New (Again) Music: Modern Lovers

Those hip cats over at Sanctuary Group have decided to re-release one of the most overlooked records this side of pretentious - the classic 1976 Modern Lovers lp. Produced by John Cale and clocking in at just over 50 minutes, this lp was definitely before its time.

So why is it such a big deal that an album is getting re-released? Mostly because it's been out of print since around 1989. I know...crazy, huh?

All that and it comes with 8 bonus tracks too!

I don't wanna gush about it TOO much, but it really is a great album that really connects the sounds of 60's art rock (see: velvet underground) with late 70's/early 80's post punk (see: joy division). Hell, you can even heard traces of this album on groups out today - art brut for instance.

Ok kids, go out and listen to this one before it goes out of print again!

MP3: Modern Lovers - Roadrunner (alt version)

Admit One: Hold Steady 08/07/07

This was my first time seeing Brooklyn's The Hold Steady live. I've been a fan of theirs for a while but for some reason they never seemed to play Montreal - strange given its reputation as a party town and their penchant for penning songs around that very same theme. Last weeks show more then made up for their absence as frontman Craig Finn said at the start of the show: "better late then never". Of course the massed crowd that filled the Sala Rosa didn't hold that against them.

As you may guess from their lp's, The Hold Steady are a show band - and they lived up to their reputation playing almost non-stop for a full hour and half, and covering the majority of their catalogue. Finn's stage presence really added to the show as he ran around the stage belting out lyrics - all the while downing a seemingly endless supply of Heineken. The highlight of the night was their extended rendition of "First Night" which ended with nearly the whole venue singing the reprise: "Boys and Girls in America".

Really though the experience of seeing The Hold Steady is best summed up in their own words
"we had some massive nights./every song was right."
Listen: The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend

News: Tony Wilson Dies at 57

Tony Wilson passed away today after a year long battle with cancer. Wilson of course was the founder of Factory Records and the famed Hacienda club in Manchester. A major player in the UK music scene, Wilson was responsible for discovering Joy Divison, New Order, A Certain Ratio and many others. Factory Records along with Wilson's efforts as a concert promoter helped bring the UK punk scene (along with acts such as The Buzzcocks and The Sex Pistols) onto the world stage. Wilson's life and effect was featured in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People.

Tony Wilson Interview (1988)

News: Lily Allen Banned In the US

Looks like Lily Allen will be heading back to LDN for awhile - according to the Daily Mail she has had her US work visa revoked and can't play any shows in the US for the time being. No offical word as to why she was banned but it probably has something to do with her attacking a photographer a few months back.

This is the word from her management said:

"Lily doesn't know why it happened, she is quite shocked, but her LA schedule carries on as planned. She's due back in the UK at the end of the week to continue work on her second album, and we're sure all this will be sorted out in time for her American tour. It's in the hands of the relevant authorities and these things take time. The most important thing to her is her fans. She does not want to let them down."

New Music: Handsome Furs - Cannot Get Started

With the new Sunset Rubdown lp well on its way, Wolf Parade's other frontman is keeping people talking about his Handsome Furs side project. Check out the new video for "Cannot Get Started" off their excellent debut lp - released earlier this year.

New Music: Sunset Rubdown - Up On Your Leopard, Upon the End of Your Feral Days

What started off as a side project for Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug has blossomed into a full blown band. The release of Random Spirit Lover marks Sunset Rubdown's 3rd release, and if it's anything like last year's Shut Up I'm Dreaming... then indie rock fans are in for a fabulous listening experience. And judging from this single off their new LP, I'd say that Random Spirit Lover could actually exceed it's predecessor. Have a listen for yourself:

Random Spirit Lover is due on 10/09/07 from Jagjaguwar