The Killers Prep Rarities Comp, Do Xmas Single, Tour

Making big fat rock records, lacing tracks with/getting props from Lou Reed ("genuinely great," he calls them), trying to hang with the Beatles, and dropping a "rarities" collection only two albums into their not exactly storied career; those Killers got spunk. And those of us with a soft spot for Salt Lake-sized choruses and nifty little moustaches could do a lot worse than the Killers, who've got a couple upcoming projects not lacking in spunk. Wow, that came out wrong.

This fall, those Killers drop the aforementioned Lou Reed-blessed rarities comp and a Christmas single besides. First, the rarities comp: it's called Sawdust, and besides Lou and them's "Tranquilize", it features "All the Pretty Faces" (a B-side from the "When You Were Young" single), a cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay" from the Control soundtrack, Spider-Man 3's "Move Away", the band's take on Mel Tillis' "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town", and 12 more jams. Sawdust drops November 13 from Island.

And that Christmas single? It's called "Don't Shoot Me Santa" (was there some danger of that, Brandon?), it'll go to benefit the (RED) African AIDS relief campaign, and it's out December 1. The track, of course, is a follow up of sorts to last year's "A Great Big Sled". Hey, didn't the Beatles do a Christmas single every year, too? Maybe these kids can hang.

And they're touring! Ah, Killers, you slay me. [MORE...]

Hot Chip's Taylor Talks LP, Alicia Keys, Rilo Remixes
"A lot of the songs have been inspired by Black Dice... There are also two mentions of Willie Nelson on this record to look out for."

For the second time in six months, we spoke to Hot Chip co-frontman Alexis Taylor about a new record from his band. Last time, it was their DJ Kicks mix. This time, it's an honest-to-goodness full-length follow-up to last year's The Warning, titled Made in the Dark and due on Astralwerks tentatively on February 4 in the UK and February 5 in the U.S.

The record's release will make three LPs for the band, and Taylor was kind enough to expound upon the musical changes it marks for Hot Chip. In the process, he also revealed the band's (fake) collaborations with Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, (real) remixes for Alicia Keys and Rilo Kiley, and just how deeply ingrained their eclecticism is. Oh, and he wants more people to buy Gang Gang Dance records.

Pitchfork: Why did you chose to call the album Made in the Dark instead of some of the other titles you were throwing around, like Shot Down in Flames and IV?

Alexis Taylor: There's always someone in our band-- always a different person-- to veto any of the names [that could] be taken not too seriously. IV was definitely my favorite. It could've worked. There's a great Fucking Champs album called IV, there's Black Sabbath's Vol. 4. This is our third record, so calling it IV was good. Shot Down in Flames-- Felix [Martin] was worried it sounded too much like a name the Beta Band might have come up with, so we went with the other name. "Made in the Dark" is the name of one of my favorite songs on the new record. I like its open-endedness, and it's nice to sometimes name an album after one of the sadder, more thoughtful songs rather than it just being like Coming on Strong, The Warning, and then Shot Down in Flames: big, slightly jokey, macho phrases.

Pitchfork: Is not being taken seriously a fear you guys have?

AT: I kind of like giving people the wrong impression all the time, so I'm happy if the album's called IV and people are annoyed that it's just a stupid joke. That doesn't bother me at all, but I don't think calling the album Made in the Dark was an attempt to be any more serious; it was just a phrase that is from one of the songs and everyone agreed on it. There's not really a fear...I think if people would see us, meet us, see us play live, hear our records, if they give us any time they would see that we're very serious about comedy and very serious about serious things as well.

Pitchfork: The press release describes the new album as "faster and rockier." Is that true, and was it an intentional move?

AT: Yeah, some of it is rockier, and there are moments that you could detect a bit of a heavy metal influence.

Pitchfork: Are there less electronic elements?

AT: No, no. Unfortunately, we never do things by adding one thing and taking something else away. We just throw everything into the mix, so it's just as much electronic stuff and just as much live stuff. There isn't really one thing gone to make room for something else.

Pitchfork: Does that mean it's going to sound bigger and more maximalist, maybe, than previous records?

AT: Yeah, some of it is. And other tracks are much more minimalist, so if the press release says it's faster and rockier it doesn't account for that fact that there are more ballads on this record than any other record.

Pitchfork: So it's more of everything: more slow, more fast...

AT: More of everything, yeah, more of everything is probably the easiest way to describe it. That way it could be read as more of the good things, more of the bad things, more of the okay things, just more. Excessive and...no no no, it's not really [laughs]. Quite a lot of strength in certain tracks, and quite a lot of overloading in other ones.

Pitchfork: Other than the heavy metal influences that you mentioned earlier, are there any new directions or left turns that people might not be expecting?

AT: There's one that is kind of wrestling with the idea of making an R. Kelly kind of slick r&b number, but it maybe ends up sounding more like Randy Newman's "Short People". Maybe that's the strange turn. [MORE...]

Fiery Furnaces, Ariel Pink, Dr. Dog Do Autumn Fest

October 19-20, the likes of Fiery Furnaces, Ariel Pink and Geneva Jacuzzi, Dr. Dog, Lucky Dragons, HeCuba, and a whole slew of others will take a surfin' safari to Big Sur, California's Fernwood Resort.

Why, you ask? Why, for the Autumn Music Festival, cooked up by (((folkYEAH!))) in conjunction with Everloving Records. Tasty!

Bob Mould Signs to Anti-, Preps District Line

Bob Mould is the latest signee to the Anti- fold, joining the likes of Neko Case, Tom Waits, and, sure, the Locust. Through his new digs, he'll release new LP District Line January 8 February 5. Wows, that's next year!

Having assembled a crack band for the sessions (including Fugazi's Brendan Canty on drums), Mould has dipped back a bit on District Line: closer "Walls in Time" is an outtake from Workbook, Mould's first solo joint after Hüsker Dü disbanded.

Bob's still taking that Friends DVD around, should you be interested. A schedule of screenings for the thing, as well as a handful of shows Bob's doing both solo and with Blowoff, his new duo with producer Richard Morel, is after the jump. [MORE...]

Photos: The Thermals Shoot a Music Video [Portland, OR; 10/14/07]

Photos by Nilina Mason-Campbell

Last week, Portland pop-punk favorites the Thermals sent out an open call for extras for their video for "Returning to the Fold" from last year's excellent Sub Pop album The Body, the Blood, the Machine.

We don't know the plot of the Rob "Whitey" McConnaughy-helmed clip just yet, but it did involve a bunch of Thermals fans chasing the band through down alley, and a shopping cart. And the band members seem to be wearing the same white outfits they sported in McConnaughy's vid for "A Pillar of Salt" (maybe they stay cleaner this time). Guess we'll have to wait 'til the Forkcast gets their hands on it to see.

The Thermals kick off their second fall tour-- which has been significantly expanded since we last reported-- tomorrow night in Vancouver. More photos and dates below.








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T.I. Arrested on Gun Charge

Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) arrested Clifford Harris, aka T.I., on Saturday, October 13, in the rapper's hometown of Atlanta, according to a Reuters report. He was charged with the purchase of illegal weapons.

The arrest was the result of an undercover operation by ATF agents that began October 2 after they discovered that Harris' bodyguard was trying to buy machine guns without registering them, according to a statement from the Justice Department.

The bodyguard paid $2,200 for three machine guns, two silencers, and a pistol, and he was subsequently arrested on Wednesday, October 10. Upon arrest, he said he was buying the guns for T.I. The ATF agents allowed him to set up the delivery to Harris for Saturday in a shopping center parking lot, according to a criminal complaint filed Saturday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta and cited by an AP report.

The agents arrested Harris in the same parking lot, where they found three other firearms in his car, one loaded, said the complaint. Six other firearms were found in a bedroom closet during a search of the rapper's Atlanta-area home.

These charges are especially serious for Harris since he is a convicted felon, and according to the Department of Justice, it is a federal offense for a convicted felon to have someone purchase firearms on his or her behalf. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David E. Nahmias issued a statement saying, "[Harris] now faces serious federal charges and a potentially long prison sentence."

The arrest occurred hours before T.I. was scheduled to perform at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, where he led all artists with nine nominations. The one award he received-- CD of the Year for T.I. vs. T.I.P.-- he shared with Common for Finding Forever.

Psychic TV's Lady Jaye R.I.P.
Band cancels fall tour

Sad news from the Psychic TV camp. According to a post late last week on the website of Psychic TV / Throbbing Gristle head agitator Genesis P-Orridge, Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge-- the Psychic TV keyboardist Genesis described as his "other half"-- passed away on October 9. She was 38.

The post reads:

Lady Jaye died suddenly on Tuesday 9th October 2007 at home in Brooklyn, New York from a previously undiagnosed heart condition which is thought to have been connected with her long-term battle with stomach cancer. Lady Jaye collapsed and died in the arms of her heartbroken "other half" Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.

Being overwhelmed by the enormity of their loss, Genesis and the other surviving band members of Psychic TV/PTV3 are not able to properly meet the demands of touring and performance. Obviously, her absence onstage, the conspicuous loss of her unique charisma, music and humour would be an unbearable emotional reality to confront night after night.

The group, who have been touring to promote their first studio album in 12 years, will announce future plans after an appropriate period of mourning.

Psychic TV has created a memorial MySpace page for their fallen comrade, where fans may share thoughts and memories in tribute to Lady Jaye.

The band had already cancelled a run of European dates for logistical reasons. Both these and the now cancelled North American dates-- which were to be in support of Psychic TV/PTV3's 2007 release Hell Is Invisible...Heaven Is Her/e-- lie ahead. [MORE...]

Photos: Nick Cave [Melbourne, Australia; 10/13/07]

Photos by Richard Sharman

Grinderman may be the Hyde to Nick Cave's Dr. Jekyll, but both personalities were out this weekend at Melbourne, Australia's Forum Theatre, as the solo artist Cave performed after his other band, who recently released their terrific self-titled debut album.

Unfortunately, our photographer was allowed access only to the solo performance, but as Mr. Cave is Mr. Cave whether he's Mr. Hyde or not, we figure you'll get the idea. More photos and Cave-on-Cave tour dates below.




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White House Weighs in on Radiohead
Press secretary Dana Perino: "Is that a band?"

Well, now that you know what Pitchfork thinks of In Rainbows, you're no doubt left wondering: What's the White House's take on the new Radiohead? The Washington Times was wondering this too, and since the White House actually answers their calls, they got the scoop (thanks also to The Daily Swarm for the linkage).

Turns out Radiohead have at least one "big fan" in the big house, that being deputy press secretary Tony Fratto, who expressed his intention to score a copy of In Rainbows.

Others, including deputy press secretary Scott Stanzel and National Security Council spokesperson Gordon Johndroe, were at least aware of the band. Stanzel called himself an "appreciator" of their music, while Johndroe admitted to being "90% sure" he had some Radiohead jams on his iPod. None from the quite-possibly-critical-of-the-Bush-administration Hail to the Thief, though!

White House press secretary Dana Perino-- who was 21 when Pablo Honey came out-- demonstrated her worldliness when asked about the British rock group: "I don't even know what that is. Is that a band?"

Black Lips, King Khan & BBQ Show Split Xmas 7"
With photos! Plus: King Khan & BBQ Show debut reissued

Photos by David Matysiak

Nothing says holiday cheer like, um, whatever's going on up there in that photo. And whether you're the sort who delights in stolen smooches beneath that mischievous mistletoe, or one whose season's greetings lean more "humbug" than "ho ho ho", the tidings we bring today can only be good: Atlanta lo-fi rock sensations Black Lips have teamed with jetsetting lo-fi rock sensations the King Khan & BBQ Show to send a Christmas 7" careening down your chimneys this winter.

The Lips offer unto the baby Jesus (and the rest of us) "Christmas in Baghdad", while KK & BBQ come bringing "Plump Righteous", which more or less describes how I felt following last year's Christmas dinner.

The good elves at NYC's Norton Records plan to have this double-sided seven ready just in time for the Yuletide.

What's more, in recording "Christmas in Baghdad" Black Lips christened the Coyote Bones studio, a new Omaha joint created by David Matysiak of the band Coyote Bones. To help capture the spirit of the season, the Lips donned wigs, sun hats, big goofy sunglasses, and at least one pink feather boa. Pictures of the ensuing mayhem, along with a few shots of the recording session, are yours above and below.

And for even more gift-giving options, consider the forthcoming reissue of the King Khan & BBQ Show's self-titled debut LP, which In the Red will serve up on November 12. Tracklist below; do check it twice.

Finally, keep your poutin' and cryin' to a minimum, as both acts are comin' to town.




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John Pugh Talks !!! Departure, Free Blood
"We encourage people to give away our singles as Halloween treats to the trick-or-treaters."

If you've seen !!! recently and were wondering why there was only one tall crazy guy jumping around (that would be Nic Offer) instead of the usual two, well, that's because the onomatopoeic party-starters have been playing with a man down (and, as it happens, a lady up).

Percussionist and sometime vocalist John Pugh (depicted here singing lead on "Dear Can") has officially left the group, as reported last week, in order to kick his Free Blood project up to full throttle. That project will unveil its debut offering, the "Quick & Painful" single, next week in the UK via Adventures Close to Home. U.S. releases are expected to follow via Rong Music.

We caught up with Pugh to get his take on the split split split, and to learn what else the world can expect from Free Blood.

The duo of Pugh and friend Madeline Davy, Free Blood began as an attempt to merge two worlds of revelry. Explained Pugh, "In New York you [used to have] two kinds of parties: a Manhattan party and a Brooklyn party.

"A Manhattan party was usually at a really fancy club with bottle service, but the music was always pretty amazing. They'd just have top-notch DJs, and you would go there and kind of get an education in the history of New York dance music. But the thing is, there was a dress code and this feeling that if you showed up without having coated yourself in cologne you were kind of a black sheep, so you left feeling kind of bummed out.

"But then you go to a Brooklyn party and it was at the other end of the spectrum; you would have this anything-goes attitude, and everyone would be sweaty and hadn't bathed in weeks. It was really fun, except the sound system was always busted and the music was kind of on fire-- people would just be playing 'Another One Bites the Dust' over and over again and getting totally shit-faced.

"So, when we started throwing parties at our place, we wanted to be kind of a marriage of the two ideas. And when I first started writing songs for Free Blood, I was thinking of this marriage."

Uniting two worlds proved a heady task, and eventually Pugh was forced to choose between this undertaking and his work in !!!. As he told it, "I officially quit at the end of July. We had pretty much been on tour since February and I had reached my limit. And it wasn't any surprise to anyone I think; I think everyone understood my reasons for leaving.

"It was a long tour of duty for me, like eight years. And they're still going at it. I don't think it really broke their stride much, so I'm happy about that, that they kept going and doing their thing." [MORE...]

Arcade Fire Join Bruce Springsteen on Stage!
The Killers and the Hold Steady are SO jealous right now

Attendees of tonight's Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band show at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario were very, very lucky. Not only did they get to witness the Magic tour premieres of "Tougher Than the Rest" and "Backstreets" (DAMN!), but they were also treated to some very, very special guests: Canada's own Arcade Fire!

According to the set list archive on Bruce Springsteen's website, Win and Regine, and co. joined the Boss, the Big Man, and co. for Springsteen's "State Trooper" and "Born to Run" (!!!!), as well as their own Springsteen-indebted Neon Bible tune "Keep the Car Running". UPDATE: Although Springsteen's website says otherwise, various attendees have told us that the Arcade Fire folks left after "Keep the Car Running".

Holy cow. If anybody has video of this, please send it to forkcast@pitchforkmedia.com AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

UPDATE: Check out excellent video footage HERE!

Very special thanks to readers Danielle Leitch and Jack Silbert for the tip!

Arcade Fire are currently resting up for a European trek later this month, followed by the Big Day Out tour in Australia and New Zealand in the New Year. Springsteen and the E Street Band are on the road through December. Tomorrow they plan in Toronto...can we say encore?! [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.)