Apple finally got with the now and started selling DRM-free mp3′s for $0.99. This means that you can now play iTunes mp3′s on your Zune and backup your files without the dreaded “license” error when you try to reload them after your computer crashes.
The bad news: Currently only EMI and independent labels are taking part in this DRM-free experiment.
Have you checked out The Blow yet? If not, it’s time. This song, True Affection, is a true gem.
I hadn’t heard of Animal Collective before a few minutes ago, but they’ve got some interesting stuff going on. Check ‘em out!
I was reading a transcript of a conversation between Tom Tomorrow (of “This Modern World” fame) and John Mcrea (lead singer of Cake) this morning, and those two indie icons talked about “Mahna Mahna“, a song that I know from the British version of The Office. Well, it turns out that the song was actually written by a 1960′s era jazz musician named, Piero Umiliani, and made famous by the Muppet Show. I guess you learn something new every day! 
Sharp Teeth has started to really grow on me. Between dancing with my daughter to their little 5 song E.P to playing a show with them last Friday, I really have high hopes for them. Sure, the E.P is not the cleanest sounding recording, but Nate Baka’s (The Fillmores, Iron Bar) drumming still rises to the top as fresh and simple. Vocal leader Erica Krumm shows real promise as a singer and has a knack for tapping into post-punk 90’s nostalgia. I hear a hint of Pixies era Kim Deal and not just because she’s a girl, it’s the times that she reflects in her chord changes. Bassist Adri Mehra you may recognize from Citizen Banned, a rising outfit in this town. His bass work is driving and melodic. Between keeping the beat steady and drilling the boom of the bass into your head, they manage to compliment Erika’s voice and really bring the songs to full fruition.
Am I in love with Sharp Teeth’s first E.P? No, but it’s a great start. In fact, it’s a really great start. I know that with time and development Sharp Teeth will really stand out in a Minneapolis scene full of a handful of talented bloaks mixed in with a bunch of real wankers and dodgers.
Watch out for a full length in the future, and don’t be surprised if you fall in love.
MTV recently did a story about the up-and-coming rock band, Bang Camaro – a band that utilizes local singers from all over the country to sing at their shows. My brother, Noah, who is also part of the original Cryns #3 lineup, tried out for the band and received top billing in the MTV newscast! Check it out:
The Charlie Van Stee Trio continued its assault on my musical emotions last night at the Nomad World Pub in Minneapolis. The band played a hell of a set that included their classics, selections from their forthcoming release, as well as some new gems. I can’t say enough about this band. Listen to “On the Rise Again”.
Opening was Sharp Teeth, a sonically-driven band with enough punch to knock out an angry Cassius Clay.
(Above: Sharp Teeth)
Also performing was In Pictures, who stole the audience with a near-perfect rendition of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” – Matt Brunner’s vocals on the song were dead on to die for. The Conductor of Color closed out the show, but, unfortunately, I had to leave before they performed.
This is amazing. Radiohead, one of the most popular bands ever, will allow fans to purchase the band’s next album, In Rainbows, for whatever price they think is fair. The album can be purchased for as little as 2 cents (plus 90 cent credit card processing fee). But, should you wish to pay more, you can go as high as you like! It will be interesting to see what people think is a fair price for a rock and roll album.