Maximo Park Celebrate Hometown With Beer, Bus Tour

Newcastle, England mischief makers Maxïmo Park would probably make their hometown plenty proud just by showing up to their December 15 show at the Metro Radio Arena, but by re-branding the famous Newcastle Brown Ale as Maxïmo Brown Ale, they must be something like local heroes.

According to NME.com, Newcastle Brown Ale brewery Tyneside Brewers asked the boys if they wanted to create their own one-off version of the beer, and they accepted. It seems the beer's taste difference from the original will be similar to the taste difference between colors of M&M's, so Maxïmo Brown Ale will distinguish itself via a label designed by the band.

Maxïmo lead singer Paul Smith was honored by the opportunity, saying, "So many amazing things have happened for our band in a short space of time, and to have our image emblazoned on a Brown label is another addition to that list. It would be great for our band to be as synonymous with Newcastle as the mighty Brown Ale, and it's both amusing and an honor to be able to deface the label in this manner!"

Maxïmo Park's beer launches around England on December 15, the same day as their Newcastle show. But it's not the only neat tie-in the band has planned for the date. They're also holding a contest for ticketholders to get a chance to go on a bus tour of the city inspired by the video for Our Earthly Pleasures single "Karaoke Plays", which came out today, December 3, via Warp.

By sending an email with their phone numbers to maximopark@warprecords.com (subject: "MAILOUTBUSCOMP"), show attendees will have a shot at a pair of tickets for the tour, featuring the same bus and driver from the video. The winners, contacted December 10, will see Maxïmo's favorite places around town as well as a few of the video's locations. The tour also features earthly pleasures such as "food, drink and lots of secret extras!" [MORE...]

Sufjan Announces Christmas Song Exchange Contest
Win the rights to an original Sufjan composition

Sufjan Stevens writes a lot of songs-- and if word is indeed bond, we can expect at least 48 more albums worth of them from the guy-- so I suppose, being a jolly old soul, he can part with one of them.

But rather than just pimp the thing out to a mutual fund commercial or hide it away as some Japan-only bonus track, Sufjan has decided to give the song to one lucky fan. However, in the spirit of the season, Sufjan also wants something outta you. It's "The Great Sufjan Song Xmas Xchange"! And those Asthmatic Kitty cats explain it much better than I ever could, so here's them:

Here's how it works: write an original Christmas song, record it, and email the song to us. Asthmatic Kitty will pick a winner, and that person will trade rights to their song for rights to Sufjan's song.

Just like a gift exhange, Sufjan's song becomes your song. You can hoard it for yourself, sell it to a major soft drink corporation, use it in your daughter's first Christmas video, or share it for free on your website. No one except Sufjan and you will hear his song, unless you decide otherwise. You get the song and all legal rights to it. We get the same rights to your song.

In summation: you get an original Sufjan Stevens song all to yourself! And Sufjan gets to have at your song! As if he didn't have enough Xmas jams.

Check the details and legal mumbo-jumbo here. All entries are due by midnight on December 1, and AK expects to announce the winner around December 15. They'll also be streaming entries on their site.

Finally, Sufjan, fresh off his "BQE" extravaganza, visits some exotic locales in the new year. [MORE...]

Ted Leo to Taco Bell: WTF?!
"I have no desire to be attached to the Pepsi corporation"

Yesterday, we ran a story about how Ted Leo-- along with Girl Talk, Enon, Blitzen Trapper, and several other musicians-- had won a Taco Bell contest entitling them to $500 in free Taco Bell food. The information in the story came from a press release from Taco Bell themselves.

One problem: Ted Leo never even entered the contest, as far as he knows!

This morning, Leo emailed us and posted the following on his website, under the heading "For the Record (Re: Taco Bell)":

Here are two letters I sent to Pitchfork today:

Hey Peeps - for the record, I know nothing about this Taco Bell thing - I'll try to get to the bottom of why my name is being used here, but I'd appreciate a clarification from someone at Pitchfork as to where they heard/saw this...
(I'm referring to this story: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/46311-girl-talk-ted-leo-enon-blitzen-win-taco-bell-contest)
Thanks!
-Ted Leo

Friday 10/12/07 10:11 AM

Yo - upon further research, I have found that the web site (http://www.tacobell.com/feedthebeat/) says that "hundreds of bands submitted applications" - I knew nothing about this until this morning, and obviously, did not submit an application. Maybe it's a hoax, maybe someone else did it and didn't tell me, but I have no desire to be attached to the Pepsi corporation, which also runs KFC, etc., and anything you guys can do to help me get that point across would be greatly appreciated.
xo - Ted

Friday 10/12/07 10:24 AM

And also for the record, Taco Bell will be hearing from me (not a big threat to them, I know, but still...)

Wow. We are really, really sorry about that, Ted! Thankfully, after we sent Ted's label, Touch and Go, the Taco Bell press release, it all got worked out. Ted updated his site with this message:

UPDATE 11:11 AM - We have contacted Taco Bell (that's a sentence I never thought I'd have to type - ed.), and have found out that someone submitted an application from a G-mail address that is not ours (Heck of a job, G-mail!), so we have, in fact, been pranked, which, since Taco Bell is now removing our name from everything associated with this dumb-ass "Muy Caliente! Side Stage at the Altell Garden Party Pavillion" bullshit, I have to appreciate on some levels... but anyway, it was fake, we weren't involved with Taco Bell, and now it's over. Thank you for your participation!
Yo quiero the internet.

(For the record, Ted Leo's Touch and Go labelmates Enon did, in fact, enter the contest knowingly.)

Another reason why Ted probably isn't so happy with Taco Bell using his name is that he's vegan, and a PETA spokesman.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are on the road now. Go spend money on their shows and merch, and not on crappy fast food. [MORE...]

New Pornos Announce More Dates, YouTube Contest #2

The Challenge-obsessed New Pornographers have returned to address the "YouTube nation" with another contest: "sing one of our songs in your best Michael McDonald voice."

As in, Michael McDonald the fire-keeping, Warren G-sampled former Doobie Brother? Hell yes, that Michael McDonald. So swallow a stick of butter and get to smooth-singing, because an iPhone is at stake.

In less smooth New Pornos news, they have added quite a few UK and European dates to the end of their tour. Their next show, however, is tonight, September 25, in Salt Lake City. [MORE...]

Photos: Bunny Meets Les Savy Fav

About a month ago, a little girl entered Les Savy Fav's video contest for "The Equestrian" and showed us all how an awesome video could be made with little more than a bottle of peroxide, a heavy dose of pep, and a room full of stuffed animals.

Well, her "in the key of Bunny" entry (it seems Bunny is the girl's name) won that contest, and for her troubles, she and director B.A. Miale (the redheaded woman in the pictures) got a trophy, one thousand bucks, and the chance to appear on stage with LSF.

Jamie Goodridge, Bunny's mother, documented the whole extravaganza with some excellent photographs on her MySpace blog, and they are below for your viewing pleasure.

For LSF tour dates, check out our photos of the band from earlier today.

[MORE...]

Les Savy Fav Extend Fall Tour

Les Busy Savy Fav are firing on all cylinders recently in anticipation of the release of sorta-comeback album Let's Stay Friends.

There's the record itself, which comes out via French Kiss tomorrow, September 18 in the U.S. and Wichita Recordings in the UK on October 1.

Then there are the shows, several of which are completely new since our last report. Thus, at least a few non-New York City-dwelling North Americans will get to partake of their wild live show, though New Yorkers still have the band to themselves for three dates, including their gig opening for the Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem (never heard of 'em).

Finally, there's that video contest for "The Equestrian", which ends tomorrow (September 18 for the forgetful types). In addition to the "key of bunny" entry that made it into Forkcast, there have been fan-made videos with actual horses, with LSF masks, with Britney Spears' VMA performance, and played on the incredibly technical instrument known as "inflatable woman."

And here we thought there could be nothing more frightening and ridiculous than Tim Harrington's stage presence. [MORE...]

New Pornographers Issue YouTube Challenge

Who doesn't love a good challenge? A friendly wager, a boastful claim that needs proving, a triple-dog-dare? Well, you know darn well by now how your friends-- all 46 of 'em-- in the New Pornographers dig a challenge, and this time, it's personal they're putting you to the test. Are you a bad enough dude/ette to dig errant gum out of Dan Bejar's beard** ?

Fellow Pornographers Carl Newman and Blaine Thurier have called upon the "YouTube nation" (sigh), setting up a series of weekly assessments in which participants post themselves doing the band's bidding, in exchange for fame and fabulous prizes.

Those challenges? Err...it's a little hard to say. The first test involves coming up with choreography for a New Pornographers song of your choice. The next? We're not convinced they know any better than we do.

As for the prizes, well, there's an iPhone up for grabs, and then this: "The other prize is you challenge us. You get to challenge the New Pornographers to something. Anything you want. Challenge us to strip naked and dance around in Times Square, climb Mt. Everest and poop our pants on top of Mt. Everest."

While you drift off in unpublishable thoughts about Neko Case, though, respect the caveat: the band reserves the right to say no to any of the challenges, and, in fact, seem to be suggesting they will almost certainly do so. Still, there's a shot at some sweet "play a show at my high school!" or "no, you do a friggin' dance, Newman!" or "arrange my army of dogs in some kind of pyramid formation!" action, and that's worth shedding ungainly layers of shame for.

Can you hang with the Pornos? Will you jump through fiery hoops for a shot at internet glory and the resulting fame? That's up to you, friend.

The New Pornographers are about to head out on a few months of tour. Hey, Winnipeg, maybe you could challenge them to buy some plane tickets?

** not an actual New Pornographers challenge...yet [MORE...]

Belle and Sebastian Are Looking for a Few Good Ladies

Belle and Sebastian are a lot of things, but "pursuers of ladies on the internet" seems a trick more apt for Queens of the Stone Age. (Just playing, Mrs. Homme) Still, that's exactly what bandleader Stuart Murdoch appears to be doing with a typically mysterious upcoming project.

Earlier today, Murdoch posted an entry in his diary on the band's website, grumbling about a frosty summer in Glasgow and then spinning a (thinly-veiled, autobiographical?) yarn about a boy, two girls, and the superior summer they spent wasting away the hours playing music. Murdoch alludes to a set of songs written-- but never recorded-- by these characters, which he'd like to complete with the help of the two girls from his story, or, failing the discovery of some sort of tear in the continuum between fantasy and reality, two adequate stand-ins. And that, lassie, is where you come in.

Stuart's looking for females of the tune-carrying persuasion to sign up to iMeem, familiarize themselves with a slightly slowed down take The Life Pursuit's "Funny Little Frog" or the new track "The Psychiatrist is In" (hey, I've heard that somewhere!), and then submit a recording of your karaoke take on the track here. You'll get to be yourself, and you'll get to sing!

Stu's also looking to get a picture of each lady out of it: not for any creepy purpose (we think), but because he's looking to eventually turn this project into a film. Here, for your embedded pleasure, are takes on the tracks with vocals from the "White Collar Boy" single's cover star Catherine Ireton:

Fellas, don't fret: "right now we're looking for the girls," the diary reads, "but the boys may follow." Is Stuart looking to replace Isobel Campbell or that other Stuart? Aren't there already enough people in Belle and Sebastian? Does Stevie Jackson get under everyone else's skin as bad as he does mine?

Ladies, you've got 'til October 1. Thanks to Stereogum for the tip.

Create Les Savy Fav's Video, Then Go See Them Play
Or, in Headline-Speak: Les Savy Fav Announce Video Contest, Tour

It seems Les Savy Fav have been surrendering the reigns to the ol' workhorse of late. First, they asked their fans to sing on their record, and now, they're actually paying people to stand in for them in a video. I guess you can't spell Les Savy Fav without "lazy," eh? Er, wait.

In truth, these recent overtures smack more of a purposeful breakdown of the barrier between artist and fan than a clever disguise for lethargy. (Besides, anybody who's witnessed this band in action knows that they have more energy than a kitten hyped up on Sparks.)

Les Savy Fav are giving weekend Gondrys essentially carte blanche in a contest to create the clip for "The Equestrian" from their forthcoming album Let's Stay Friends. Entries must be a performance of the song, with lip-synching and at least some attempt to mimic playing instruments. Save that arty, impressionistic mess for your Decemberists thesis, Sally Gradschool; Les Savy Fav want you to rock! Or, at least, pretend.

The winner-- based on the most views on YouTube, where videos are to be uploaded-- will receive full bragging rights, plus $1000 and a bitchin' trophy. Videos are due by September 18, so you oughta get crackin'. Full details are available here.

Even if you don't win, the consolation prizes are choice: Let's Stay Friends is out that very day in the U.S. on French Kiss Records, and October 1 in the UK on Wichita. And the band's touring, too, with European dates trickling out since last we spoke on the subject. [MORE...]

Smoke Weed on Stage With the Streets!

The Streets' follow-up to The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living isn't much closer to release than when we last reported on it (sometime next year is the new goal). Still, Mike Skinner and co. are getting plenty of mileage out of their remaining three tour dates by holding a bong-making contest for fans who'd like to appear on stage with them in London on August 26.

Appropriately enough, the gig in question is the Streets' headlining appearance at the Get Loaded in the Park festival. Skinner plans to end the set with Original Pirate Material's "The Irony of It All"-- you know, the one about how smoking weed is better than drinking. Since the song's lyrics reference homemade bongs, he is asking fans to design their own to smoke on stage with him and the live band.

If you're interested, all you have to do is email a photo or drawing of your design along with a description of your bong to loadedbong@hotmail.com and include your name, address, and phone number. And if your bong is chosen, you'll receive a pair of VIP passes to Get Loaded as well as the opportunity to get loaded at the gig using your bong.

According to the episode of "Beat Stevie" (Skinner's online TV show) in which the contest was announced, you'll also receive a signed octagonal shaped cymbal from the Streets' live drum kit.

Contest entries must be in by August 22, and Skinner will announce the winner on his blog the next day.

(Side note: This is the second bong-related band contest we have reported in three weeks.)

"Beat Stevie" contest announcement:

 

[MORE...]

Waits, Davies, Coleman, Hook Judge Song Contest
Plus: Robert Smith, Frank Black, Julian Casablancas, Loretta Lynn, David Cross, Nelly Furtado

Miffed that that overrated hack Brian Wilson totally dissed your masterpiece last year? Hopeful that Tom Waits spent the past year getting a freaking clue about what it means to write good songs? Well, my friend, why not give the International Songwriting Competition another go?

Like last year's contest, this one invites aspiring songwriters to submit their best fare before a veritable Supreme Court of music legends, including Tom Waits, Ray Davies, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ornette Coleman, Loretta Lynn, Peter Hook, Robert Smith, Frank Black, and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, as well as contemporary hitmakers like Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Nelly Furtado, Macy Gray, and Sean Paul. Also: Hinder.

What's more, "Weird Al" Yankovic, David Cross, and Cheech Marin (of Cheech and Chong fame) will judge the newly inaugurated Comedy/Novelty category, while a number of industry heavyweights will have their say as well. View the complete list of judges here.

The ISC aims to "provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena" and "nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting." To those ends, the 2007 competition will award a $25,000 cash prize to the overall winner, plus some $20,000 in prizes. First, second, third, and "Peoples' Voice" victors also rake in some cash.

Entries may be submitted via mail or online-- check out the official entry form here. And make haste! All submissions must be postmarked by October 15, 2007 to be considered.

Chemical Brothers Bro Down With Single, Tour, Contest

Photo by Hamish Brown

The Chemical Brothers are currently hocking their Night moves on tour in Europe, but the duo has announced the first three September dates of a forthcoming U.S. tour this fall.

The Bros will also release We Are the Night's newest single, "The Salmon Dance", on September 10 in the UK. It comes in a variety of formats (listed below), including the requisite digital download, which comes with the track's "Glimmer Mix" when purchased through iTunes.

Additionally, the Chemical Brothers are sponsoring a remix contest for "The Salmon Dance", with the winner receiving a prize pack of Chem Bros 12" singles as well as the opportunity to have his or her remix featured in their MySpace player for two weeks. Contestants must enter by noon (Eastern Time) on August 24. For more details about the contest, visit this entry on the Chemical Brothers' MySpace blog. [MORE...]

Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)