Marianne Faithful Release March 17th

Marianne Faithful will release her 22nd album “Easy Come, Easy Go” on March 17. From what I just heard of her cover of “The Crane Wife 3″ featuring Nick Cave, it’s going to be an exciting new group of music by one of our favorite singers. Ms. Faithful is covering songs written by Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, The Decemberists, Bessie Smith, Biran Eno, Randy Newman, Smokey Robinson, Sean Lennon, Morrissey and Merle Haggard. She is joined by a great line up of guest, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Antony Hegarty, and Keith Richards. She has even announced two shows in NYC 3/27 and 3/28.

SSion cover Pop’s “Nightclubbing”

Ssion the Kansas City, Missouri band have posted a video of their cover of “Nightclubbing” by Iggy Pop. . Resurrecting the Grace Jones hit, Ssion has filmed an kitche drenched house scene, with trash bag crying house kids. Every one of Ssion’s videos strike me as a group of people enjoying making music and videos. Check out their videos and music.

Arras Main Square Festival Announces Headliners

The headliners have been announced for this years Arras Main Square Festival in Arras (the “s” is pronounced) , France July 2, 3, 4, 5, 2009. ColdPlay, Placebo, Lenny Kravitz, Moby and Duffy. Tickets go on sale February 5th at 10am. 179km north of Paris, the festival is in it’s fifth year, welcoming the greatest singers from France and from around the world to perform on the Grand Place. Last year Radiohead, The Chemical Brothers, Justice, Sigur Ros and the Kooks performed. The 2000 year old city is the préfecture of the Pas-de-Calais and is the historic center of the Artois region.

Arras, France (Google Maps)

Bloc Party US Tour Tickets Go On Sale

Bloc Party tickets for the US go on sale today. West coast dates begin in April with the opening show at the Paladium. Mr. A. and I saw Bloc Party at the Paladium and it was one of the most exciting shows we have ever seen. We were right at the stage and were totally blown away by the sound and energy of the group and the crowd. I thin we both were exhausted and soaked with sweat by the end of the show. April 15th is the date. Othere cities include March 30 Minneapolis, (First Avenue) with Longwave, New York (Terminal 5) March 24, 25, Mexico City (Alamedia Poniente) April 17, Seattle (Snowbox at the Market) April 24, 25.

Coachella Line Up Announced

Finally after alot of speculation and rumor the line up for the 2009 Coachella Music Festival was announced. Some interesting artist and a definite must see Leonard Cohen is on the line-up. Paul McCartney, Franz Ferdinand, the Cure, Morrissey, Amy Winehouse, the Killers, the Kills, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paul Weller, Peter Bjorn and John, Antony and the Johnsons, Drive By Truckers, Hercules and Love Affair, Perry Farrell, the Presets.

Tickets go on sale 9 am January 30, 2009. 3 day pass $269.00, Single day pass $99.00. A layaway plan has been established for ticket buyes feeling the economic crunch which can purchased at Sears and other retail chains.

Madonna Is Going Back On Tour

Madonna has decided to take the Sticky & Sweet Tour back out on the road. Beginning July 4th in London she is going to hit 22 venues in Europe. Her special guest Paul Oakenfold will open each show. Tickets for the London show go on sale February 6, 2009.

Patti Smith and Philip Glass Santa Barbara UCSB

Patti Smith and Philip Glass with Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty will be performing an homage to Allen Ginsberg – Footnote to Howl Saturday, February 14, 2009, 8:00 PM, UCSB’s Campbell Hall. This sounds like a incredible opprotunity to see Allen’s poetry given new voice and sound.

Bob Dylan Spring Tour of Europe

Dylan is touring Europe in March and April. I sure wish we could be in Paris on April 7 when he plays at the Palais des Congres. I think that would be a very exciting concert.

Rufus Wainwright to release “Hallelujah”

Rufus Wainwright has released his rendition on iTunes and Amazon. I have loved this song since I first heard a recording of Leonard Cohen’s. And actually like John Cale’s version more than I like Rufus’ or Leonard’s but having seen Rufus do “Hallelujah” at the Hollywood Bowl before KD Laing came on was a wonderful moment in our concert experiences, Mr. A and I won’t forget.

Jen Gloeckner and Joseph Arthur

Jen Gloeckner has posted to her myspace page two songs she has recorded with Joseph Arthur. Sleep to Dream is haunting and Joseph’s backup vocals are infectous. Die is the other song recorded with Joseph Arthur. Jen has also posted two free songs for download on her myspace page. Check her music out.

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