Electronic Netlabel New Release

From the Sutemos netlabel newsletter announcement today:

IJO - Computer Pop (Sutemos013).
Today Sutemos have release its 13th release - it is a second album from Lithuanian IJO and it is named Computer Pop. Most of you have been waiting for the news from IJO - all this because of his insanely popular The Driw Play EP that was released on Sutemos two years ago. But it is only now when this happens. This really gorgeous release features 9 brand new tracks so there was no space left for the remixes of Multiplex, Sleepy Town Manufacture, 3tronik and ENV(itre). Anyway, this album is sounding steadier without them. A must hear:
http://www.sutemos.net/en/release;gid,14

It's interesting that IJO uses the DRI logo as part of their website art. I downloaded this and liked it on first listen.

Sutemos is one of the best netlabels for electronic music. Their compilation from last summer, Red, Green, Blue And Other Summer Feelings is some of my favorite music from the last couple of years. They describe it as "Indie Rock/Post Rock/Electronic/Experimental/Ambient" which pretty much covers it. Recommended. Download it here: http://www.sutemos.net/en/player;gid,14

Bomb the Music Industry - New Album

I just downloaded Bomb the Music Industry's new album and wow. I need to - and want to - listen to this a lot more. All I can say right now is that it combines punk, ska and electronic elements and they utilized computer recording as a tool that added to the creative process. I haven't even heard the whole thing and I definitely recommend it. (FYI: I have not heard their previous work - this is the first time I've heard them).

Their new album Goodbye Cool World is available for free from from the donation-based online record label Quote Unquote Records at http://www.quoteunquoterecords.com/bomb.htm. They request a $5.00 donation. I'll be making a $10.00 donation as soon as I get a job!

Suburban Voice Still Going Strong after 20 Years

This may not be a surprise to you but I just discovered that Suburban Voice, the legendary punk fanzine started by Al Quint in Boston over 20 years ago, is still publishing online (and also infrequently in print).

Suburban Voice

Al also does a weekly online radio show, called Sonic Overload, every Monday. He plays "punk, hardcore, garage and other mainly loud music, although there are occasional surprises--new wave, classic rock or something completely off the wall."

The show is downloadable at http://sonicoverload.moocowrecords.com/ and he also set up a myspace page for the show here.

Off Topic, But Important

I can't believe there are still people who don't believe global warming is something to be concerned about. But there are. And, tragically, our president is one of them. Here's more evidence:

"[Greenland's] massive glaciers are deteriorating twice as fast as they were five years ago. If the ice thaws entirely, sea level would rise 21 feet." (June 25, 2006)
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-greenland25jun25,0,1308610.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Study Says Earth's Temp at 400-Year High (June 22, 2006)
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13474997/
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-warming23jun23,0,1682222.story?coll=la-news-science

Stephen Hawking is concerned that Earth "might end up like Venus, at 250 degrees centigrade and raining sulfuric acid." (June 21, 2006)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CHINA_STEPHEN_HAWKING?SITE=NCWIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Scary.

I hate driving but it is difficult to get by without doing it in Los Angeles. My next car WILL be a hybrid - as soon as I have a job again and can afford it. I also bought compact fluorescent lightbulbs for my apartment. Trying to do what I can.

Whatever Happened To...Fugazi Drummer Brendan Canty?

According to Billboard.com, June 13, 2006:

"Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty has wrapped work on the third installment of his DVD series 'Burn To Shine,' which spotlights top bands from a given city all performing on the same day, in a house that will be demolished at the conclusion of the taping. The new edition, filmed last June in Portland, Ore., will arrive Aug. 22 via Trixie DVD"

Click here for more:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002652472

Banner Pilot

I just discovered some good new punk from Minneapolis's Banner Pilot thanks to the great Can You See the Sunset from the Westside blog. Banner Pilot sounds reminiscent of Jawbreaker, among other things. I'd like them even more if the singer toned down his guttoral singing style a notch or two, but they're really good regardless.

Download MP3s from Can You See the Sunset from the Westside or listen to streaming tracks at
http://www.myspace.com/bannerpilot

http://www.banner-pilot.com/PassPoisonPage.htm

Future of the Internet

Legislation affecting the future of the internet and the free flow of information on it is currently being drafted and debated. More info about the issue and the various corporate and public interests involved at the links below.

http://www.google.com/help/netneutrality.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality

Jonesy's Jukebox - Eagles of Death Metal In-Studio Tomorrow

Jonesy's Jukebox (M-F 12-2 pm PT on 103.1 FM in Los Angeles OR streaming on the internet at http://www.indie1031.com/) is probably the best radio show on commercial radio, ever. Hosted by Steve Jones who, as you know, is one of the founding members of the most influential punk/rock bands, the Sex Pistols.

Jonesy's Jukebox is one of the few commercial radio shows where the DJ has the freedom to play what he wants to play and isn't forced to simply be a shallow mouthpiece for a boring corporate-mandated playlist. The show gives us the opportunity to experience Jones' originality, creativity, humor and unique personality. His show achieves the essence of what great radio can be.

He often plays his acoustic guitar live on the air between sets (which range from punk to electronic and everything in between - today he played Oakenfold in the same set as Sham 69. He later played Kraftwerk and tomorrow his in-studio guests will be one of my favorite bands, The Eagles of Death Metal. It should be some great radio with Jessie Hughes, Josh Homme and Steve Jones in the same room together.) and creates lyrics relating to what ever his prior topic of extemporaneous conversation is. (He either talks at the audience or with music director, Mark Sovel, who he affectionately refers to as "Mr. Shovel.")

You might think that hearing a DJ playing an acoustic guitar on air would be painful. But since I've been listening, it never has been. He is always on the mark and he creates appropriate lyrics for whatever is going on. He's really into the World Cup, so today he was singing a song about the game he was watching on TV while he was doing the show - Germany vs. Poland.

It's kind of like hanging around the campfire (or in the living room) with Steve Jones while he talks about whatever comes to mind and plays goofy, hilarious songs. It's really brilliant. It is one of the most unique things on commercial radio and an example of how great radio can be.

Tune in tomorrow for Eagles of Death Metal on Jonesy's Jukebox -- 12 p.m.-2 p.m. at 103.1 FM in Los Angeles or streaming on the internet at www.indie1031.com.

Zach Did It

Update to my previous post: Zach successfully raised $10,000 and went out on a date with Lady Sovereign after her show in San Francisco. He's got the lowdown and pics up on his site: http://www.helpmegetrandomwithladysovereign.com/journal/index.html

8 Days Left to Raise $10,000 for a Date with Lady Sovereign

This is is pretty funny.

While seeing Lady Sovereign perform at Coachella, Zach Slow from San Francisco came up with the idea of trying to raise $10,000 via the internet to fund a date with her. It's an idea that he's been executing so well it just might work.

She has now agreed to go on a date with him if he is able to raise the money.

Government Issue - Available at KBD Records

If you like hardcore and you haven’t heard the classic 80's DC hardcore band Government Issue, here's your chance. Go over to Killed By Death Records and check out their classic Boycott Stabb EP, originally released by Fountain of Youth/Dischord Records. A vinyl repressing of this EP is available via Dr. Strange Records online record store.

Government Issue at KBDrecords.com