Dear Diary: Ryan Adams Attempts To Reduce Drama By Inducing It

Picture from the HAD Archive

Oh, Ryan Adams, how we love thee. Amazing music, outlandish behavior, and boyish good looks. Is there anything more to be desired in a rockstar?

In this, the latest entry in the Ryan-Adams-loves-but-hates-the-internet-and-blogging-and-music drama journal, Mr. Adams claims to be retiring from music (and blogging!) in attempt to reduce drama and enjoy his life. To be, fair, it really seems like an earnest post, and it appears that Mr. Adams simply has a lot of shit to work through (Not to mention some apparently serious hearing loss issues. Ick.)

Ry, we feel you man: drama's never a good thing. But giving up music? Come on, don't leave us hanging like that - you can enjoy life and make records, no?

Stereogum has the full text of the post.

Band Of Horses Lines Up California Shows Including Fox Theater, Presale Tomorrow

Seattleites Band Of Horses have been off the radar a tad since 2007's Cease To Begin (apparently recording a new record down in Muscle Shoals, AL), but now it appears as though they're lining up to get the ball rolling again. The band has booked two California dates for April, one at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, and one at the newly renovated Fox Theater in Oakland.

To be frank, after seeing the Fox's opening lineup, we were a tad worried that it was going to exclusively host reggae and jam bands (not that that's a bad thing). However, it seems that they're getting on top of the good old fashioned rock and roll. We definitely approve.

We're not really which show to recommend to you here: we're amped to see the newly renovated Fox, but at the same time we're always psyched for the Catalyst's small club vibe. Regardless of which you decide on, you'll need to get tickets. The Catalyst show isn't listed for sale yet, but the Fox Theater show will be having a presale tomorrow morning at 10 AM. You can get in on that action by clicking here. The password is "fox". Good luck!

Band Of Horses, Spring Dates:
April 15, 2009 Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
April 17, 2009 Fox Theater, Oakland, CA

New Vetiver Track Surfaces - Yum

We already mentioned Vetiver's migration to Sub Pop, and we have to say, we've been really looking forward to hearing some new material from the band. Last year's covers record was just fine, but the things these guys do on their own is, well, we really really like it.

Thankfully, details of the band's latest, Tight Knit, are starting to trickle out, and it's looking all good. First, there's the cover art (see above). Second, there's a pre-order from Sub Pop that offers up a complete stream of the record. And third, Stereogum has just put forth a preview mp3 from the record entitled "Everyday".

Listening to the track, we have to say, we're more than a little stoked to have Vetiver back delivering their own tunes. The song's lilting forward motion is integral to the band's classic sound, and the mellow vibe should make for a perfect springtime soundtrack. Stoked.

mp3: Vetiver - Everyday

New Pete Doherty Solo Record In The Can, NME Has The Breakdown

You may recall that Babyshambles' last record was one of our favorites of 2007, and that we've been eagerly awaiting Pete Doherty's next Stephen Street-helmed solo effort (with Graham Coxon in tow). Well, now word has come across the wire that NME has apparently come across the "first copy" of the new record, and they've done us all the favor of a track by track breakdown of the new disc. Enjoy.

GIRLS Are At Eagle Tavern This Thursday

Picture from the HAD Archive

We've been digging on GIRLS since we first saw them open for Port O'Brien last Spring. Well, after a few months on the down-low, the band is back for a show in the new year. They'll be playing this coming Thursday at The Eagle Tavern down in SOMA. The bar, which is most notably something of a gay/leather/biker hybrid, has apparently ventured into the world of live music, and has begun hosting a "Thursday Night Live" music series.

If you haven't seen GIRLS yet, we highly recommend you get out there and check out this show. The band (as we've mentioned before) is very much the "real thing", and continues to be one of our favorite local acts. If you have seen them, well then you know what we're talking about already.

Finally, kudos to the band for managing to sneak in "Hellhole Ratrace" as #100 on Pitchfork's best tracks of 2008. And yes, we're still bitter that the (now SOLD OUT) vinyl wasn't for sale at the supposed record release show. Blah.

mp3: Girls - Lust For Life, Hellhole Ratrace (click through for downloads)

New Warchild Comp Is A Indie "Who's Who" Of Cover Songs

The War Child organization has a long standing history of releasing notable music compilations that benefit children who have been adversely affected by the effects of war. (Affect? Effect? Did we get that right? Ugh.) Over the past 20 or so years, the organization has floated comps that are a real draw for fans, featuring a notable number of rare and unreleased tracks.

They're not showing any signs of slowing down, and the latest release Heroes is on tap to be released on February 24th. The record features a crew of current indie rock heavy hitters covering what appears to be a revue of relevant rock from the years of 1975 - 1985(ish). Apparently the theme of the release is "faith in the next generation", hence all the new-ish artists covering old(er) tunes.

We have to admit, the selection of songs is fantastic, and the artist lineup certainly has an air of integrity about it. Given that the comp benefits a reputable charity, and clocks in at a whopping sixteen tracks, we'd venture to say you can't really go wrong with this one.

Heroes is in stores February 24th.

Tracklist:
1. Beck (Bob Dylan - "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat")
2. The Kooks (The Kinks - "Victoria")
3. The Hold Steady (Bruce Springsteen - "Atlantic City")
4. Hot Chip (Joy Division - "Transmission")
5. Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones (The Clash - "Straight To Hell")
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (The Ramones - "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker")
7. Franz Ferdinand (Blondie - "Call Me")
8. Duffy (Paul McCartney - "Live And Let Die")
9. Estelle (Stevie Wonder - "Superstition")
10. Rufus Wainwright (Brian Wilson -" Wonderful & Song For Children")
11. Scissor Sisters (Roxy Music - "Do The Strand")
12. Peaches (Iggy Pop - "Search And Destroy")
13. Adam Cohen (Leonard Cohen - "Take This Waltz")
14. Elbow (U2 - "Running To Stand Still")
15. The Like (Elvis Costello - "You Belong To Me")
16. TV On The Radio (David Bowie - "Heroes")

A Mike Doughty Freakout For Your Entertainment

We don't like to harp on such things, but this freakout by the former Soul Coughing front man is just a little bit too entertaining not to watch. Apparently Doughty has since apologized for the event, but it's still something of a notable disaster. We feel for you man, but seriously: time to chill out a bit.

Monkey Journey To The West Remixes and Vinyl Drop Tomorrow

It seems that despite the fact that he's knee deep in Blur-reunion hype, Damon Albarn's Monkey: Journey To The West is still continue to wring out a fair dose of relevance. The much-lauded crossover project has received considerable attention, ranging from the BBC to the Olympics, and now it's been subjected to the remix treatment.

Ubiquitous remix-master Diplo, along with Kwes, are the driving forces behind two remixes of "Monkey Bee" that drop tomorrow as a digital single. Diplo's remix (we haven't heard the Kwes remix yet) is a drastic take on the original that travels from downtempo reggae, through some arcade analog synths, and straight on to some hip hop beats. "Journey to the West", indeed.

In addition to the remixes, the record has also been released on vinyl in what appears to be an intricately assembled box set featuring a hardcover book, lithographs, and 200 gram (!) vinyl of the record. The package looks amazing, but with a 255 UK Pound price point, we have to say it's a little rich for our blood. If you find yourself in the market for a copy, however, The Vinyl Factory is where it's at. We'll be green with envy.

mp3: Damon Albarn - Monkey Bee, Diplo Remix (YouSendIt, click through)

Jay Reatard: Interview, Deerhunter Cover

We mentioned a while back that Matador's fuzz-rocker in residence, Jay Reatard, will be at the Independent on January 25th. The show's been a long time coming, and frankly, we're champing (Yes, champing. Look it up.) at the bit to check out the band in a live setting.

In the meantime, we've been enjoying Reatard's release Matador Singles 2008, and in particular held a certain fascination with his cover of Deerhunter's "Flourescent Grey". The track, from the EP of the same title, is one of Deerhunter's more accessible tracks, so it fits in well with Reatard's fuzzy take on easy to dig pop songs. The rest of the disc is a treat as well: if you don't have it, we highly recommend picking it up.

What's more, while you're enjoying the record you can also hopefully get a bit of insight to just who exactly Jay Reatard is. The Onion AV Club has a great, relatively lengthy interview with the man himself. Check it out now....

Tickets for Jay Reatard at the Independent are on sale now.

mp3: Jay Reatard - Flourescent Grey (Deerhunter cover. YouSendIt, click through)

Bono Is Now A New York Times Columnist

Maybe you're sick of hearing what Bono has to say about every topic on the planet, but if you're not, then take heart: the New York Times has just added the U2 frontman as a "contributing columnist".

Thankfully, the column mercifully focuses on a music topic (Frank Sinatra), and has an easy going, casual tone that makes for a fun narrative. While we respect Bono's political efforts, it's really quite a relief to hear him waxing philisophical on the topic that gave him his fame, and enjoying it at the same time.

Check it out now.