourne's St Helens whose members have one degree of separation from Spider Vomit, Bird Blobs, Minimum Chips, Alpha Males and Kes, with occasional contributions from Love Of Diagrams and Panel Of Judges.

The Tote gig will be filmed and recorded by Nat van den Dungen, beginning an audiovisual document which will also span the band's forthcoming European trip. Come and get your face on...

They will also be playing at Sydney's Hopetoun on Saturday October 4th.

After that they'll be heading off on their European tour which takes in the UK, France, Germany and more, as well as playing at places you'd be hard pressed to pronounce (try saying "Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna" 10 times fast). For the full list of dates go to their website.

Ned will be performing live on Melbourne radio station Triple R at 5:30 this afternoon, performing a cover of Guy Blackman. You'll be able to listen here.

Ned's latest album Future Suture is out now on Dot Dash.

Earlier this year Ned Collette Band performed the single The Country With A Smile from the album on ABC's Sunday Arts program with special guests on flute, trumpet and trombone:




myspace.com/nedcollette

The Mountain Goats announce Australian tour

After the unfortunate cancellation of their April 2008, The Mountain Goats are ecstatic to at last be heading back to our shores to make things right with the people.

Hitting Australia with their drummer, Jon Wurster (Superchunk), for the first time, The Mountain Goats will be once again be thrilling and surprising fans by dipping into their extensive catalogue, which covers 17 years of music making.

With their highly literate and metaphorical lyrics being of the utmost importance, and their uncanny ability to match these to infectious tune after infectious tune, The Mountain Goats' live shows are always amazing experiences, part catharsis and part celebration, as Darnielle brings his wonderful narrative driven songs to life right in front of your eyes.

Don’t miss The Mountain Goats in Australia this December.

Full dates & details below, tickets on sale Friday October 3.

Sydney
Manning Bar
Friday December 5
Tickets from Moshtix, 1300 Get Tix (438 849), on your mobile via www.moshtix.mobi & all Moshtix outlets.
Presented by Drum Media

Newcastle
Cambridge Hotel
Saturday December 6
Tickets from the venue, Rock Shop, Beaumont St Beat & Moshtix online or Ph: 1 300 Get Tix (438 849)
Presented by Drum Media

Adelaide
Fowlers Live
Sunday December 7
Tickets from Venue Tix (Ph: 08 8225 888 or Venue Tix) & Moshtix online or Ph: 1 300 Get Tix (438 849)

Perth
The Rosemount
Tuesday December 9
Tickets from Mills, Planet, Star Perth & Heatseeker
Presented by Drum Media Perth

Melbourne
Billboard
Wednesday December 10
Tickets from Billboard online, Moshtix online or Ph: 1 300 Get Tix (438 849)) & Polyester
Presented by Inpress

Hobart
Republic Bar
Friday December 12
Tickets from The Republic Bar - Ph 6234 6954, Ruffcut Records - Ph: 6234 8600, & The Dwarf
Presented by A Fine Line

Brisbane
The Zoo
Sunday December 14
Tickets from Zoo online, ph 1300 762 545, Rockinghorse, Skinnys, Butterbeats, Moshpit Music, Sunflower, Music Mania, Cosmic Music, Central Station Music, Cooly Hotel, Bombay Rock, Gooble, Warming, Kill The Music
Presented by Time Off

The Mountain Goats are also playing at the SOLD OUT Meredith Music Festival.

The Mountain Goats' latest album Heretic Pride is out now on 4AD.

Sax Rohmer #1

Vampire Weekend + Devo = ?

Vampire Weekend have teamed up with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh to record the track Ottoman for the soundtrack Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist.

Also featured on the film's soundtrack are Devendra Banhart, Band of Horses and Shout Out Louds. You can read more about the film and soundtrack at Stereogum. You can watch the film trailer here.

Ottoman


You might recognise one of the lines in Ottoman ("feels so unnatural/ Peter Gabriel too") as also being from Vampire Weekend's latest single Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. The video for the track was directed by UK comedian Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd, Mighty Boosh). You can watch it here:


Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album is out now.

myspace.com/vampireweekend

A Fucked Up EPK

Fucked Up are Toronto post-hardcore band consisting of members Concentration Camp, Pink Eyes, Mustard Gas, Mr. Jo, Young Governor and 10,000 Marbles.

Their second album The Chemistry of Common Life is out October 4th. One listen to the album and it'll be clear to you that Fucked Up are far from your ordinary hardcore band. Don't believe us? Just check out their EPK below, which sees growling front man Pink Eyes being interviewed by Zach Feldberg. If you don't want to see what a "mangina" looks like, we suggest you look away at the 2:12 mark... it's a bit NSFW.



Check out the band's hilarious blog: lookingforgold.blogspot.com

No Epiphany [mp3]


Twice Born [mp3]



Earlier this year Fucked Up re-released the Year Of The Pig EP, the second in a series of songs based on the Chinese zodiac. The track is about the plight of sex workers in Canada with the initial release and companion concert generating $4,000 for a prostitution rights charity in Toronto.

Year Of The Pig (US 7″ edit) [mp3]

Dave Sitek speaks about Dear Science

TV On The Radio's long awaited album , Dear Science, was finally released on the weekend.

Last week triple j's Zan Rowe chatted with guitarist Dave Sitek (who earlier this year topped NME’s Future 50 list of the most forward thinking people in music today) about TVOTR's newly found optimistic sound. You can listen to the interview here.

Fabulous Diamonds' debut album has just been reviewed by Pitchfork and has scored a very nice 7.4 rating. Sure, Pitchfork got the name of the album wrong, but nobody's perfect. You can read the review here.

The album 7 Songs runs at a taut 24 minutes with seven (funnily enough) untitled songs culled from their 2007 performance repertoire.

Recorded with Ben Andrews of My Disco in a warehouse over two days, every nook and cranny of 7 Songs is filled with sound, embellished by an assortment of electronic, acoustic and treated percussion, harmonium, tenor saxophone, delay effects, tapes and piano.

7 [mp3]


They have recently returned to Australia after a 30 date US tour with uprising lo-fi trash Times New Viking and Psychedelic Horseshit that coincided with the US release of their album on Siltbreeze (released locally through Nervous Jerk). Fabulous Diamonds will be playing a couple of shows in Newcastle and Melbourne in early October:

Fri 3 Oct - Newcastle, Sound Summit
Sat 4 Oct - Melbourne, Corner Hotel w/ Yeasayer
Tue 7 Oct - Melbourne, RRR performance space w/ Lucky Dragon [US] and Mount Eerie [US]

myspace.com/fabulousdiamonds

Department of Eagles - In Ear Park DUBMO session

Department of Eagles' new album In Ear Park is out October 4th.

DoE features Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and his friend Fred Nicolaus, plus additional help from two other members of Grizzly Bear, Chris Taylor and Chris Bear. In Ear Park is the culmination of roughly 4 years work and contains 11 tracks.

About how songs made it to this record, as opposed to a Grizzly Bear one, Daniel says:
"In Ear Park has been in the making in one form or another for several years now, on and off tour and after work. A lot of these songs felt way too personal to bring to Grizzly Bear - there's a lot of childhood nostalgia and an emphasis on more concise songwriting. Fred and I had license to try some things that I could never get away with otherwise, but we still went for the lushness and and attention to sonic detail that Chris and I always want out of a recording. I'm excited."

They recently performed the title track of the album, which was filmed and edited by Eamonn Farrell and Bajir Cannon. You can watch it below:


Department of Eagles - "In Ear Park" (DUMBO Session) from gorillavsbear.net on Vimeo.

No One Does It Like You [mp3]


In Ear Park [mp3]


www.myspace.com/deptofeagles

Adam Green announces debut solo Australian tour

Adam Green will be leaving his New York home this December to perform at the Meredith Music Festival, along with three headline shows around the country promoting his fifth solo album, Sixes & Sevens.

Adam’s irreverent wit and pop sensibilities were established early on as a teenager with his first band, the much loved Anti-Folk heroes MOLDY PEACHES. Formed with his bunnysuit-wearing-partner-in-crime Kimya Dawson (Adam sported a Robin Hood costume at the time), the band captivated critics and won fans around the world, while propelling New York’s Anti-Folk scene to international prominence. Both Adam and Kimya experienced a resurgence earlier this year when the Peaches were featured on the soundtrack of hit indie film, JUNO, including the anti-love song duet between Adam Green and Kimya Dawson, Anyone Else But You.

Adam went on to experience success as a solo artist, a career that is now five albums deep. It was Adam’s second solo album Friend Of Mine released in 2003 that revealed his innate ability to pen a truly off-kilter folk song, including the single “Jessica” a comic ode to Jessica Simpson that can still make you simultaneously chuckle and weep. Little wonder that Rolling Stone have called him "pure genius", with MOJO referring to him as an "unexpectedly rich talent".

His latest album Sixes & Sevens is out now.

Morning After Midnight [mp3]


Getting Led [mp3]


Catch Adam Green at one of the following shows around the country this December:

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

Meredith Music Festival
12, 13, 14 December
More info: www.mmf.com.au

Melbourne
Sunday 14 December
East Brunswick Club
Tickets on sale at the East Brunswick Club box office, 280 Lygon St, East Brunswick. PH: 9388 9794 or via the website www.eastbrunswickclub.com
Presented by Beat

Sydney
Tuesday 16 December
Oxford Art Factory
Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au, 1300 GET TIX (438 849), on your mobile via www.moshtix.mobi, and all moshtix outlets.
Presented by Drum Media & FBi

Brisbane
Wednesday 17 December
The Zoo
Tickets from Oz Tix, ph 1300 762 545 or online www.thezoo.com.au, Rockinghorse, Butterbeats (city & valley), Moshpit Music, Sunflower, Music Mania, Cosmic Music, Central Station Music, Cooly Hotel, Bombay Rock, Gooble Warming, Kill The Music.
Presented by Rave Magazine

www.myspace.com/adamgreen1

Introducing Tom Cooney

Hailing from Queensland, Brisbane-based singer/songwriter Tom Cooney has made an impression on those fortunate enough to encounter this young artist since his first live performances in 2005, and subsequent mini album release Hold Me Down during the year following.

Since then he’s performed alongside the likes of M. Ward and Fionn Regan, as well as playing at Homebake and the Splendour in the Grass.

In 2008 Tom Cooney returns with his first full-length release Presque Vu, out October 11. Meaning 'almost seen', the term is the feeling of being on the edge of something extremely important, or discovering a truth that leaves as quickly as it arrives. Hear a track from the album below:

Beneath the Wheel [mp3]


While the album is focused on Tom's guitar, lyrics and melodies, it also features guest appearances from many friends who added touches of colour along the way. Whitley played lonesome cowboy guitar, Simon and Ryan from Subaudible Hum added layers, Saddleback's Tony Dupe played all sorts of things, McKisko played keys and James from the Boat People played some bass.

To mark the album's release Tom Cooney will be playing shows up and down the East Coast.

Wednesday 15th October
Will & Toby’s, Sydney
**Album Launch**

Thursday 16th October
The Troubadour, Brisbane
**Album Launch**

Wednesday 22nd October
East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
**Album Launch**

Thursday 23rd October
Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
supporting Andy Bull

Friday 24th October
Sol Bar, Coolum
supporting Andy Bull



myspace.com/tomcooneymusic

Jenny Lewis's slip of the Acid Tongue

"Flat out great and no mistake. Jenny is up there with the best singer-songwriters..." Elvis Costello

Perhaps better known as co-lead singer in Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis is set to release her new solo album Acid Tongue, the follow-up to her internationally acclaimed 2006 album Rabbit Fur Coat.

Guests on the album include Elvis Costello for a duet on Carpetbaggers, Johnathan Rice, M Ward, Zooey Deschanel and Laurel Canyon's own Jonathan Wilson.

The all analogue, no Pro-Tools sessions were recorded in just 3 weeks. The album's tracks, disparate as they are, share a sparkling vitality; Lewis's voice has never sounded so expressive and the narratives have never been so hard-hitting and acerbic.

Acid Tongue is out October 4th.

Acid Tongue [mp3]


myspace.com/jennylewismusic

Jay Reatard to release Matador singles compilation

Every month for the last six months, Matador Records have been releasing a limited 7” by a new signing to the label, namely Memphis boywonder Jay Reatard.

The 7”s have generated more and more attention with each release, but each one has been put out in a progressively more limited run, starting with 3,500 worldwide for single #1 and ending with only 400 copies of single #6. Each release has differed from the last (be it on clear and coloured vinyl, a split 7” or a picture disc) and all have sold out instantly upon release.

The new release, Matador Singles '08, features all six singles plus bonus track I'm Watching You (Jay’s attempt to write a song in the style of Kiwi songsmiths The Tall Dwarfs, which uses the word “c*nt.” He succeeds.) Every song is a perfect snarling pop-punk gem, but the collection evolves interestingly (and erratically) from punk to pop. As Pitchfork said on the subject, “In this short space of time, Reatard has cranked out more memorable songs than some acts do in their whole careers.”

Matador Singles '08 is due out October 4th.


See/Saw [mp3]


Always Wanting More [mp3]


www.myspace.com/jayreatard

The New Pornographers announce new show and suports

Vancouver pop maestros The New Pornographers return to Australia next month for their first Australian tour in two years. With their Sydney Annandale show on Sunday 12 October now sold out, they have announced a second Sydney show on Monday 6 October at the Annandale, with special guests Even and An Horse.

The New Pornographers’ latest record Challengerswas released late last year, creating even more excitement and praise than their previous works:
“a staggering masterclass in indie-pop songwriting that will make your brain melt and send firecrackers around your heart” NME
“Challengers ultimately proves to be the group's finest hour.” Mojo

For a full list of supports in each city, see the tour dates listed below! Don’t miss The New Pornographers October Australian Tour. Tickets are on sale now.

MONDAY 6 OCTOBER – ANNANDALE, SYDNEY
With special guests Even & An Horse
Tickets from www.annandalehotel.com, the venue or tel 02 9550 1078

TUESDAY 7 OCTOBER – THE ZOO, BRISBANE
With special guests Even & Butcher Birds
Tickets Tickets from www.thezoo.com.au, tel 1300 762 545, Rockinghorse, Butterbeats, Moshpit Music, Sunflower, Music Mania, Cosmic Music, Central Station Music, Cooly Hotel, Bombay Rock, Gooble Warming , & Kill The Music

WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER – ROSEMOUNT HOTEL, PERTH
With special guests The Bank Holidays & Bird to Prey
Tickets from www.heatseeker.com.au, Star Surf Perth, Mills Records and Planet Video

FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER – THE GOV, ADELAIDE
With special guests Even & We Grow Up
Tickets from www.venuetix.com.au and The Gov tel 8340 0744

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER - THE CORNER, MELBOURNE
With special guests Plug In City & The Stoics
Tickets from www.conerhotel.com , the venue box office or tel 94279198
**Tickets Selling Fast

SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER – ANNANDALE, SYDNEY
With special guests An Horse and Like...Alaska
** SOLD OUT

CHALLENGERS



www.myspace.com/thenewpornographers

Gorillaz on Monkey

Monkey: Journey To The West is the latest offering from Gorillaz masterminds Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. A "circus opera" based on the ancient Chinese story of the Monkey Magic (that's Monkey Magic for us Australians) the lyrics are sung entirely in Mandarin with the music performed by both European and Chinese musicians in London and Beijing.

Not one to be content with lurking in the shadows, Murdoc of Gorillaz lets us know just what he thinks about Monkey...

Right, Ok. Listen Gorillaz fans. I've had a pretty testy couple of months. Credit crunch, house prices collapsing…. I can't seem to shift this enormous deserted 'Kong Studios' building that me and those other gonks have occupied for the last 8 years. And also I've only just got back from this whole 'tracking Noodle down in the Underworld, and rescuing her from an eternal existence in the jaws of a 50ft soul-eating demon from Hades' epic-type-jaunt, as what was posted in my last Bookface geek-fest thing...

That was pretty hairy, but it's all safe now, all good. I'd love to tell you lot about it but, as usual I've got myself all tangled up with some turgid movie dudes who say, “Y'know keep schtum, we'll sell the whole story to Schpeilburg”. Probably all rubbish again but let's see.

Anyway aside from all that. Why am I back here today? Well as I said, So, I just re-surfaced from Hell, dusted all off all the burning coal, entrails, smoke, liver and sulphur from my cape and what do I find on my mantelpiece? A big, gaudy envelope with this inside:

'To Murdoc Niccals...Blah blah blah...You are cordially invited to attend the première of the fantastic new Chinese Opera Monkey: Journey To The West at London's most prestigious venue The Royal Opera House.'

Well, right, me and opera go together like Kylie and arse cheeks, so I thought OK. 'Could be good. Let's check it out...'

I'm always open to new ideas. I actually saw a very vivid performance of Wagner's 'Ring Cycle' recently, but that was a part of a triple-bill including a showing of “My Big Fat Greek Orgy”, and also “Raiders of the Lost Arse” so I'm not sure any of them were strictly 'Opera', by the conventional definitions of the term. But the singing was pretty fantastic. And the aria in the middle brought tears to my eyes. And a strange swelling down below...

You can read the whole thing on the Gorillaz website.

Monkey: Journey To The West is out now.

For music, downloads and news go to monkeyjourneytothewest.com

TV On The Radio On The TV

TV On The Radio's third album, Dear Science, is due out in Australia this Saturday. The first single from the album is Golden Age. The video for the single features police, half-naked men with animal heads and rainbows... You'll just have to watch it for yourself:



TV On The Radio- Golden Age [mp3]