Brian was a bit salty yesterday regarding the blogosphere. I gave him a ring after the diatribe and tried to let him know everythin’ was going to work out okay. I’m in complete agreement with him regarding the blatant disregard some folks have with the music that gets leaked to them, but I’ve always thought I’d be torn if I was a record label. What is it that sells more records? Is it band-name exposure and getting the music into the hands of the people regardless of price, or is it holding the music back and limiting its movement with a price tag? I’m too lazy to research the logistics of such a question, but I bet I know what Lars Ulrich’s take on it is. Now I also know my good pal Brian’s opinion, too. Word.
As far as our Radio Dick post, this is an exciting one, and also a bit of a break from the norm. We’ve got quite a bit of business to attend to here and set you up for the blistering week of coverage that’s about to begin today. We’ve got contest winners to announce, a huge concert itenerary to pass onto you, and of course, our opening ceremony (so to speak) for our Pitchfork Festival coverage that culminates the end of this busy nine day period for us. We surely hope you stick around and visit often, as we’ll be hoisting up some great live show reviews, album reviews, and a hefty chunk of P4K coverage, as well. It’s certainly nice when one of the biggest music festivals annually shows up on your back doorstep. With James calling downtown Chicago home, not only will we be able to crash the party for a few nights, we’ll also have a place to stay free of charge. This is a boon to our readers in many ways. Stick around to get in on all the good readin’ material we’re going to throw your way over the next ten days. Giving us press access to the festival was a smooth move on their part. We’ll be passing on that coverage to you.
1. First, thanks to the many, many folks who entered the Fanfarlo Limited Edition box-set giveaway, and congrats to Don, who’s taking home the prize. If you haven’t spun the new Fanfarlo album yet, check www.fanfarlo.com tomorrow, as they’re supposed to unveil all sorts of ways to get your hands on Reservoir, their stellar new release on Rough Trade records.
2. Second, thanks to the mounds of entrants in the Paper Route signed poster contest. After sifting through the pile, James will announce a winner shortly. Look for the email from the little guy. Congrats are in order, and thanks for readin the site.
3. Live Shows: This week we’ve got alot on tap even before I make the long haul to Chicago for the weekend. Those Darlins is on tour, touting the brand-spanking recent release of their self-titled debut. They’re hitting Beachland Tavern on Tuesday, and while our time commitments outside of the blog world haven’t allowed as much coverage as we would like, we’re doing our best to secure an interview and will have a live show review on the site on Wednesday. Also, we’re absolutely stoked for the Megafaun/Bowerbirds show at The Grog Shop the following day. It’s no secret, if you’re a regular reader, about how high we are on Megafaun and have been for awhile. We put their 2008 release on our “Best Albums of 2008″ and Gather, Form and Fly is on track to hit our year end list this year (even if it avoids the use of the oxford comma, which irks me). We’ll have a show review, the ability to prove our hangoverish state, and some pics to go with that one. I’m already chugging a few beers a night to get ready to hear “His Robe” live. Can’t wait.
Thanks for letting me get the business stuff out of the way. If this doesn’t keep you coming around this week, then hopefully our planned Pitchfork coverage will. I’ll be rolling into Chicago early morning on Friday and preparing an exhausting but amazing weekend of live music coverage. We’ll be in the press pit snapping all sorts of photos of the acts and will be sneaking into some after-festival shows. Say what you want about Pitchfork, but this year’s lineup is spectacular. Sunday was sold out quickly, and Saturday just bit the dust earlier in the week. If there’s a way for you to sneak in underneath the fences or in a hippie’s duffel bag, make sure to get your ass in to see the show. If you’re not making the trip, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned next weekend.
So, for our Radio Dick this week, I thought I’d assault you with some of the tunes I’ll be spinning this week to gear up for the festival. Hit me up in the comments section or leave me a message through the site if you want more info on any of these bands, but if you’re a regular reader, many of these shouldn’t be a secret.
Grizzly Bear – On a Neck, On a Spit
Black Lips – Drop I Hold (Feat. GZA)
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Everything With You
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Come Saturday
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Wind Phoenix
Japandroids – Young Hearts Spark Fire
