SHORT BITS – 7/19/06

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The nominations for the Mercury music prize have been announced, including Arctic Monkeys, Editors, Hot Chip, Muse, and Thom Yorke. The dark horse (and my favorite out of the bunch) happens to be Richard Hawley’s Coles Corner (MP3: Hotel Room). Check out the full list of nominees here. // The longtime show ‘Top Of The Pops’ will end and go off the air after its last episode this summer. The BBC’s show was made famous during its 42 year run when The Beatles performed ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ (MP3) in 1964. // Chris Karloff of Kasabian has left the band. The guitarist/keyboardist cited artistic differences, which means that he’ll likely pursue a failing solo career.

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There is actually a children’s album being released this fall that I may check out. Yes, a children’s album! It is called The Colours Are Brighter and the reason I am interested is that it will feature such artists as Franz Ferdinand, The Divine Comedy, Four Tet, and The Flaming Lips. The album is curated by Mick Cooke (Belle & Sebastian) and all proceeds will go to Save The Children. Franz Ferdinand’s song ‘Jackie Jackson’ (MP3) is about a greedy boy who eats so many cakes that he explodes! Great bands for a great cause indeed. // Scott Colburn and Marcus Dravs will have parts in the production of Arcade Fire’s new album, as posted on their official web site. // Art Brut and We Are Scientists are recording a LP together before they tour together, and it will consist of the band covering each other’s songs. Sorry Scientists, but I don’t see how you can pull off Eddie Argos’ fantastic vocal delivery.

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The tapes for The Beatles’ ‘Get Back’ sessions (mainly consisting of live material and drunk conversations) have been recovered, though there are no plans to reveal them to the public just yet. // Even Pete Doherty’s mother is an attention whore, so we see where he gets it from at least. She is planning to write a biography about her son, pinpointing specific details such as cross dressing. How many albums does Doherty have? Three? Exactly. Knock the hype off. // Sleater-Kinney’s last show will be on August 12th at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. // Check out the tracklisting for Bob Dylan’s new album, Modern Times, here. // The shooting for the Joy Division biopic Control has begun. Sam Riley will play Ian Curtis. (MP3: She’s Lost Control) // The synth-driven punk group Out Hud has called it quits as well.

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New material info: The Hold Steady, Clinic, The Dears, Sparklehorse, Devandra Banhart, Tapes ‘N Tapes, Sean Lennon, The Bravery, Slits, The Killers, Pixies, Escape the Fate, Supersystem, The Draft, Bad Astronaut, Ladyfinger, My Morning Jacket

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New tour info: Deerhoof, Okkervil River, Andrew Bird, Scanners, Vetiver, Lagwagon, Snow Patrol, Radio Birdman

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

Send your music to [email protected].

4 Comments

  1. I am interested in that children’s comp with that great Franz Ferdinand track. I cannot find any information online. Could you e-mail with any info you may have.
    thanks.
    dana

  2. Dana,
    the album will be released in October. the tracklisting is:

    Four Tet featuring Princess Watermelon – ‘Go Go Ninja Dinosaur’
    Rasputina – ‘A Skeleton Bang’
    Franz Ferdinand – ‘Jackie Jackson’
    Snow Patrol – ‘I Am An Astronaut’
    The Divine Comedy- ‘Three Cheers For Pooh, Cottleston Pie, Piglet Ho’
    The Kooks – ‘The King & I’
    Half Man Half Biscuit – ‘David Wainwright’s Feet’
    The Barcelona Pavilion- ‘Tidy Up Tidy Up’
    Jonathan Richman – ‘Out Dog Is Getting Older Now’
    Ivor Cutler Trio – ‘Mud’
    The Flaming Lips – ‘The Big Ol’ Bug Is The New Baby Now’
    Belle & Sebastian – ‘The Monkeys are Breaking Out Of The Zoo’
    Kathryn Williams – ‘Night Baking’

  3. I’m sad about Chris leaving Kasabian, but that’s life…

    I’m so excited about the new Clinic album; they’re really amazing!

  4. i love that Franz Ferdinand track. it’s something that you would tell children as they all sit in semi-circle for an afternoon of storytelling fun.

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