sonic slang

Stream Bob Dylan's Tell Tale Signs

Bob Dylan's upcoming (10.07) Tell Tale Signs, the 8th volume in his "bootleg" series began in 1991, is streaming exclusively at NPR.  The disc covers the last 20 years, a period that produced three late-career classics in Love and Theft, Time Out of Mind and Modern Times, and also featured the previously reported original version of "Mississippi."

The Hold Steady Reveals Cause of UK Tour Cancellation

The Hold Steady, who this week disappointed thousands of drunken, bearded hipsters with the mysterious cancellation of its Fall UK tour, today revealed that guitarist Tad Kubler is suffering from pancreatitis, a serious, but hopefully short-term affliction. The band hopes to announce new dates shortly.

The Decemberists - "Valerie Plame"

Considering that we're all about to look like extras from the set of Cinderella Man,  The Decemberists' new ode to "Valerie Plame" (of the infamous Robert Novak/Wilson drama) feels like small potatoes on political protest song hierarchy.  Catchy enough song though...Let's just pretend it's about chicks.  Listen after the jump.

The Clash Readies Autobiography

This autobiography from The Clash (due 11.04) should make for some great reading - it's shaping up to be a fascinating account of "the only band the mattered" with zero punches pulled.  Even fired drummer Topper Headon collaborated on the book, and according to a blurb in Page Six, bears no ill will for missing out on a few years of rock superstardom:

"I was out of control...On the tour of the Far East, I was standing in a lift with Joe [Strummer] and he's saying: 'How can I sing all these antidrug songs with you stoned out of your head behind me?'"

Check out two recently published excerpts from The Clash, published here and here, and thanks to Lindsay for the tip!

Robert Plant Ends Zeppelin Reunion Speculation

So it looks like the Led Zeppelin reunion bubble has finally burst, and the guy holding the pin was none other than Robert Plant.  In a statement on his official site, the lead singer announced that he has no plans to tour with anyone over the next two years, vented about the lingering debate:

“It’s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Plant said. “I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects.”

Somebody please break the news to STP, Whitesnake, Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver and The Cult.

Minus The Bear Readies Acoustic EP, Fall Tour

An acoustic release from Minus the Bear sounds like tricky business (much of the band's appeal comes from plugged-in guitar taps and electro fills), but couched as a digital-only EP, Acoustics will probably still be a must-buy for hardcore fans.

The seven-song set leans heavily on the bands newer, less jokey material, but does include fan favorite "We Are Not a Football Team" and new track "Guns & Ammo."

Acoustics will be available for download on 10.07, will a Fall tour kicking off the following day.  Sample tracks the new EP at Amazon, and check out the full track list and tour dates after the jump.

Guns and Roses Album Saga Comes to Familiar, Depressing End

Sorry for the slow start to the week gang - We'll make with the postin' in a bit.  But here's one to chew on in the meantime: Do you think that guys like Glen Fry, Angus Young, or Axl Rose, in their respective years of trashing hotel rooms, picking bar fights and doing blow off a hooker's thighs, ever thought they'd be releasing albums exclusively through electronics superstores, or Christian conservative-targeted, discount department chains that once pulled copies of Redbook off the shelves because it was too racy? 

For those who used to rock - we miss you.

Ryan Adams Adds New Dates with Oasis

If you're disappointed that the chummier-than-expected Oasis/Ryan Adams double-bill never made it to NYC, take heart - A second round of dates have been added for December that include stops at MSG, and the Susquehanna Center in Camden, NJ.  Now, if the Gallaghers can keep from getting cold-cocked in the meantime, everything should be cool.

Check out the new dates after the jump.

Springsteen Confirmed for Super Bowl Gig

Confirming a rumor that's been circulating since mid-August, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will play this year's Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa, FL.  So, other than, I dunno, Little Steve losing his headband, this year's show should be free of "wardrobe malfunctions."  Political statements, on the other hand...We'll just have to see if Bruce can resist.

Wilco Trades MP3 For Your Vote

Admittedly, it should never take a celebrity to convince you to vote, but you gotta respect what Wilco is doing with its new "free" download.  Just head over here, give the band your word that you intend to participate in this November's electoral process, and you'll receive a free mp3 of Wilco and Fleet Foxes covering Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."  Gotta love democracy.