We do still read the NME, god help us, and as such we were interested to see this feature about dodgy demos of classic songs on their website a couple of days back. Setting aside the question of whether anything ever recorded by Muse can ever be considered a “classic” (spoiler: no), the piece did get us thinking about early demos from our favorite musicians, especially in light of the recent reissue of Interpol’s Turn on the Bright Lights, which comes with a bunch of studio outtakes and other rarities. Anyway, we thought we’d run with the idea and share some early demos by some of our other favorite bands, which we think make for pretty fascinating listening. Let us know if you have any you’d like to share. … Read More
Interpol
10 MP3s You Need to Download for Free This Week: Interpol, Hype Williams
It’s Friday, which means that we still feel ill from eating our body’s weight in turkey yesterday — and also that it’s time for another installment of our regular roundup of downloadable MP3 goodness from around the web. This week the music industry is starting to wind down for the holiday season, but never fear, because there’s still plenty of action worth your bandwidth: a hitherto unreleased Interpol demo, a free track from the excellent new Clinic album, lots of weird atmospheric music, Dave Sitek remixing Norah Jones, classic Gary Numan, and more. Since all this action costs precisely nothing, what are you waiting for? All the download links await after the jump. … Read More
10 of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Most Overrated Lyricists
Last week we ran a post on the people who we thought were rock ‘n’ roll’s most underrated lyricists — artists who don’t get the credit they deserve for their writing, either because they’re better known as guitarists/producers/crazy performers, or just because they’re generally underappreciated. We got some great feedback, and some excellent suggestions in the comments section, and all was very congenial. But last week’s post does raise one obvious question: If those were rock ‘n’ roll’s most underrated lyricists, who are its most overrated? We’ve taken the plunge and put together a list of the latter. Again, to be clear, this isn’t meant to be any sort of definitive list of worst lyrics or lyricists — Des’ree, your throne is secure — just those who we reckon don’t get enough scrutiny for being either a) not that great or b) not quite as great as people seem to think they are. So, what say you, readers? Are there more names you’d like to nominate? Or do we just need to join the witness protection program? … Read More
Daily Dose Pick: White Lies
Gloom-rock titans White Lies sidestep the Joy Division comparisons on their sophomore album, embracing electronic elements and channeling Depeche Mode via Interpol.
While the band’s dark edge remains, Ritual finds it moving into dancier territory, but remaining equally, icily epic. Meanwhile, less talk of death and more mention of love offers hints of optimism, while a supplemental short film (see below) co-written by bassist Charles Cave adds to the overall wide-screen effect. … Read More
Daily Dose Pick: Interpol
The fourth album from New York indie heroes Interpol marks their return to Matador Records, the departure of bassist Carlos D., and a confident hit of the reset button.
While the bass player did record the self-titled album with the band, he chose to part ways soon after, leaving the group as a trio for the first time. Fortunately, some heavy hitters have been added to the touring lineup: indie mainstay David Pajo (Slint, Zwan, Papa M) on bass and Secret Machines frontman Brandon Curtis on keys. … Read More
The Flavorpill Mixtape XXXIV: Panda Bear, Interpol, The Walkmen
It’s been an especially great few days for new music. This week’s mix features eagerly awaited releases (Panda Bear, Interpol) and singles that are dying to be heard (The Knocks, Fitz & the Tantrums) and then heard some more. So, without further ado, Right Click + Save As your next 10 fresh cuts after the jump. … Read More
The Morning’s Top 5 Pop Culture Stories
1. Legendary jazz singer, actress, and civil rights icon Lena Horne died yesterday at the age of 92. [via NYT]
2. In a graduation speech at Hampton University on Sunday, President Obama called the iPad, and other popular electronic devices, a “distraction… rather than the means of emancipation.” Thoughts? [via CNET]
… Read More
The Morning’s Top 5 Pop Culture Stories
1. TIME magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world is out; A-listers like Banksy to Conan O’Brien are namechecked and the cover pairs Lady Gaga with Bill Clinton. [via TIME]
2. OMFG, WTF is Paramount doing making a Magic 8-Ball movie? “Reply hazy, try again.” [via Vulture]
3. Interpol! Remember them? They’ve just released a new song called “Lights.” What does it sound like? No idea, since the download didn’t work, but if I had to guess I’d say “dark,” heavy on the reverb, and lyrically confusing. [via Stereogum]
4. Unlikely female triumvirate alert: Sarah Silverman is in talks to co-star with Michelle Williams (actress featured in several topographically-based dramas such as Dawson’s Creek, Brokeback Mountain, Shutter Island) in Sarah Polley’s directorial feature Take This Waltz. [via Variety]
5. New York mag’s veteran party reported Jada Yuan had dinner with the “capriciously moody” Bill Murray and survived to tell the tale. [via… Read More
The Morning’s Top 5 Pop Culture Stories
1. Oprah is set to announce today that she’s ending her show on September 9, 2011, when her current contract expires, and moving it to her own network. [via USA Today]
2. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning will kiss in The Runaways, that upcoming Joan Jett biopic. [via Pop Candy]
3.… Read More
The Morning’s Top 5 Pop Culture Stories
1. Pitchfork reviews the Beatles reissues. A Hard Day’s Night scores a 9.7, but With the Beatles doesn’t fare so well — an 8.8. [via Pitchfork]
2. Charles Burnett will direct a feature-length documentary about Barack Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham. [via THR]
3. The shortlist for this year’s Man Booker… Read More
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