QOTSA Add Canadian Leg to "Duluth Tour"
Dang, I think I broke my Canadian leg!

Photo by Matt Field

Furthering their unerring streak of political correctness, the Queens of the Stone Age have announced the Canadian follow-up to their "Duluth Tour"-- a gentle nod to the less populous but no-less-hard-rockin' areas of the U.S. the Queens will visit on the trek-- with an e-mail titled "Calling All Hosers."

Attendees should brace themselves for an onslaught of moose-related humor, the meeting of Molson cans and foreheads, and a smirking Josh Homme finishing every sentence with "eh?" Then again, you probably don't go to Queens of the Stone Age for the sake of subtlety.

The unlikely Elliott Smith fans of QOTSA-- currently bludgeoning European festival audiences through the first bit of July-- have also added stops in Bakersfield, California, Louisville, Kentucky, and Maplewood, Minnesota. Did you know that Maplewood's top three wage-earning public officials all clear six figures? Nothin' mid-sized about that. [MORE...]

Video: Queens of the Stone Age: Battery Acid [live on the Henry Rollins Show]

Diplo Talks Heaps Decent, M.I.A., Wacky Covers
"I wanted to show the kids how to download music for free, make their own mixtapes, and burn their own CDs, just to give them immediate access. Because that's what we all take for granted."

When we called up Diplo late last week to chat about what he's been up to recently, he was crawling through New Jersey on the Chinatown bus between New York and Philadelphia. It was an appropriate setting for the DJ/producer/musicologist, being that he's always on the move, traveling the globe in search of new projects and new sounds.

Just a few days ago, Diplo announced his non-profit Heaps Decent program, which aims to reach out musically to underprivileged youth all over the world. The first single from that project, "Smash a Kangaroo", is on iTunes now.

We chatted with Diplo about Heaps Decent, his Mad Decent label, the various artists he's collaborating with, his work on M.I.A.'s forthcoming album Kala, and an intriguing iTunes EP.

Pitchfork: How did the Heaps Decent project get started?

Diplo: I went on the Big Day Out tour in Australia. I've been to Australia before, and I think it's the best place for my label, Mad Decent. Kids are into it, we sell records, and we get invitations all the time for shows and stuff. I had been fascinated with underground hip-hop and Aborigine kids. I have a friend whose mother works for Indigenous Affairs. I'm always getting these offers from labels and sponsors [to use their equipment for free], so I was like, "Let me put that stuff to use, let me reach out to the people and see what happens." I felt like I could use my name, if nothing else, and people wouldn't mind giving me free shit. It took a while to pester them, but like Apple and Serato and a lot of people came back and were like, "Yeah, we're totally into it."

We raised money. Justice DJed parties to raise funds for it. A lot of people reached out just to show people how easy it is to do something that's not so selfish. I think a lot of kids would be interested in doing that. If you're going to go take a vacation in Brazil, why don't you spend four or five days doing some workshops? You can bring over your old APC controllers and drop them off here. It's a way we can throw a lot of our wasted energy into something that's progressive.

So I rounded up shit, and I had someone else help me with the kids there, and we put together two trips: one in the Outback [Maningrida], and one in the jail [a New South Wales juvenile justice center]. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but a lot of the music came from the jail. [In Maningrida] it was, like, completely indigenous kids and it's really, like, jungle stuff. It's really like a refuge. It's out in the wilderness with a little stream of technology; we'd bring out Ableton Live and we had to go unlock everything at a library so we could go on the internet. In the jail it was more white kids and mixed-race kids, but they seemed to take more from the project than anybody.

Basically, nobody has ever come to the jail besides the police and the stupid social programs that go there. They've never had a DJ, someone who actually cares, who was into what they like. A lot of times social programs for kids that are like "Learn About Rap Music" will be, like, some 50-year-old dude that was on MTV back in the 80s that lives off of social programs now. [MORE...]

Stream: Heaps Decent: Smash a Kangaroo (demo)

Andre Benjamin to Drop Class of 3000 Soundtrack
International kickball player's anthem

It's not exactly The Love Below II, but Andre Benjamin (aka Possum Alowishus Jenkins, aka Andre 3000, aka the skinny dude from Outkast with the thing for Prince) will issue Class of 3000: Music Volume 1, a collection of tracks he wrote and recorded for the Cartoon Network show of the same name for which Dre provides his voice.

The show-- which seems to be on roughly 85% of the time I flip to Cartoon Network-- examines the life of an Atlanta musician who gives it all up to teach kids. Dre's recent career moves, however, suggest an Atlanta musician sick of messing around and ready to reclaim his place among the cream of rap's crop. Forced to choose, we'd take reality over fantasy, but those looking to nab the Class of 3000 disc can do so July 3 from La Face.

Don't be fooled by song titles like "Fight the Blob", "Oh Peanut", and "UFO Ninja"-- this isn't a new Outkast album. Though we'd love to hear what Big Boi could do with something called "Banana Zoo".

In other Andre news, he's lined up to play Sammy Davis, Jr. in an upcoming film, and he pops up on Dr. Cornel West's recent CD project. [MORE...]

Video: UGK [ft. Outkast]: International Player's Anthem [from the UGK: Underground Kingz LP]

Bishop Allen Tie Up Broken String, Tour

Having spread the rough equivalent of four albums' worth of new jams through their daunting one-EP-per-month project in 2006, Brooklyn's Bishop Allen wasted no time sewing together The Broken String, their second full-length release, yours for the taking July 24 from the babyfaced Dead Oceans label. The Broken String packs nine proper studio reworkings of tracks from the dozen EPs, two new cuts, and a whole lot of deft, charming indie pop.

The hustle and bustle of Bishop Allen doesn't stop in the studio; no, they've got a full tour kicking off tonight in the City of Big Shoulders, followed by a bunch of dates with Philly popsters the Teeth and Page France.

And then there's that movie where Justin Rice dresses up like a giant pigeon. Yup, still funny. [MORE...]

MP3: Bishop Allen: Rain [from forthcoming the Broken String LP]
MP3: Bishop Allen: Click Click Click Click [from the forthcoming the Broken String LP]

Built to Spill to Never Stop Touring, Ever

Video: Built to Spill: Conventional Wisdom [from the You in Reverse LP]

Simian Mobile Disco LP Coming to America
You know it's good, it's the beat

For those of us in the U.S. both unwilling to fork over egregious import fees and morally obliged not to bend the law, Simian Mobile Disco's Pitchfork-recommended Attack Decay Sustain Release album seemed like a beautiful dream; just another record we'd be doomed to piece together in our minds from the breathless descriptions it's been earning across the board (or from various Forkcast posts).

But why wear out that imagination of yours when the folks at Interscope are willing to bring ADSR to you devoid of all those logistical trappings? Believe it, North Americans: September 18, Attack Decay Sustain Release will hit shelves on this side of the pond.

In a highly-evolved bit of synergy, the record's release seems to coincide with a string of dates the very-mobile Disco has plotted around North America. Those dates will come after a busy summer for the Simians, who've got a few upcoming dates in the States before wowing festival after festival over in Europe. I wonder how well that "Hotdog" song translates in German.

In other SMD news, they've been remixed, and they themselves have remixed. These electronic types; never content to leave well enough alone. [MORE...]

Video: Simian Mobile Disco: I Believe [from the Attack Delay Sustain Release LP]

Rogue Wave Sign to Jack Johnson's Label
Jack Johnson's a surfer-- he sure does like waves

When last the Rogue Wave crashed upon our shores, drummer Pat Spurgeon had tracked down a replacement kidney. Fully recovered and ready to rock (however gently), Pat and the rest of Rogue Wave will issue their new album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate, September 18 on Brushfire Records. (This information comes from Filter and has been confirmed by a rep at Universal, distributor of Brushfire.)

That's right: following 2005's Descended Like Vultures, Rogue Wave have left Sub Pop and signed to a label run by Jack Johnson. Yes, Jack Johnson. The singer/songwriter your mom turned to once John Mayer got too edgy. But hey, if Dave Matthews can put out good My Morning Jacket records, why not?

Judging by the tracklist, it seems safe to assume Heaven's Gate may have been partially inspired by domestic concerns, reed organs, and a few choice upper-Midwestern locales. As long as it's not inspired by the music of Jack Johnson, we're good. [MORE...]

MP3: Rogue Wave: Publish My Love [from the Descended Like Vultures LP]

Morrissey Cancels Shows Due to Throat Infection
Heaven knows he's miserable now

Photo by Paparazzi by Appointment

That's the thing about throat infections: the more you ignore 'em, the worse they get. And, alas, there's probably a few Bostonians feeling like they wasted their time getting all gussied up to see Morrissey last night.

See, seven songs into his performance at Bank of American Pavillion, Moz informed the audience that he was too ill to go on. He then added "unfortunately it will not just be the emotions cracking tonight, but my voice as well." That is so like him!

Under doctor's orders not to sing for the next three days, the boy with the thorn in his larynx has been forced to cancel two dates: tonight's gig in Northampton, Massachusetts, and Friday's set in Philly. Plans are currently underway to reschedule the dates by the time Moz croons again. Saturday night's show at New York City's Madison Square Garden (and all subsequent gigs) are scheduled go off as planned. The remaining dates-- and a few with lines through 'em-- after the jump.

In other Morrissey news, his old band is to be the subject of a new film, and on Friday, June 29, he will appear on the "Late Show With David Letterman" (taped on Monday). He'll premiere a brand new song titled "That's How People Grow Up", slated to be the first single on his forthcoming next album.

Details about said album are scant, though Moz recently revealed to the fan site True to You that he's thinking about it: "I presently have the option to tour for the remainder of 2007, or start a new album. I don't have a deal, but I have an offer from Warner Brothers. At the same time, there are some great touring offers - New Zealand, South Africa, my beloved Scandinavia, Israel and Iran. I would love to sing in Tehran. So, for this week, it's a dilemma." [MORE...]

Video: Morrissey: All You Need Is Me (live)

John Vanderslice Announces Fall Emerald City Tour

Photo by Piper Ferguson

John Vanderslice has just announced the North American dates of his fall tour in support of his forthcoming new album, Emerald City. His only show before that tour starts in L.A. on September 6 is in the Emerald City itself (Seattle) on July 28.

Barsuk will release the album on July 24, and Vanderslice has plans to tour Europe as well. Then again, who doesn't these days? [MORE...]

Stream: John Vanderslice: White Dove [from the forthcoming Emerald City LP]

Photos: White Stripes Rock a Tiny Classroom [Burnaby, British Columbia; 06/24/07]

In the midst of playing every last province in Canada-- and just a few days after taking over the old Tower Records space in L.A. and doing a warm-up show in New York City-- the White Stripes kept it extra real, rocking a tiny classroom before a couple dozen ecstatic teenagers in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The Icky Thumpers' special free show went down June 24, just prior to their full-scale, public performance that night, in the mobile classroom at the Creekside Youth Centre. (Okay, maybe not your typical classroom, judging from all the gig posters on the walls, but a classroom-esque space all the same.)

Many thanks to reader and show attendee Cayley Western for these photos.

UPDATE: ACCORDING TO WESTERN, THE SHOW WAS FILMED FOR A FUTURE DVD!

The Stripes' tour, meanwhile, continues in Iqaluit, Nunavut tonight. Maybe they're playing a secret show in, like, an igloo at this very moment.




[MORE...]

Shocking Pinks Sign to DFA
Gets remixed by Deerhunter, Eluvium, the Glimmers

Stream: Shocking Pinks: Various Tracks

Patrick Wolf Models for Burberry

When I think of the clothing brand Burberry, I think upscale preppy, khakis and earth tones, well-tailored suits, trenchcoats to wear to the steeplechase at the Countess' manor.

When I think of the rising star Patrick Wolf, I think glam rock, glitter, sparkles, bright colors, flamboyance, fairies, magic, the horrified looks on the yuppies' faces in the audience when I saw him open for Amy Winehouse.

But thanks to the wonders of cross-marketing, these two very different aesthetics have joined together to form one big happy fashion family. Wolf is one of the stars of Burberry's fall 2007 campaign, set to run in August. The advertisements were shot by famed photographer Mario Testino. According to Fashion Week Daily, in addition to Wolf, the campaign also features Brit rockers such as the Paddingtons, Edward Larrikin, and members of the View, along with a bevy of British models.

When he's not busy sporting fancy threads, Wolf has shows schedules throughout July and August. This Friday, June 29, he'll play a "secret acoustic show" in London, which will also serve as a birthday celebration. Happy birthday, Patrick! [MORE...]

Stream: Patrick Wolf: The Marriage [from The Magic Position single]

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