There Are Performers. There Are One Man Bands. Then There's This Guy...

Lewis Floyd Henry. Last week, I came across a post of him covering Wu Tang Clan's "Protect Ya Neck" on Videogum and, needless to say, I was floored. It is one man on guitar, drums and vocals covering Staten Island's finest. Soon after, I found myself checking out his performances of Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and Motorhead's "Ace of Spades." In addition to this, he writes and performs his own material. All of this is performed live on street corners. Trust me, you will enjoy his performances and when you do, be a friend or fan of him by clicking on those links and drop him a line.

Melvins Gets Scion A/V Remix Treatment

 

Interview: Richard Patrick of Filter

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Richard Patrick of Filter to discuss the band's new album, The Trouble with Angels, the greatness of Deftones and the possibility of acting. Thanks to Richard for his time and thanks to Kymm and Alicia at Rocket Science Ventures and Filter's tour manager, Erica, for setting up the interview. This interview took place at 115 Bourbon Street on August 24, 2010.

Stream Jenny and Johnny's I'm Having Fun Now

The debut album from Jenny and Johnny (Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) is set for release next Tuesday but you do not have to wait to hear it. NPR is streaming the album this week. Listen to the stream after the jump as well as its tracklist. Also, check out a list of tour dates to see Jenny and Johnny at a venue near you here.

...And On Guest Vocals, Norah Jones

Almost a year after the excellent release, The Fall, Norah Jones has a compilation of her various collaborations and side projects set for release on November 2 entitled ...Featuring. The 18-track collections features numbers with Foo Fighters, Outkast, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Talib Kweli and many more in addition to tracks from her side projects, The Little Willies and El Madmo, and a cover of Roxy Music's "More Than This." Absent, however, are her collaborations with Peeping Tom ("Sucker") and The Lonely Island ("Dreamgirl"). Both, I am sure, would be too odd or different for this set. Check out the tracklist after the jump.

Rock Band Just Got Real...Really Awesome

I have, on many occasions, wished for songs on the Rock Band forum or discussed with fellow Rock Band obsessed friends about what songs should be on our beloved music game. Not just what songs but what bands as well. Today, came a pretty amazing surprise in the form of a video regarding leaked setlists for the upcoming Rock Band 3. Needless to say, I will be doing more than "sitting crosslegged on the floor" when October 26 comes around. Yeah, I went there.

Jenny and Johnny's Debut Tracklist & Tour Dates

Jenny and Johnny (Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) has a debut album set for release August 31 and a tour commencing soon after. Now, their debut, I'm Having Fun Now, has a tracklist. Also, if you pre-order the album through iTunes, you will receive "The Highs and Lows of Being #1," a bonus track featuring Elvis Costello and the Imposters.

Music Geeks, Free Scion A/V Download, Erykah Badu's Probation & Contests

Spinner made a list of the top 20 music geeks in cinema. The list ranges from the likes of the Gwar-obsessed, record clerk stoner Mark from Empire Records to cult duo of Video Aces' Josh Tager and Ivan Alexeev from one of my favorite films, Tapeheads. Bonus points go to writer Jason Persse for including American Psycho's Patrick Bateman's obsession with Huey Lewis and the News as well as Christian Slater's performance as Happy Harry Hard-on in Pump Up the Volume. The 20 cinematic geeks and their love for music can be found here.

16/30 (August 2010)

16/30 (August 2010)


Side A: 0-11
  1. Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie (1 day old)
  2. True by Spandau Ballet (2 years old)
  3. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper (3 years old)
  4. Hello by Lionel Richie (3 years old)
  5. Wicked Game by Chris Issak (9 years old)
  6. Bust A Move by Young MC (9 years old)
  7. Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe (9 years old)
  8. Sunless Saturday by Fishbone (11 years old)

Side B: 12-30
  9. Passin' Me By by The Pharcyde (12 years old)
10. Player's Ball (Original Version) by Outkast (13 years old)
11. Sour Times by Portishead (14 years old)
12. We Trying To Stay Alive by Wyclef Jean (18 years old)
13. Someday We'll Know by New Radicals (19 years old)
14. Like A Feather by Nikka Costa (20/21 years old)
15. Lost Cause by Beck (22 years old)
16. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley (26 years old)

Rob Sheffield Shares His Cool With Nerve

Journalist/Author Rob Sheffield shared a little of his pop culture coolness with Nerve in a piece entitled "Improve You Taste With..." In the piece, Sheffield discusses films starring Charles Bronson and Ann-Margaret and LCD Soundsystem's recent album, This is Happening. Best of all, Oran "Juice" Jones' hit single and "One Hit Wonder or One Hit Blunder" entry, "The Rain," is best summed up by Sheffield by saying "They just don't do break-up songs like that anymore."

Deftones' Vocalist Chino Moreno Reflects On White Pony

In the current issue of Alternative Press (AP 266), Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno discusses the band's breakthrough album, White Pony. In the piece, Moreno muses over the album's recording process from the tension between him and guitarist Stephen Carpenter and the band's interest in expanding their sound. Read a excerpt from the interview below as well as check out a link to the full interview after the jump. If you do not own White Pony, do not go any further until you do. It, like the album here, are definitely two great albums from that year as is Glassjaw's Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence (also featured in AP 266).

Amazon Deals For Under $6

Looking for new music at very low prices? For less than $6, you can download new albums from LCD Soundsystem, Gorillaz, Spoon, Rodrigo y Gabriela and The Like as well as catalog selections from My Morning Jacket, Radiohead, The Kills and The Black Keys. After the jump, check out a list of some of the albums you can download for under $6 as there are over 1,000 albums you can purchase. At this price, get two or three and enjoy some new music for whatever and wherever the day takes you. This amazing deal runs throughout August.

Free Primus E.P. & Tour Dates

I am not sure how this has slipped through the cracks but Primus has a free, live E.P. for download. The four-track E.P. consists tracks recorded during a June 2010 rehearsal and features the band's current lineup of Les Claypool (bass/vocals), Larry LaLonde (guitar) and Primus/Sausage drummer Jay Lane. In addition to this, Primus are currently on the road. The Oddity Faire Tour began last week and continues tonight in Kansas City, MO with openers from Gogol Bordello and The Dead Kenny G's. Dates and a download for the new EP can be found after the jump.

Janelle Monae Premieres "Cold War" On Pitchfork

Janelle Monae premiered the video for "Cold War" at Pitchfork TV. The video features just her and was recorded in one take. It is definitely worth a viewing as it is a) Janelle Monae and b) a video shot in one take.

Lollapalooza Alternatives

Are you not going to Lollapalooza?  Did you not get a ticket? Perhaps, you want to kill some time for the later acts? Well, fear not as there are a variety of different things going on throughout the city. Here is a small sample of what else you can do this weekend.

Video Scrapbooking With Peggy Sue

I have raved about Peggy Sue's debut, Fossils and Other Phantoms, since its release in June and consider it to be one of the best albums of the year. After wrapping up their recent U.S. tour, the trio recently put together a video scrapbook of them performing a song in a different city and at various places like dressing rooms, on r.v.'s, and in skateparks. Check out the performances for "Long Division Blues" and "Green Grow the Rushes" after the jump.

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Talks About Relationship Of Command

Former At The Drive-In and current The Mars Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez recently spoke to Alternative Press about ATDI's breakthrough and final album, Relationship of Command. In the current issue (AP 266), Rodriguez-Lopez discusses recording with Ross Robinson, being on Grand Royal and, of course, the demise of the band shortly after the album's release. Read an excerpt from the interview as well as click on the link to the full interview after the jump. Also, if you do not already own Relationship of Command, you should probably buy it, period.

Free Indie Hip Hop Downloads

Free hip hop? Yes and from the likes of Central Services (El-P and Camu Tao of S.A. Smash's 2005 project), Educated Consumers and Psalm One, both whom were reviewed in concert here. Also, up and coming artists Childish Gambino and Mega=Kane. Definitely check them out while they are available and show the artist some support by telling friends about the downloads, leaving them e-mails and definitely coming out to the shows. It is the least you can do for something free and worth your time. The links are available after the jump.

End Your Summer With These August Releases.

Arcade Fire...!!!...Iron Maiden...El-P...Heart? This month is going to rock. Here are a few new releases to help you enjoy the end of your Summer.

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder

Today's Subject: "Stay" by Shakespears Sister

Some one hit wonders are such due to an amazing hook, musical or lyrical. Some one hit wonders are such because they were just right song at the right time or accidentally played. Finally, some one hit wonders are created due to just being a good, albeit strange, song with a very memorable video. This is one of those cases.

Gorillaz' North American Dates Announced

Last week, Gorillaz announced the European and Australian dates of their Escape to Plastic Beach world tour as well as a couple of North American performances. This week, the entire North American portion of the tour has been fleshed out with stops in Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin and various parts of Canada. In addition to the tour, the band is offering two different V.I.P ticket packages to any party interested in obtaining some exclusive tour items. You can read about that here.

Eyedea & Abilities (Bottom Lounge - July 22, 2010)

A great hip hop show can be measured by two things. One is the artist's ability to captivate and command an audience from something as simple as jumping around to the time honored call-and-response. The second thing goes along with that as it is the energy between performer and audience as both participants feed off each other's. Minneapolis duo Eyedea & Abilities, along with their guests, had the audience moving, jumping and responding to each line from both the stage and on the floor.

Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach

Time for some "pretty packages of frosted delights" as Gorillaz are planning a world tour to support the critically acclaimed Plastic Beach. The tour, according to Pitchfork, will have 20 North American dates, two of which have been announced. The tour dates, so far, are listed after the jump and are accompanied by a video announcing the tour with a preview of what you can expect from a Gorillaz concert which is more than something that "tastes like chicken."

A Moment For Big Star Bassist Andy Hummel

Radio City-era lineup: Hummel, Stephens, Chilton

Andy Hummel, original bassist for power pop legends Big Star, passed away yesterday after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 59.

New Klaxons Album & Tour

Klaxons are back with a new album produced by Ross Robinson (Korn, At The Drive-In, The Cure). The new album is called Surfing the Void and will see a stateside release on August 23. I can only imagine the results a collaboration like that would produce. One such, "Echoes," is the first single and video for it which you can see after the jump (via Pitchfork TV). To promote the album, Klaxons are going on a world tour that includes several festivals and a U.S. tour from September to October. Check out the tour dates and the album tracklist after the jump.

New Jenny and Johnny Song

Jenny and Johnny (as in Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) have a debut album, I'm Having Fun Now, set for release on August 31. While you wait for the album, Jenny and Johnny have released a second single. The follow-up to "Scissor Runner" is called "Big Wave." Download it after the jump.

The 12-Step Retirement Plan (July 2010)

Side A: Richie Rich
01. You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire by Queens Of The Stone Age
02. Got Your Money by Ol' Dirty Bastard feat. Kelis
03. Money Money Money by Abba
04. The Moneymaker by Rilo Kiley
05. The Man's Dollar by Northern State
06. A Dollar And A Dream by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Side B: Mr. Drummond
01. I Only Play 4 Money by The Frogs
02. I Got This Money by Childish Gambino
03. $13,000 Is A Lot Of Food! by Skankin' Pickle
04. 20¢ Goodbye by Goldfinger
05. Ten Cent Pistol by The Black Keys
06. $300 by Soul Coughing

The Coathangers Hit The Road, Stream Best Coast's Debut And An Awesome Deal

In support of their remix 7", The Coathangers are going out for a brief July tour of the Midwest and South this month. Be sure to sure to check them out at a location near you and check here for tourdates. Don't forget to pick up the limited edition 7".

Best Coast have amassed quite a buzz for their breezy, beach sounds. The California duo's debut, Crazy For You is set for release on July 27 but you can preview the album here as well as read a interview with singer/guitarist Bethany Cosentino.

Pitchfork Music Festival Streaming!

The Pitchfork Music Festival takes place this weekend (July 16-18). In the case that you will not be in attendance, Pitchfork will be streaming the event this weekend on their site.

Are You Ready?

Tomorrow, Korn releases their ninth studio album, Korn III: Remember Who You Are. In addition to being the band's Roadrunner debut, it also marks the return of producer Ross Robinson, who helmed the band's first two albums (Korn and Life Is Peachy). To celebrate and honor Korn's newest release, let us look at five of the best songs of their impressive career.

Vous Etes Très Belle, Mama, Girls And Whatever This Film Is

Oh, Prince! Without a doubt, you are one of the most charismatic enigmas of the 80's ranking somewhere between the DeLorean and the Lionel Richie bust from the "Hello" video. So when it came time to make a follow-up to the highly successful, Academy Award winning Purple Rain, Prince did what any other filmmaker would do. He made a film filled with drama, romance, comedy and musical numbers that was as bizarre as a boxing kangaroo on rollerblades. Yeah, it is really that confusing and that comical.

Jenny Owen Youngs Records Third Album With Your Help

H & J favorite, Jenny Owen Youngs, is assembling her third album and is calling on her fans to help with its recording. Youngs is working with Kickstarter to allow fans to help finance the recording of her new album. For a small amount of 20,000, which is very small to record an album these days, she will be able to release a brand new set of songs and, even better, there is something in it for you. Much like Public Enemy last year, Youngs is offering some very generous rewards for your donation. A fan could receive anything from an autographed album, demos and a video of her shouting your name to her guitar, a live performance with her and her band in your living room and a pancake dinner.

Having Fun With Jenny and Johnny

Jenny and Johnny, better known as singer/songwriter and Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis and singer/songwriter Johnathan Rice, have set August 31 as the release date for their debut album, I'm Having Fun Now. A track listing has not been released but you can pre-order the album in one of four package options here. In addition to the debut album, the duo will spend all of September and the beginning of October on the road performing with the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Pavement and Superchunk. Download their track, "Scissor Runner," after the jump and check out where they will be playing in an area nearest you.

July...No I Don't. These Are Some Excellent New Releases.

Korn, Big Boi, 7"'s from Black Lips and The Coathangers. July is shaping up to be excellent month to check out new and limited releases from new and old favorites, comedy and reissues.

Eyedea & Abilities Are Back With A New Album And Tour

A few years ago, Rhymesayers duo, Eyedea & Abilities released a stellar sophomore album titled E & A. Since that time, and according to their current bio, the duo has spent the last five years exploring new sounds and building their personal repertoires. These new personal experiences and sounds can be heard on their new album, By The Throat. In addition to their much welcomed return, Eyedea & Abilities will spend July promoting the new release at a venue near you. Check out the tour dates and the video for "Smile" after the jump.

In Case You Missed It: Korn on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Korn stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live last night to perform "Oildale (Leave Me Alone)" and "Let The Guilt Go" from their new album Korn III: Remember Who You Are (in stores July 13). Check out the performances after the jump.

The Sounds of Atlanta With Big Boi, Black Lips, Cee-Lo Green and The Coathangers

I have the faintest clue on what is going on in the water of Atlanta but whatever it is, the summer is hot and I want a drink. A couple of months ago, Janelle Monae released an amazing album (The Archandroid) that should already be in your collection and Adult Swim started a free downloadable singles club. July, however, is far from shabby thanks to new releases from Big Boi and Black Lips. Also, Cee-Lo Green covers Band of Horses and The Coathangers are in a contest of sorts.

Hear Big Boi's Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Next Tuesday, Big Boi of Outkast will release his awesomely titled Def Jam debut, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The album features guest appearances from George Clinton, T.I., Joi, Too Short, Janelle Monae and many others. If you are curious to hear the album now, Big Boi's Myspace page is streaming the entire album. As this is being written, I am listening to the album and will say this, there is very little you could be doing at the moment that should prevent you from listening to this album...very little.

Melvins/Totimoshi (Double Door - June 25, 2010)

On a warm Friday night in June, a nearly sold-out audience packed into the Double Door to watch cult legends, Melvins, perform a double set of songs spanning their nearly 30 year career. Coming off a Bonnaroo performance earlier this month and the release of their new album, The Bride Screamed Murder, Melvins showed no signs of lightening up on their musical assault as each note gave way to the one behind it in a way that would make most heavy bands jealous.

Rated R Celebrates A Decade With A Reissue

Has it really been 10 years since I first heard the line "Nicotine, Valium, Vicodin, Marijuana, Ecstasy and Alcohol"? I suppose it has been that long since discovering the band that provided some of the greatest songs to the soundtrack of my 20's thanks to one small blurb in Spin. With that said, on August 3, Queens of the Stone Age's sophomore album, Rated R, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a special edition, two-disc set. In addition to the album, the reissue will feature a second disc of b-sides, including the Romeo Void and Kinks covers, and a live performance from the 2000 Reading Festival. Check out the tentative tracklist (via The PRP) after the jump as well as videos for the album's singles

Interview: Katy Young of Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue is a British band who combines folk music with a variety of other influences and sounds through a multitude of instruments. Their debut album, Fossils and Other Phantoms, was released stateside earlier this month to critical acclaim and the band recently wrapped up a U.S. tour. I recently spoke to vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Katy Young via e-mail to discuss the band's origins, recording with members of Blood Red Shoes and Mumford and Sons and the band's sound. Thanks to Marni at Sneak Attack and Yep Roc for setting up the interview.

Hear The Roots' How I Got Over

Tomorrow, The Roots' newest album, How I Got Over, will arrive in stores. The follow-up to 2008's Rising Down features such guests as John Legend, Joanna Newsom, Monsters of Folk, longtime collaborator Dice Raw and members of Dirty Projectors. The only thing better than those guest spots and waiting less than a day for their new album is hearing the stream of it on their MySpace page. After the jump, check out The Roots performing Dear God 2.0 with Yim Yames of Monsters of Folk from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this past Friday as well as the video for it and the album's title track.

Interview: Buzz Osbourne (King Buzzo) of Melvins

For almost 30 years, Melvins have been one of the most distinctly original bands around. Their sound is as recognizable as vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osbourne's giant afro and their influence can be heard in bands like Mastodon, Isis, Big Business (who, now, make up half of Melvins' lineup) and many other bands. It was with great honor that I, recently, had a chance to speak with King Buzzo about the band's new album, The Bride Screamed Murder, as well as their current tour with Isis and Totimoshi and the very elaborate, limited edition 13 CD boxset being sold on the tour. This interview was recorded on June 17, 2010. Thanks to Monica from Speakeasy for setting this up.

Peggy Sue (Schubas - June 14, 2010)

The true test of a collection of songs lies within the live performance. The same can be said about a band as some bands tend to excel more in a live setting that in a studio. In their second Chicago appearance, Peggy Sue proved that their songs are just as impressive live as they are in the studio, probably more so after witnessing how the pieces, band and instrumentation, come together.

Rock Band...Now With Keyboards & Real Guitars

I am sure that you have heard any and, possibly, all criticism from older musicians about how music games are "the devil" and how kids, these days, should be playing real guitars and learning how to play real music. Harmonix agrees and Rock Band 3 will do just that as well as add keyboards, three-part harmonies and Huey Lewis and the News. In addition to these elements, there will be 83 new songs to perform, new scoring features, a pro mode that will essentially teach you the song and, did I mention, keyboards. This means my dream of rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody will finally come to fruition just like on the season finale of Glee. Yes, there will childbirth, dancers and Sue Sylvester as a judge. After the jump, check out a list of a few of the new songs featured in Rock Band 3 as well a couple of videos explaining some of the new elements to this edition.

Wendy Peppercorn Is My Lifeguard (June 2010)

Side A: The Picnic Starts At 12 Sharp
01. June by Pete Yorn
02. Hot House by X
03. Cool Places by Sparks
04. Carnival by The Cardigans
05. Surf Wax America by Weezer
06. The Cruise by The Rentals
07. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
08. The Fourth of July by The Incredible Moses Leroy

Side B: The Last Hurrah For Fireworks
01. August by Rilo Kiley
02. Kim's Watermelon Gun by The Flaming Lips
03. Sunshinin' by The Vines
04. Possessed to Skate by Suicidal Tendencies
05. Brooklyn Zoo by Ol' Dirty Bastard
06. Ice Cream Man by Tom Waits
07. Swimming Song by Kate and Anna McGarrigle
08. Lemonade by Blind Melon

Once Gone, Donnis Is Now Fashionably Late.

(courtesy of myspace.com/donnismusic)

One name that you will definitely hear this summer is that of Atlanta rapper Donnis. After being named as a member of XXL's Freshmen 10 for '10, a major label bidding war and a single on Fools Gold, the MC is set to release Fashionably Late on June 22. The up-and-coming rapper made his name with last year's Diary of an ATL Brave mixtape and has found his way onto various hip hop blogs. From there, Donnis continues to build his following with each video, single and mixtape he releases. Furthermore, he references things like Carl Winslow from Family Matters to Star Trek's USS Enterprise over some of the slickest, layered beats. He's a rapper that you will definitely hear about this year and is worth checking out. Check out a couple of his videos and a recent interview with DJ Reflex after the jump.

The Big Four Of Thrash Are Coming To A Theater Near You

Definitely one of the biggest music stories in recent months was the first ever tour of the big four of thrash. For the uninitiated, the big four consists of Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer, all of whom have helped shaped metal for almost 30 years and have, in some capacity, have played with each other in various pairs and at different festivals. This, however, makes the first time that all four bands would actually tour with each other as they will tour Europe from June to August.

The Shins Squeeze Levi's

Yeah, that was bad. The Shins covering Squeeze's "Goodbye Girl" for Levi's Pioneer Sessions, however, is far from bad. As a fan of the song, it is great to hear the band give it their own spin which, to a degree, shows a bit of a Squeeze influence when you listen it. It is a very cool cover of a very cool band by another very cool band. I realize that I sound like Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder being "a dude portraying a dude disguised as another dude" and I do not care one bit. Download the song here and check out a video of James Mercer (also of Broken Bells) discussing "Goodbye Girl" after the jump.

My Morning Jacket Performs First Five Albums In Entirety For Charity

   (photo by Aaron Fish/mymorningjacket.com)

If you plan to be in New York between October 18-23, might I suggest you purchase a ticket to see My Morning Jacket. In late October, MMJ will perform their five studio albums in chronological order beginning with 1999's The Tennessee Fire to 2008's Evil Urges with one album performed each night in addition to a variety of other numbers from the band's career. Best of all, a dollar from each ticket sold will be donated toward a local charity. Tickets for the event will have a pre-sale on June 14, which includes a package to all five performances, and to the public on June 18.

New 7-inch Releases From Japandroids And The Coathangers

On July 20th, Canadian duo Japandroids will release the second installment of their limited edition 7-inch series. Like each of the 7" in the collection, it includes an unreleased recording from their full-length debut, Post-Nothing, on one side and a cover on the other side. The newest outtake is called "Younger Us" and is accompanied by a cover of X's "Sex and Dying in High Society. You can order the 7" for Younger Us/Sex and Dying in High Society here and listen to "Younger Us" at Pitchfork.

2010 Lollapalooza Schedule Released

Do you have a ticket to Lollapalooza? Are you planning to attend the event? If the answer is yes to either one of those questions, then start planning your day now. The performance schedule for the 2010 Lollapalooza was released today and provides the concert attendee with some interesting decisions to make. For example, would you rather end the weekend by watching Soundgarden or Arcade Fire on Sunday night. Better yet, it's a Friday afternoon, are you more into Devo or The New Pornographers? Make your decision by viewing the performance schedule after the jump.

The (Free) Sounds Of Summer

Summer is here and that means bikinis, speedos, tanning, grilling, late nights with friends and a wide variety of summer activties. Of course, for every great summer activity, the music should be equally as great. While there are plenty of new releases to choose from and plenty of concerts and festivals to attend, there is also a nice variety of free mixtapes and samplers to choose from.

June...She Is A Mighty Good Month.

A new month brings new releases from hard rock veterans (Melvins, Ozzy Osbourne), imported acts (Oasis, the Futureheads), the return of big name acts (Sarah McLachlan, Christina Aguilera, Eminem, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and new acts destined to make a big impact throughout the year (Drake, Peggy Sue). Here are just a few of the artists releasing new albums this month.

Trent Reznor Offers Free Download of How to Destroy Angels' Debut EP

How to Destroy Angels is the name of the collaboration between Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen Maandig and Nine Inch Nails collaborator and producer Atticus Ross. The group's self-titled debut EP is now available as a free, 320 kbps MP3 download by clicking on the widget below. The band is also offering the EP in a higher quality FLAC format for $2 or as part of a package deal with a poster, sticker or t-shirt. A physical edition of the EP will be released on CD on July 6 while, as of this post, there is not a release date set for a vinyl edition. Download How to Destroy Angels by using the widget and watch the video for "The Space in Between" after the jump.