Casey says...

Mars Volta playing Toads Place (HOLY FUCK!)

2007-12-08T07:15:00.001-08:00

Wow! Apparently The Mars Volta will be playing Toads Place on January 11th. I'm surprised they are playing such a small venue especially in CT. Tickets are $27.50 and go on sale next Saturday @ noon. I'm just bummed there's no support.

18 Bands announced for '08 Warped Tour

2007-12-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

The first 18 bands for the 2008 edition of the Vans Warped Tour were announced the other day. The list is below:

The Academy Is...
The Briggs
The Bronx
The Color Fred
The Devil Wears Prada
Every Time I Die
From First to Last
Gym Class Heroes
The Lordz
Norma Jean
Katy Perry
Pierce The Veil
Reel Big Fish
Relient K
Shwayze
Street Dogs
3Oh!3
We The Kings

It's an okay lineup so far. The one's in bold are the artists I would personally go see however there's nothing very extraordinary as usual. What's strange though is how Kevin Lyman the other week said Against Me! were playing this year however they are no where on the list. Hmm...

2008 Grammy nominations

2007-12-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have never been a huge fan of the Grammys however after nominations were released for the 2008 edition of the awards, I was impressed. Here are some of the highlights of those nominations:

Record of the Year

The Pretender - The Foo Fighters
Rehab - Amy Winehouse

Album of the Year

Graduation by Kanye West
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
Echos, Silence, Patience, and Grace by The Foo Fighters

Best New Artist

Paramore
Amy Winehouse
Feist

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

1, 2, 3, 4 by Feist
Rehab by Amy Winehouse

Some other highlights on the list include some surprises like the Beastie Boys; they got nods for Best Instrumental Performance and Album. Justice also got the nomination for Best Dance Recording and Album which I hope they win.

It's a tough list but I say fuck all the haters and I would personally say Amy Winehouse should win all the mentioned categories minus Best New Artist who should go to Feist (by the way she also was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album). Kanye's album was good but not nearly as catchy or creative as past releases and to be honest I really can't say much about the Foo Fighters because I have not had the chance to listen to their latest release yet.

Now if only they choose better performers than past years I might actually make it through the entire ceremony.

Universal announces "new" subscription plan

2007-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

After announcing this week that they ALL their artists will only be allowing to have 90 second song clips on popular internet sites such as MySpace, Universal Music Group (aka the anti-christ) yesterday released that they will be releasing a subscription based music program called Comes With Music in collaboration with Nokia in the new year.

Doesn't sound to shabby at all. Consumers can just buy a Nokia product and get instant access to over 1 million songs while only paying a yearly rate. Hell, I would throw away my iPhone for that offer!

However, doing some more research and getting more opinions on the program, I have to say I actually hate Universal more.

Apparently, all the songs that can be accessed through the program are wrapped in DRM. For people out there who might not know what that is, it's Digital Rights Management. Anyways, this completely restricts anyone from sharing the songs and using them more than a pre-determined amount of times. Okay that's a set back however it gets worse.

Adding fuel to the fire, you can't burn the music onto a CD or listen to it on an iPod just on your PC. WHAT?!?!?! Oh, if you aren't pissed, it get's better.

In order to gain access for another year of the program you HAVE TO BUY A NEW NOKIA DEVICE which of course probably won't come cheap. On top of that, if you want to burn the music onto a CD it will require an upgrade purchase FOR EACH TRACK!

Holy crap, WOW, just, WOW.

This is a great idea and subscription based music is definitely the future however with all these restrictions in place, it's doomed to fail. Not to mention, this is a terrible way to start off on this idea. It will immediately turn people away from the product.

What are everyone else's thoughts on this this?

Band of the Week - Brave Citizens

2007-12-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

I've been absolutely obsessed about this week's featured band Brave Citizens over the past few weeks. The San Francisco based duo is a side project of lead singer Andrew Capra who currently sings and plays guitar in the pop/rock band Hopefield.

Although this is considered a side project, it in no way lacks the incredible edge most sideprojects seem to miss. Andrew completely self-produced the entire EP Revolutions which is up in it's entirety streaming for free on their MySpace.

As far as sound, the band is an awesome mix of bands such as Mute Math, U2, and tons more proving further more that Andrew and friends can write great, catchy edgy rock songs that is a complete rarity these days.

www.myspace.com/bravecitizens
Hightrack Track: the entire Revolutions EP

Joanna Newsom playing w/ symphony in Brooklyn

2007-12-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

EDIT: Got the details for the show. They are below:

Fri 2/01
8:00 PM

Joanna Newsom
Brooklyn Academy of Music (Featuring members of Brooklyn Philharmonic) All Ages $25

So stoked about this one. Apparently, Joanna Newsom will be playing an entire set with a full orchestra in Brooklyn on February 1st. I couldn't seem to find the details about where and how much this is. Anyone know??

Glassjaw post new "track"

2007-12-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Glassjaw posted a new "song" over on their MySpace page. The track is titled "yum yum". It's mostly 5 minutes of repetitive electronic beats however there are some live drums that kick in with 5 seconds left. Definitely a teaser for some new, fresh tracks.

Also, there is the enticing 200? in the album details. That shouldn't be too mysterious. It's pretty much common knowledge that the band should be putting out the album sometime next year which will be their first effort since the band went on hiatus in 2004.

There is also a pretty well backed rumor floating around that Saves the Day and Glassjaw will be heading out together sometime next year also.

The Henry Rollins Show

2007-12-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

While scanning through TV channels tonight, I ended up on Fuse and noticed that they had just picked The Henry Rollins Show. It was on the channel Fuel for some time but I never managed to search through my TV and find it. It's nice to see television show with great insight and opinions, fantastic interviewees (the very talented Steve Buscemi was on tonight), and awesome musical guests (Blood Brothers played tonight's airing) get picked up by a more widely seen channel. Definitely make some time next Sunday @ 11pm to catch the show. It's a great program.

Chromeo playing Bowery Ballroom

2007-12-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

EDIT (12/6/07): First show is sold out however the duo just added a second show on January 28th.

Dance/electronica duo Chromeo are returning to NYC on Saturday, January 26th the very small and intimate Bowery Ballroom. Show isn't very well publicized (it's not even listed on their MySpace) however the venue has the show listed up on their site and tickets are selling at $18 each. The show is also 18+ (sorry kiddies). If you want to go to this show, definitely get tickets NOW. It will sell out really soon.

Gallows

2007-12-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

I downloaded Gallows latest album Orchestra of Wolves and I finally now understand the incredible buzz about this band. They are capable of combining the pissed hardcore aggressiveness of Botch and Refused, the technical screamo aspects of bands like This Ship Will Sink and Orchid, the 80's punk attack of bands like Minor Threat, and able to squeeze into one neat, little package. Finally a band who can play music in a genre that has seen much, much better days.

Led Zeppelin's playing Bonnaroo??

2007-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

The latest word on the street (and coming from a pretty reliable source) is that Led Zeppelin will be playing their first US show in some 25, 30 odd years at this year's Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee. They just can't announce it till after their London show which I believe is sometime in couple monthes. If this is true, WOW. They would have definitely up'ed their game over Cochella who blew them out of the water last year with their lineup.

Rumor also has it that Metallica will be playing the festival too.

The pop's gotta pop

2007-11-30T21:47:00.001-08:00

I've been writing about WAY too much pop bands on this site. Even music in general. I'm going to try mixing it up in the days to come...

Pictured above: Ampere at a show in Brooklyn. If you like incredible, original Saetia like screamo with a Minor Threat mix, you have to check these guys out.

Riot goes gold

2007-11-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Paramore's (pictured above in disguise) latest effort Riot! has gone gold. Absolutely zero surprise here. When the hell will this band peak? It seems like they keep getting bigger and bigger and it shows no sign in ending anytime soon.

Stolen Transmission seperates from Island Def Jam

2007-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

This explains the pure chaos I walked into when I went for an interview at Island Def Jam today. Though reported on Absolutepunk.net, Stolen Transmission Records has not folded by Island Def Jam's demands. Instead the label has decided to part from the Universal sub-label and become an independent label.

Very smart move on Stolen Transmission's part especially after UMG CEO Doug Morris' questionable comments he made a few days ago. Stolen Transmission is home to PlayRadioPlay! (pictured above), Monty Are I, The Horrors, The Photo Atlas and more.

Ashley Jizzdale

2007-11-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

What a fucking mess. The video is totally out of sync however it's pretty obvious Ashley Tisdale is lip-syncing the whole song. Is only me or does it seem like the band is also playing over a track too?

Either way, this is fucking terrible. Why does every actress think they can sing?

Band of the Week - Into It. Over It

2007-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

This week's Band of the Week is an artist I've actually already mentioned on this blog Into It. Over It. After a week, I am still glued to my iTunes listening to the songs Evan has recorded over the last 10 weeks. In case you haven't gotten a chance to look at the previous post about Evan's newest project, the main premise of Into It. Over It is to create a song every week of Evan's 23rd year. That's an asounding 52 songs!

It's a creative and innovative idea that gives you something to look forward to each week. I know that I personally have been caught up listening to each new song that premieres every Thursday and reflecting on the past week. It's seriously a powerful thing that Evan is doing. It also helps that the songs are absolutely awesome and totally free to download on his website!

www.myspace.com/intoitoverit
www.intoitoverit.com

Similar artists: Texas is the Reason, Death Cab for Cutie, Braid, The Progress, Up Up Down Down
Highlight track: All of them!

How desperate can you get?

2007-11-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Sales of Britney Spear's new album Blackout have gotten so bad in the Canada that they have started campaign where they are offering a free movie ticket if you buy the album. HAHAHA! How pathetic can Britney Spears' life get?

LOL Cat Bible

2007-11-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

My church never got me to read the Bible when I was younger. Maybe they should have tried this...

Brand New playing Gramercy Theater

2007-11-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Brand New are playing Triple Crown Record's 10 anniversary show at the Blender Theater at Gramercy on in New York City on Monday, December 17th. All proceeds go to the Feelgood Foundation which benefit 9/11 first responders. Also playing are The Receiving End of Sirens and As Tall As Lions.

Tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster tomorrow @ 1pm and cost $27.50 (that doesn't even include all the surcharges). It's expensive however Gramercy is very, very intimate (holds only 550 people) and all the proceeds go to a great cause.

Also, if you want to even think about going to this show, I highly suggest you get the tickets on time tomorrow cause they will certainly be $100 each on Craigslist by tomorrow.

The Prospero Collapse

2007-11-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the promising bands I've heard out of Long Island in a long time, The Prospero Collapse creates some of the best post hardcore music I have heard since Thursday's Full Collapse album. That's saying A LOT. Their EP is extremely solid and has been stuck in my CD player for quite some time now. Keep an eye out for these guys in the near future...

www.myspace.com/theprosperocollapse
Highlight Track: Cross Your Oceans

Tragic

2007-11-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

During the Malibu fires this week, songwriter and producer Butch Walker's house burnt down to the ground. Walker was renting the house from Flea, the bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers during the tragedy. He's lost everything. From his clothes, personal possessions, studio equipment, insturments, lyrics, even all the masters to all the songs he's ever recorded. Truly a sad story.

Some of his producing credits include Midtown, The Academy Is, Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy and much more,

First '08 Warped Tour bands announced

2007-11-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

The first bands have been announced for the 2008 run of Warped Tour. Against Me and The Bronx (pictured above) are the first two of four bands Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman announced last night at a college lecture he was giving. The other two are Pierce the Veil and The Devil Wears Prada. Lyman also went on to say that he would be announcing 12 to 14 more bands NEXT WEEK on the Warped Tour's official site.

Other than the last two bands mentioned, this year's lineup is already shaping up to be a promising one. Any thoughts on who might be the headliner(s)?

Bob Lefsetz

2007-11-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

If you enjoyed my explosion at Universal's CEO in the last post definitely put aside some time to take a look over Bob Lefsetz's blog. The guy has worked for years in the music industry and always seems to have some very intelligent things to say about the music industry. Defintely worth the time if you are interested in this insane line of business.

Website: www.lefsetz.com

Wow...

2007-11-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is what Universal Music Group's CEO Doug Morris had to say about combating illegal music pirating when it was in it's early stages in the late 1990's and why they didn't come up with alternative legal ideas such as hmm, I don't know, ITUNES!

"There's no one in the record industry that's a technologist," Morris explains. "That's a misconception writers make all the time, that the record industry missed this. They didn't. They just didn't know what to do. It's like if you were suddenly asked to operate on your dog to remove his kidney. What would you do?"

Personally, I would hire a vet. But to Morris, even that wasn't an option. "We didn't know who to hire," he says, becoming more agitated. "I wouldn't be able to recognize a good technology person — anyone with a good bullshit story would have gotten past me."

Source: http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/11/universal_music_ceo_doug_morris.html

Basically what Morris is saying here is that contrary to the belief that any smart, common minded corporation would hire someone to at least research this issue, THEY NEVER EVEN DID. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!

Folks, I believe this industry can be turned around, that's why I still work in it. However, right now it's looking pretty bleak. All those corporate fucks in their offices upstairs need a simple remedy that I like to call reality. Stick with iTunes, simply believe pirating is inevitable, think of more innovative ways to sell music, and move on with your lives! It's not that hard people.

My Bloody Valentine reunited

2007-11-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Finally, a great band reunites to save music. Indie noise rockers My Bloody Valentine have finally decided to get back together and record a new album, their first since 1991's masterpiece Loveless. The band plans to have the new album out sometime late next year and even plans to tour. So far they have confirmed a few official reunion shows in the UK and Ireland (sorry, I don't have the exact dates) which will happen sometime after Cochella shooting down any sort of rumor that they might reunite there. Also, once the record is done, the band has said they plan on releasing the album themselves online similar to how Radiohead did earlier last month. Whether it's going to pay-what-you-like model has to be seen.