Scorpion's Still Beating Heart (February 2011)

Scorpion's Still Beating Heart (February 2011)

A-Side
01. I Feel You by Depeche Mode
02. Nite-Runner by Duran Duran
03. Take a Chance on me by Abba
04. The Prettiest Star by David Bowie
05. Girl (You Captivate Me) by ? and the Mysterians
06. I Wanna be Loved by The Heartbreakers
07. You're All I've Got Tonight by The Cars

B-Side
08. Feel by Big Star
09. Can't Stand Losing You by The Police
10. When One Eight Becomes Two Zeros by Glassjaw
11. It's Going to Take Some Time by Carpenters
12. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? by Bee Gees
13. End of the Day by Beck
14. Vacation by Go-Go's

Two Years In The Life Of...

Two years? It does and does not feel like it has been that long since I started this blog. It does in sense of everything that has occurred since the initial post and it does not due to all of the fun I have had meeting musicians I have admired and respected for years and never thought meeting them would occur beyond a brief passing autograph signing outside of a concert venue. Still, to be here two years and able to acknowledge this is pretty awesome.

Record Store Day Is Seven Weeks Away

Okay, more like seven weeks and a couple of days but the point is Record Store Day is upon us. So far, this year's lineup looks promising and with the releases being, for the most part, limited edition, time is key in picking from the selection. For this year's edition, stores will feature new and/or exclusive releases featuring The Kills, Blitzen Trapper, a split 7" featuring Superchunk and Coliseum covering Misfits' "Horror Business" and "Bullet," Phish, Rolling Stones, Nickel Creek, a split 7" between Jenny and Johnny and Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, and a Franz Ferdinand covers EP featuring the likes of Deborah Harry, LCD Soundsystem and Peaches.

Pick Of The Week: The Closing Of Borders Stores

This is a very unfortunate pick of the week but it is really hard to argue with deals that begin at 20-40% off. As you may have heard, Borders filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result of this, several of the stores have begun the "everything must go" clearance process. Of course, this all depends on your location and proximity to the closest Borders. Nevertheless, Borders closeout sales are the pick of the week.

To The East For Electrelane's Return

British experimentalists Electrelane announced their hiatus in 2007 after a four albums and several singles with no foreseeable future. The future is now and Electrelane has returned. The quartet has announced on their website that they will be playing a few Summer festival in their homeland including Field Day. In regards to their Summer plans, the band offered this statement on their website:

Bonnaroo 2011 Lineup Announced

In Case You Missed It: LCD Soundsystem on The Colbert Report

James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem made their last televised appearance on The Colbert Report to promote the upcoming final appearances at New York's Terminal 5 and Madison Square Garden as well as perform "I Can Change" from This is Happening. Before the performance, James Murphy sat down with Steven Colbert to discuss the current ending, the future and that he loves to make coffee. View the videos at the bottom.

Pick Of The Week: PJ Harvey's Let England Shake

For almost 13 years, PJ Harvey has remained one of my favorite contemporary artists due to her ability to casually shift from heavy rockers to slow, almost seductive and brooding numbers with a voice that unlike any you have ever heard. It is that voice that carries each narrative from her lips to your ears and the music that embeds it in your brain. When I say that she one of my favorite contemporary artists, I do not mean that she is my favorite contemporary female artist. I mean she sits pretty high alongside Deftones, Mike Patton and Portishead as artists who continue to push the boundary of their personal sound and growth while challenging the audience to do the same with each album. With that said, this week's pick is Let England Shake by PJ Harvey 

For The Last Time....LCD Soundsystem

As reported last year, James Murphy stated that This is Happening would be the last LCD Soundsystem album and outside of a few singles, it would be the end of the critically acclaimed band. Well, the time has come to say farewell to Murphy's brilliant project and he is taking the band out in style. By style, I mean a three-hour final performance at Madison Square Garden featuring special guests.

Skrillex, This Friday at The Mid

Mastodon To Release Live Album In March

On March 15, Mastodon will release Live at the Aragon, their first official live album and DVD. The 12-track live set, recorded on October 19, 2009, features the band's latest release, Crack the Skye, performed in its entirety along with tracks from their previous albums (Remission, Leviathan and Blood Mountain) and their cover of Melvins' "The Bit." According the band's website, the accompanying DVD will contain a 58-minute tour film including the visual projections from the tour. In addition to the set, there is a limited edition bundle being sold through the website that features the Live at the Aragon CD and DVD set, a custom Mastodon guitar pick tin with six Mastodon picks and a reproduction of the tour laminate. The bundle can pre-ordered here for the incredibly (read: amazingly awesome) low price of $29.99. The tracklist, according to Pitchfork, is listed below.

Pick Of The Week: The White Stripes' Catalog

This week's pick became obvious the first second that the announcement was made. As you probably know by now, on Wednesday, the White Stripes announced the end of their 13-year career. The move was somewhat surprising but not entirely shocking given that it has been almost four years since their last studio album (Icky Thump) and tour and almost two since their last public appearance (a performance of "We're Going to Be Friends" on the final episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien). Nevertheless, their sound helped provide some of the best rock singles and albums over the last 10 years and while there will never be another band like the White Stripes, their catalog is one that will played and studied for years to come. This week's pick is the White Stripes' entire catalog.

R.I.P. The White Stripes (1997-2011)

What can be best called as an era where a minimalist approach to blues met Detroit's late 60's/early 70's punk sound, the White Stripes announced their retirement this morning. Without citing any specific reasons behind the breakup, the official press statement noted that it was not due to health concerns, artistic differences or even a lack of interest. Nevertheless, over 13 years, seven albums (six studio, one live) and countless 7" later, the White Stripes have left behind a very impressive catalog that undoubtedly left a indefinite mark on the shape and sound of music over the last 10 years and for years to come. Below is the official statement posted on the band's website and the last televised clip of the band as performed "We're Going to Be Friends" on the last episode of Late Night With Conan O'Brien as well as a few other clips. Thank you, Meg and Jack White for the tunes and performances that will last a lifetime.

Spend February With Your Love Of New Releases

Lovers, romantically and musically. rejoice! February is a month for celebrating new releases from Bob Marley, Bright Eyes, Drive-By Truckers, Mogwai, DevilDriver and PJ Harvey. This month also sees the full-length debut from blog and indie favorite, Puro Instinct (formerly Pearl Harbor). Buy something awesome for that special someone and share your romantically excellent selection as well.