Photos: Ben Gibbard, Ted Leo, and Patton Oswalt on WFMU's Best Show [Jersey City, NJ; 03/04/08]

Photos by Christine Tadler

Last night, Tom Scharpling and his Best Show on New Jersey/New York radio station WFMU, celebrated a milestone. With the help of special guests Ted Leo, Ben Gibbard, and Patton Oswalt, Scharpling raised over $50,000 for this year's WFMU pledge drive.

The mood in the studio was electric from the get-go, as Scharpling and his esteemed guest stars were joined by a small army of volunteers, WFMU staffers, and FOTs. Highlights from the show included Gibbard and Leo performing a duet of Scharpling-proclaimed "worst song ever" "Porcupine Pie", and a special appearance by the Famous Flamer, who happened to sound an awful lot like Patton Oswalt. After victoriously surpassing the $50,000 mark, Scharpling, Oswalt, Gibbard and Leo joined together for a rousing rendition of ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me."

If you missed it, you can listen to this week's Best Show, along with the rest of WFMU's excellent Marathon programming, at http://www.wfmu.org/recentarchives.php.

Those of you who pledged $75 or more during last night's show can look forward to receiving the Best Show on WFMU WE DID IT AGAIN Fun Pack, featuring stickers, buttons, a gorgeous full-color poster by Neil Numberman, and an exclusive Patton Oswalt CD EP titled Frankensteins and Gumdrops.

If you missed the show, it's not too late to pledge; the WFMU Marathon goes on through Sunday! Head on over to https://www.wfmu.org/marathon/pledge.php and show your support for one of the last remaining bastions of truly independent, freeform radio!




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The Notwist Announce First Album in Six Years

It's been quite some time since we've heard from German pop-electronic outfit the Notwist, and the few times we have, it's been in bit parts: a couple EPs, member Markus Acher's work with Subtle, Micha Acher's work in Ms. John Soda, the 13 & God record, Tied & Tickled Trio, some festival dates. But there hasn't been a full-length from these guys since 2002's swoon-worthy Neon Golden.

That will change, however, with the arrival of the Notwist's new album, due out in late May on City Slang in Europe and early June in North America and Japan on Domino. The Devil, You + Me collects 11 tracks and features collaborations with the Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra, among other sonic wonders. The album will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital download. Skip on over to the band's official website right now for some recording footage.

The Notwist will begin courting The Devil on a bunch of European dates scheduled for the spring and summer, starting with an April 23 show in Prague. [MORE...]

Photos: Borealis Festival [Bergen, Norway; 02/26-03/01/08]

Photos by Eirik Lande; Above: Boris

Eclectic was the word as the Borealis festival lit up Bergen, Norway from February 26 to March 1, bringing with it a sumptuous platter of acts for every fringe taste.

The headbangers had Boris, itching to unveil their new Smile, and joined by frequent collaborator Michio Kurihara, as well as Metal Music Machine, comprised of Norway's Jazkamer with sexagenarian noise-maker Hiroshi Hasegawa (formerly of Japan's C.C.C.C., recently the subject of a No Fun retrospective). Hasegawa also performed at the festival under his Astro guise.

The ambient heads, meanwhile, were treated to sets from Norway's own Svarte Greiner, Anders Hana (of Rune Grammofon act MoHa!), and Jean-Philippe Gross, who delivered their evocative soundscapes in a city library. Elsewhere, the itchy-footed found a welcome remedy courtesy of DJs Skatebård and Balthazar, plus an appearance by the elusive Black Devil Disco Club.

And for those who sought to mash it all together: the Fall's Mark E. Smith and Mouse on Mars joined forces for a rare performance as Von Südenfed, while Mike Patton teamed with Stian Carstensen (of Farmers Market, signed to Patton's Ipecac label) for a 90-minute set that ran the genre gamut.

The visual feast continues below.

BORIS




VON SÜDENFED






MIKE PATTON


METAL MUSIC MACHINE



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Bjork Speaks Out About Kosovo Controversy
"I would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their battle for independence. Justice!"

Photo by Kathryn Yu

This just in: Do not mess with Björk. The Icelandic songstress released a statement today clarifying her position with regard to a pair of recent controversial remarks made during live shows in Tokyo and Shanghai, and by the looks of it she's holding fast to her beliefs.

Once again, a recap: At a concert in Tokyo, as previously reported, Björk dedicated "Declare Independence" to newly independent Kosovo, leading to friction between the artist and organizers of Serbia's EXIT Festival (more on that below). In Shanghai this past weekend, according to various reports, Björk dedicated the same song to Tibet, whose struggle for independence from China is well documented. (The Guardian has video of it here.)

Here's what Björk had to say on the matter:

"I have been asked by many for a statement after dedicating my song 'Declare Independence' to both Kosovo and Tibet on different occasions. I would like to put importance on that I am not a politician, I am first and last a musician and as such I feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions. The urge for declaring independence is just one of them but an important one we all feel at some times in our lives. This song was written more with the personal in mind but the fact that it has translated to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much pleasure. I would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their battle for independence. Justice!"

Furthermore, Björk's management has stepped forward to counter recent claims made by EXIT Festival representatives that suggest a proposed Björk performance at the festival was not cancelled due to the singer's Kosovo remarks.

Management shared an email from EXIT's general manager Bojan Boäkovi, which Boäkovi sent after learning of Björk's Kosovo dedication. In the email, amid concern for the well-being of festivalgoers and Björk herself, Boäkovi puts forth the following ultimatum (emphasis his):

"We hope Bjork does not relate to Kosovo on other concerts here in Europe, nor in her intervievs, because if she does we need to cancel the concert; if this happens, we may as well look for some other artist..."

In reference to the Kosovo dedication in Tokyo, the festival manager also asks Björk's management "to deny that Bjork has ever done this."

"This is a very sensitive issue," writes Boäkovi in closing.

Björk, however, wasn't having it, and thus she will not be playing EXIT. That festival, as previously reported, happens July 10-13 at Novi Sad, Serbia's Petrovaradin fortress. The Sex Pistols, Paul Weller, the Hives, and Nightwish will perform.

Björk, meanwhile, has dates in England and mainland Europe forthcoming. And the video for "Wanderlust" looks pretty cool. [MORE...]

Fool's Gold to Attack Spring With Tour, Releases

Just in time for SXSW, the party starters at Fool's Gold have prepared another musical takeover in the form of festival showcases, a tour, and, of course, a ton of singles.

Since they come first, let's start with the showcases. The first of the two is a SXSW showcase at Volume on March 15. In addition to label heads A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, it will feature the live talents of Kid Sister, Flosstradamus, Chromeo, Kid Cudi, and Jokers of the Scene.

The second showcase takes place March 28 at the White Room in Miami during the Winter Music Conference. At this one, there will be sets from A-Trak, Nick Catchdubs, Sinden, LA Riots, Jokers of the Scene, Treasure Fingers, Sammy Bananas, and Nacho Lovers.

Next is the full-blown tour, dubbed "Screaming Bloody Murder" and featuring A-Trak, Sinden, Steve Aoki, Sammy Bananas, and special guests. The nine-date trek goes down in mid-April.

Finally, there are the releases. Fool's Gold just put out Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite" and Jokers of the Scene's "Y'all Know the Name" singles, and they have quite a few more platters in the works, from the likes of Treasure Fingers, LA Riots, and Nacho Lovers, Trackademicks, Kavinsky, Bag Raiders, and Congorock.

To cap it all off, Fool's Gold is also working on its first label compilation and the co-release with Downtown of Koko B. Ware, Kid Sister's debut full-length. [MORE...]

High Places, Trey Told 'Em, Fuck Buttons on Huge Comp
Cardboard Records also preps Ecstatic Sunshine LP

Brooklyn label Cardboard Records unleashed a 57-track behemoth of a compilation today, March 4. The double-disc collection is called Love and Circuits: A Cardboard Records Compilation From Aa to Zs.

In addition to the titular bands and Cardboard owners Parts & Labor, there are contributions from High Places, Oneida, Girl Talk side project Trey Told 'Em, Ecstatic Sunshine, Fuck Buttons, Wilderness, Matt & Kim, Gowns, Japanther, Maps & Atlases, Pterodactyl, These Are Powers, Lucky Dragons, Numbers, the Oh Sees, Flying, and Shy Child, among others, all alphabetized by name. What's more, most of the tunes are exclusive to this compilation!

On March 12, Cardboard will descend on Austin, Texas with a SXSW showcase at Habana Calle 6 featuring sets from comp contributors Parts & Labor, Gowns, Ecstatic Sunshine, Pterodactyl, Shooting Spires, These Are Powers, and Best Fwends.

In other news from the Cardboard camp, the label will release Ecstatic Sunshine's latest full-length offering, Way, on April 8. Ecstatic Sunshine join their label bosses Parts & Labor on a bunch of tour dates this month. [MORE...]

Mogwai, Delgados Folks on New Malcolm Middleton LP

Former Strapping Arabian Malcolm Middleton released his fourth solo album in the UK via Full Time Hobby this week. The A Brighter Beat follow-up is called Sleight of Heart, and it features Middleton's covers of Madonna's "Stay", King Creosote's "Marguerita Red", and Jackson C. Frank's "Just Like Anything", among six other tunes.

Though it's mostly a low-key, acoustic affair, Middleton did enlist some other players on Sleight of Heart, including Mogwai's Barry Burns (piano) and ex-Delgado Paul Savage (drums). And yes, the titles of both Middleton's and fellow ex-Arab Strap member Aidan John Moffat's 2008 albums contain the word "heart". You guys are adorable, really.

Middleton has also lined up a spring tour of the UK and Northern Ireland, plus a few dates abroad in May. [MORE...]

Lindstrom Launches Label, Preps Dominique Leone LP

Space disco hero Hans-Peter Lindstrøm already runs one label, Feedelity, but he has extended his reach even further with the creation of a new one. Strømland Records is the new label's name, and it was formed in collaboration with Joakim Haugland, who himself founded Smalltown Supersound.

For their first release on Strømland, the two men have tapped Feedelity artist Dominique Leone, whose name may look familiar as a contributor to this very website. Congratulations to Dom on Strømland's May 20 release of his self-titled full-length debut.

Strømland will follow Dominique Leone with a reissue of the 1979 self-titled debut from Norway's Alf Emil Eik. An Eik 12" featuring a remix from Todd Terje is planned to precede the reissue.

In live Strømland news, both Lindstrøm and Leone have dates in the coming months. [MORE...]

Pitchfork to Launch Online Music TV Channel April 7

The 24-hour music network was such a great concept. What happened? Given music's nearly inexhaustible supply of notable artists and genres, there are no limits to how deeply it can be explored. But despite all the footage we've seen of high-profile rock and pop artists hitting their creative strides, similar documents of independent artists are far less accessible, if they exist at all.

In recent years, independent film networks have dedicated themselves to the respectful and intelligent treatment of classic and underground cinema. But independent music has never had a permanent home. So today, we're proud to announce the April 7 beta launch of Pitchfork.tv, the first-ever music video channel dedicated to documenting independent music as it happens. As a visual extension of the music coverage Pitchfork has provided for more than a decade, and a means of updating and advancing the music television format, the online channel will bring you closer to the artists you love, through original mini-documentaries, secret rooftop and basement sessions, full concerts, exclusive interviews, and the most carefully curated selection of music videos online.

In addition, Pitchfork.tv will become the first online video channel to screen full-length feature films, vintage concerts, and music DVDs free of charge. From the Pixies' 2004 reunion tour film LoudQuietLoud and Todd Phillips' notorious GG Allin documentary Hated, to Jimmy Joe Roche & Dan Deacon's acid-drenched visual art piece Ultimate Reality, Pitchfork.tv will highlight a different film each week in its entirety.

This content is just the beginning. With one of the web's largest, crispest, and highest-resolution displays, Pitchfork.tv truly invites full-screen viewing. And, with all content available on-demand, we're putting you in control of the music you want, how and when you want to see it. Soon, we'll add personal playlist capabilities, so you can watch all your favorites in a row. And later this year, as part of a massive redesign effort, Pitchfork.tv will integrate with its parent site, presenting innovations and further advancements to the world of online music journalism.

Like Pitchfork itself, Pitchfork.tv is an independent company with no investment dollars or special interests, allowing us the freedom and control to stay true to our creative vision. We've waited decades for a music channel that respects our intelligence and reflects our ideals. Now that the technology is here, we're finally able to do it the way that people who really care about music have always wanted to see it done.

Silver Jews Announce Lookout Release Date

Nevermind a light, Silver Jews fans now have an end of the tunnel, period. The wait for David Berman and co.'s sixth album, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea, will end with its June 17 release on Drag City.

The follow-up to 2005's Tanglewood Numbers is the first Silver Jews record played by the touring lineup that formed in 2006 in defiance of Berman's previous refusal to tour: Berman, his wife Cassie, Tony Crow, Peyton Pinkerton, and William Tyler. Lookout Mountain's tracklist has been rearranged a bit since our initial report, and one thing we didn't know then was that "Open Field" is a cover of a Maher Shalal Hash Baz song.

Back to touring, the Jews' May appearances at the Primavera Sound Festival and the Explosions in the Sky ATP are just a couple of stops on a spring European jaunt. Then, for the fall, the band is planning a tour of the U.S. And according to The Tennessean, Berman will give a poetry reading at Nashville's Watkins College of Art and Design on March 12.

For a lot more about the album and everything else going on in the Silver Jews universe, read our recent interview with Berman here. [MORE...]

Tom Waits Planning Summer Tour
OMG! That's that weird guy ScarJo covered!

Photo by Michael O'Brien

Septuplets, full solar eclipses, and Tom Waits tours: some things just don't come around too often. Lucky for us, 2008 is shaping up to be a favorable year, once which will see the elusive Mr. Waits grace stages across the U.S. and Europe.

According to report in "webpaper" The Washington Independent and confirmed by Waits' camp, the gravel-voiced one is in the process of putting together summer tours of the aforementioned locales. No dates just yet, but to be on the safe side, you probably want to start lining up outside your local ticket vendor now.

Waits last toured in August 2006, and people enjoyed it very much.

And hey, that Scarlett Johansson album! Word is it's better than you think.

Crystal Castles Postpone Shows Due to Injury

Photo by Matthew Taplinger

What is it with young bands and car accidents these days? Not yet a week after news of the hit-and-run involving Vampire Weekend drummer Chris Tomson, Crystal Castles have postponed a handful of tour dates because of a car accident involving lead singer Alice Glass.

Glass is suffering from two cracked ribs and will take the next week to recover. However, tourmates HEALTH will soldier on with their recently launched trek. Crystal Castles will resume playing out with their appearances at SXSW, after which they will rejoin HEALTH on the road.

If everything goes according to plan, Glass' recovery will coincide with the March 18 release of Crystal Castles' self-titled debut on Last Gang. [MORE...]

Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)