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: Spice Up Your Life...Again?

In a totally uncalled for move, it seems the spice girls are getting back together...

Let's just hope they don't release a new album...
Oh and in case you want a full frontal of the '07 edition of the girls

New Music (WTF?!): Trace Adkins - Honky Tonk Badonkadonk

While I normally only post good videos, this was just too weird to not share with you guys.

Yep, it's a country song about badonkadonk. The video is complete with gratuitous booty shots and line dancing for some reason.

Enjoy!

Rant: Walk All Over Ian Curtis, Why Don't You?

You read this blog, so I'll assume you like Joy Division.
Do you also like shoes?

If so, then I've got big news for you!

That beacon of indie culture in the shoe world, New Balance (yes, I'm as confused as you are) have reasoned that you'd like to celebrate your love of the seminal British band with...custom trainers!

Wait...what?No release date has been set as of yet...but one can only guess that Urban Outfitters will pick these up.

News: Subtitle Ends Career

Sorry to be bringing this to you late kids but...I have some bad news. No, no, your dog is still fine, don't freak out just yet.

...

Ok, now freak out.

Subtitle (oft confused with Busdriver) has announced via his myspace that he's calling it quits. It would seem that the lack of label support finally got to him and put his otherwise promising career to bed early.

Even if you never listened to his solo material you may remember Subtitle from his cameo on Islands' hit track "Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone" which features the aforementioned rapper's frantic, high speed style.

Maybe if you send him a funny e-card he'll reconsider.

Islands feat. Subtitle - Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone (MP3)