March 31, 2000

Mogwai is doing the orchestra thing. NME is reporting that the band will expand their sound at next month's All Tomorrow's Parties festival at Camber Sands. The band is apparently taking the gig very seriously, and wants to show off their wall of sound in new ways. Bassist Dominic Aitchison said the group's warm-up gig at Edinburgh's Liquid Room on April 4, and the festival will likely be the group's last shows of the year. Instead of playing out, the band will focus on the follow-up to their 1999 album 'Come On Die Young'.

In other news, pop foursome Luscious Jackson have broken up. There has been no official word, but sources close to the band say it's over.

March 30, 2000

Blur knows how to throw one hell of a backstage party, according to band members Alex and Graham. The pair admitted to the BBC yesterday that they would often spend nights on tour 'drawing wild pictures while completely out of it.' You know you're band is a bunch of art-rockers when the only nude chicks backstage are artist's models. The band currently is presenting an art exhibition in London to mark ten years as a 'shambling, alcoholic art rock four piece.' You can check it out online here, it's worth a look.

Read and send reports from around the world...

Chan Marshall, better known as Cat Power, has begun a rare tour. Known for her erratic concerts, the shy and brilliant songstress lived up to advance billing, including nervousness, sound trouble, and bangs covering her eyes. Full show review on SonicNet.

GeekRock is the UK's best spot for tour news and gigs of all sizes. You'll also find reviews, news, and a nightly live pick.

Is Fatboy Slim concerned about Presidential Candidate Al Gore using his music as a campaign theme? Not really. He told MTV that it was a thrill to have his mum hear his music on the nightly news. He was also pretty relieved that at least Gore isn't a Republican.

March 28, 2000

The music fan's dream collaboration seems to be coming to fruition. Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Bjork have banded together in a show of Yorke-Bjork (or is it Bjork-Yorke) power. Actually the project sounds more like a job for Yorke, who, according to today's Melody Maker, has been asked to lend his vocals to a Bjork composition for her new film "Dancer in the Dark," directed by Lars Van Trier. The film, a musical starring Bjork, is set to debut this summer at the Cannes Film Festival.

Elliott Smith's album for Dreamworks, Figure 8, is due to hit shelves in mid April. Today he announced a large North American tour where he'll play some bigger venues (but not by much) than some of his fans are used to. You can get full details on the road show, which opens May 5th in Dallas, TX, on music365.

Richard Ashcroft, new father, has his first solo single out. Dotmusic says it's no departure from 'Urban Hymns' period Verve. Have you heard the track? What do you think?

March 27, 2000

Former Belle and Sebastian bass man Stuart David admits to NME that the band began to bore him after a while. Not B&S per se, but rather the whole "everyone playing instruments at once" bit. With his band Looper, David is able to more fully concentrate on "cutting things up." Looper is currently on tour with the Flaming Lips in America.

Radiohead's third live web appearance on their website was marked by one new song being played. According to SonicNet, the track had a 70's Rolling Stones feel to it, and the chorus goes: I wish I could be good ... I am a wicked child. Were you watching? Let us know!

March 24, 2000

Beck is known for crazy onstage funk freak-outs, but last night in London something went wrong. The occasional spastic funky American whiteboy was mid-way through a planned maneuver where his bassist would pick him up and pretend to throw him. However Beck fell out of his band member's arms and impaled himself on the Bass, injuring himself somewhat severely. Later test revealed internal bleeding, and the folk-punk-funk-blues star has canceled publicity appearances in the UK. Never fear though, the tour will go on as scheduled, and Beck is OK.

March 23, 2000

Bjork and Alex Empire have announced the completion of a collaboration project that should yield some strange and wonderful results. The two music pioneers (Empire is best known for his work with Atari Teenage Riot ) decided to get together quite some time ago. According to NME, the project is finally nearing completion. The Icelandic pop princess and the German hardcore wizard will release at least 3 tracks on an EP later this year that also features the Broadsky Quartet. Strings, Bjork, and Empire? Sounds like an odd but workable mix...

Madonna is pregnant! And we don't care.

Some more Radiohead tidbits: The band's European and Middle Eastern tour kicks off June 13 in Arles, France. They'll be playing several songs from their yet-to-be-released new album, which does not have a release date because the band "does not want to feel pressured." Speaking of the new one, Drummer Phil Selway tells launch.com that he thinks 'actually coming to terms with the whole recording process and feeling. Experimenting -- that's one of our ambitions -- being better musicians, as well.' Sounds like the band has stayed on the right track...

March 22, 2000

Jeepster records has just released tantalizing new information about the new single from Belle and Sebastian. The track, which does not appear on their upcoming fourth album, will be called "Legal Man" and is described as 'an ensemble piece that features vocals from various members of belle and sebastian as well as guest vocals by the maisonettes.' Supposedly this track sounds more like a Northern Soul dance track, which should be quite a treat. The other two tracks on the single are 'Winter Wooskie' and the intriguingly named 'Judy is a Dick Slap.' Hey USOUNDS readers, what do you think?

In other Belle and Sebastian news, the band has today achieved their first gold album in the UK for The Boy With the Arab Strap. Congrats to the band and the label.

March 20, 2000

Former My Bloody Valentine lead guitarist Kevin Shields has been brought on board the Primal Scream tour. The legendary axeman will team up with the Scream for the US leg of their international tour in support of their sixth album. Speaking of which that record will be released in the US this may, under the Astralwerks banner.

The UK version of Beck's single for 'Mixed Bizness' features an intriguing cast of remixers, including Les Rhythmes Digitales, Cornelius and DJ You DJ Me. In other Beck news, if you want to see Beck for free during his west coast dates, his official website is running a contest.

March 17, 2000

USOUNDS readers: thank you for joining the world and telling us what's up in your corner of the planet.

Some 60s legends whose personal lives are still active press fodder are making news today. The strangest of the two stories is what's being called an 'admission.' by former Beatle Paul McCartney The shocker? Paul is dating a one-legged model. Most of the press are on McCartney's Beatle bum for dating too soon after his wife's death-- which is always the close of articles on the subject.

Mick Jagger also made the papers from London to Rio after a judge ordered him to pay $10,000 per month to pay for his ex-girlfriend (a soon to become ex-model, as she entertains the possibility of television stardom) and their love child. Most of the papers are especially keen on Jagger's shagging habits, such as the Zanzibar Sun Times going so far as to add photos of a few of his legendary conquests on their web sites. David Bowie is nowhere to be seen.

What will really be news is if either one of the two gets half this much press for their next album.

Special note: if you signed up as a groupie, or sent us a report from around the world this week, it has been destroyed in a tragic computer crash. Please send them again.

 

March 15, 2000

Internacional gorgeous-poppers St. Etienne have announced a special education tour-- the band will hit universities across the UK this May. For more information and to buy tix, check out NME.com.

One week from today, Air will debut material from their latest album, The Virgin Suicides, online. The French Band's webcast will be available on HOB.com, taped from a show in LA on January 22. Don't worry, Airheads, we'll remind you next week too!

March 14, 2000

Think Radiohead is popular in the UK? The band's first show in the British Isles in over 2 years sold out yesterday in a few minutes. The band is putting the final touches on their fourth record, and according to NME, plan to tour several other cities in Europe this summer as well. One bit of advice for those wanting to see the band on the continent: wake up early!

Some 80s darkpop gods in the news today. Inspirational downers The Smiths will release the DVD version of their video collection The Complete Picture, complete with bonus goodies for fans like the complete short film "The Queen is Dead," and rare live performances from the band.

Across the road, The Cure announced that they will play at least 20 dates in the USA in support of their latest album. Most of the venues will be outdoor, summer night affairs. In other Cure news, Paul Oakenfold has remixed "Out of This World" for possible inclusion on a single.

March 13, 2000

Internacional white-boy funk-rock superstar Beck is letting slip that he won't be making another Midnite Vultures the next time around. Like just about everyone else in the music biz right now, Beck is hankering for a return to heavy rock. In an online chat the smooth dancing popstar said "I think it will be more simple and more heavy, more rock than funk." Sounds like Beck is ready to filter some Guns N Roses through his ever-expanding mix.

In other Beck news, a small zine will be releasing a 10-year-old Beck track inside their next issue. This rather enviable desperate bid for attention is the work of Gluemag, which will release "American car" a track by Bean featuring a young Beck Hansen on vocals.

New details about Radiohead's follow-up to the brilliant OK Computer record are emerging from London. The fourth LP has reportedly been given a finalized (for now) tracklist. For the list, check out the exhaustive Radiohead info site, Followmearound.

Gene is slated to play LA this summer. It's been three years since the band, whose 1999 album Revelations never got released stateside, has performed in America. The band is currently without a US label. The show will be on June 1 at the Troubador.

March 11, 2000

New details have emerged about international pop group Pulp's newest record. A somewhat distracted Jarvis Cocker told the NME that the record will be a lighter affair then the band's last effort, This is Hardcore. Cocker would not go into detail about the nearly-completed album, saying only, "we've turned a bit towards the light..."

Prince has launched his first online venture, about which he said: "It's my hope that NPGonlineLTD.com will become a place where all creators who seek and desire true artistic freedom will come and express their views. The voices of change are always welcome here." A visit to the site revealed Prince videos, sounds, news, elaborately designed moderated message boards, and a bizarre section where Prince talks about album sales and an MTV host discusses God's Image with Lenny Kravitz, among others.

March 9, 2000

The world's favorite living reclusive genius-weirdo, Brian Wilson, will be pet-sounding during 2 shows in America next year. While Wilson has been touring with something approaching regularity in the past few years, he has never toured behind his opus, Pet Sounds, even when it was released. Early word places Wilson, a symphony orchestra, and most of the songs from Pet Sounds on stage in Los Angeles for the recording of a live disc.

March 8, 2000

Belle and Sebastian have released tantalizing new information regarding their new album. The record (pictured above) is called "Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant" and will be released on 5th June 2000 in the UK, and on the 6th June 2000 throughout the rest of the planet. The tracklist for the album is as follows:

I Fought In A War
The Model
Beyond The Sunrise
Waiting For The Moon To Rise Don't Leave The Light On Baby The Wrong Girl
Nice Day For A Sulk
The Chalet Lines
Woman's Realm
Family Tree
There's Too Much Love

Sounds like it will be a classic just by reading the song titles, doesn't it? Everyone here is getting a very good feeling about this new record. How about you?

In other Jeepster Records news, the band's second most exciting band (in our opinion) is Salako, and they have a new EP set for global April 23 release. There is more information on the Jeepster website.

In other album news, Finland's high-flying pop act Cessna return with a new album this month available from the estimable Radio Khartoum label. More details, including reviews and sound files to come...

March 7, 2000

March Records is very pleased to announce to the world that the semi-legendary Scottish band Trash Can Sinatras has joined the label and will be releasing new material. It's been 7 years since the world heard from TCS and their jangly pop melodies, and now the band will be recording their 4th LP in Connecticut with producer Mike Deming (Pernice Bros./Lilys) and playing around the northeast on the weekends. The first show dates are: Saturday, March 25th : Knitting Factory, NYC, NY (all ages) Sunday, April 2 : The Khyber, Philadelphia, PA (all ages) (w/Stars) Saturday, April 7 : Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ (w/Stars), with more to be announced. Stay tuned to USOUNDS and March Records for new news from this phoenix-like band.

March 6, 2000

The big names (Pulp, Blur, Oasis, etc) in Brit rock and pop have been making a lot of noise lately. Here's a recap...

Oasis debuted at number 1 on the UK charts, but apparently this wasn't music to Liam Gallagher's ears. The temperamental singer stormed off stage in Japan last night, after his voiced cracked several times during one song. A bewildered audience was allowed to get their money back after having to sit through Noel's attempts to sing the rest of the show.

Meanwhile Oasis' former lead rivals made a surprising announcement. Blur frontman Damon Albarn announced that the band would no longer play their hit singles of days past. Apparently Girls and Boys and Parklife don't resonate with the singer as much any more. He told the NME that while he loves the songs, they just aren't a part of him anymore. When asked to comment on his former nemeses, he said "Oasis? They're doing the whole thing again aren't they? But this time with Robbie Williams - they're in a slagging match with him now. They obviously haven't moved on a great deal."

Pulp is moving along, and quite nicely, thank you. The band's rail-thin and whip-smart leader Jarvis Cocker announced that the eagerly awaited follow-up to This is Hardcore will be ready for release early next year.

Jam rockers Gomez have gone into the studio to record a track with American singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur. Arthur's soaring, melodic voice has been wowing concertgoers this year as Gomez's opening act.

March 3, 2000

Belle and Sebastian have announced a tentative release date for their eagerly (some would say fanatically) awaited new record. The still-untitled album will hit shops around the globe in June of 2000. According to the group's official website, a 3 track single is likely to precede the album. More news as it comes in, so stay tuned to USOUNDS. In other B&S news, the Lazy Line Painter Jane boxed set will be out next Tuesday. The above picture is the cover art from the set.

Several Minty Fresh artists are making waves in Japan lately. Papas Fritas, whose new record Building Grounds is released next week, have had one of the tracks from that album added to the Cornelius compiled album Llama Ranch for Trattoria Records. Meanwhile, labelmates Aluminum Group have had their album well recede in Japan. Perhaps in part thanks to a bonus track remixed by Tortoise's John Herndon.

The Reading Festival has confirmed their headlining acts. The 3 day music fest top billing will feature Pulp, Beck, Oasis, and Gomez, among others. The entire list is located on the festival's official site.

 

March 2, 2000

Pitchfork Media is reporting that Polly Jean Harvey is going into the studio to work on her follow up to This is Desire. The official PJH website announces that the singer will be working with long-time collaborators, Mick Harvey (The Bad Seeds) & Rob Ellis (from the original P J Harvey line-up) starting in March. The record could be ready for release next fall.

March 1, 2000

Stereo Total have completed their UK mini-tour in support of a best-of album on Brit label Cherry Red. The album collects the best material from the group's previous 4 records.

Here's a quick review from reader alex in the UK:
Stereo Total at Blow Up, London. A truly amazing performance! BlowUp usually features bands that are cool in a musically limited, look at our cheekbones kinda way. So nothing prepared the crowd for the landing of Stereo Total's internationalpopUFO - a set of songs I'd only heard that afternoon on CD sounded like long lost classics when delivered with such vim and vigour live. A languid Jeanne Moreau plays 50s twang with Serge G and Chuck Berry's excitable cousins. Really rather marvellous! 10/10!

After the tour with Momus, who has called them "the best pop band in the world," Stereo Total reportedly returned to their home base of Berlin, ready to conquer the universe one song at a time.

In what will no doubt be the finest album of cover tunes in years (or at least months), Momus, Aluminum Group, Magnetic Fields, Barcelona and more will cover tracks by Human League on a tribute album put together by March Records.