These and “many more” appear on duo’s debut.

By Blurt Staff

The debut release from N.A.S.A. (North America/South America)—Squeak E. Clean (producer/DJ Sam Spiegel, who has worked with Ben Lee and Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and DJ Zegon—will come out on Anti- on February 17, 2009. No ordinary debut, it’ll feature a gaggle of guest appearances from N.A.S.A.’s “”friends, friends of friends and musical heroes,” both living and dead.

From the press release: “While N.A.S.A. stands for North America/South America and contains a number of superstar artists from both coasts of the US, it is about as far from a tension-building geographical showdown as a record can get. Rather, The Spirit of Apollo was born with the righteous goal of bringing people together through music and art, and that is exactly what masterminds Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon have done.”

Among the artists contributing to the 18-track release will be Tom Waits, Kool Keith, Karen O and Nick Zinner, M.I.A., Ol’ Dirty Bastard, David Byrne, George Clinton, Santogold, Kanye West, Chali 2na, Method Man, and Chuck D. “In spite of the range of performers, the pairings seem organic, inspired and make perfect sense on the first listen, never coming off as ironic or impulsive.

“That passion and appreciation for music is the driving force behind The Spirit of Apollo.  Conceived in a crowded party in Sao Paulo and nurtured by a shared love of vintage Brazilian soul and funk records, N.A.S.A. was born when Spiegel and Gonzales got together in a studio and hit record. Five years later, after thousands of miles traveled, many favors called in, countless hours spent in recording studios, bartered, traded and out of pocket, N.A.S.A. landed at Anti- Records…”

N.A.S.A. will play live to support the release, and the show will include dancers, visual effects, art installations and special guests. More announcements are promised “as this album turns into a multi-media extravaganza with the help of more friends, this time from the art world.”

N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo track list:

1. "Intro"

2. “The People Tree” (feat. David Byrne, Chali 2na, Gift of Gab, & Z-Trip)

3. “Money” (feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip)

4. “NASA Music” (feat. Method Man, E-40, & DJ Swamp)

5. “Way Down” (feat. RZA, Barbie Hatch, & John Frusciante)

6. “Hip Hop” (feat. KRS-One, Fatlip, & Slim Kid Tre)

7. "Four Rooms, Earth View"

8. “Strange Enough” (feat. Karen O, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, & Fatlip)

9. “Spacious Thoughts” (feat. Tom Waits & Kool Keith)

10.  “Gifted” (feat. Kanye West and others TBD)

11. “A Volta” (feat. Sizzla, Amanda Blank, & Lovefoxxx)

12. “There’s a Party” (feat. George Clinton & Chali 2na)

13. “Whachadoin?” (feat. Spank Rock, M.I.A., Santogold & Nick Zinner)

14. “O Pato” (feat. Kool Kojak & DJ Bãboa)

15. “Samba Soul” (feat. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien & DJ Qbert)

16. “The Mayor” (feat. The Cool Kids, Ghostface Killah, DJ AM & Scarface)

17. “N.A.S.A. Anthem”

ABOUT SQUEAK E. CLEAN:  Sam Spiegel is a composer, producer, DJ and remixer.   Sam has spun all over the World – from award shows and clubs to premieres and parties and fashion shows in Japan, Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Australia, England and all over the US. Spiegel frequently collaborates with his brother, filmmaker Spike Jonze.  Notably, he scored and compiled the soundtrack for the Jonze-directed cult classic “Yeah Right!” (the top-selling skateboard movie of all time), and the two worked together with Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on an Adidas commercial that won the Gold Lion for Best Music at the 2005 Cannes International Advertising Festival and Silver for Original Music at the 2006 Clio Awards. While Spiegel has produced and remixed tracks for Maroon 5, Iggy Pop, Kylie Minogue, the Eels, Ben Lee, the Cardigans and many more, 2006 marked the first Squeak E. Clean fully-produced album.  Show Your Bones, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs sophomore record, was named "Album of the Year" by the likes of Rolling Stone, NME, and Spin, and was nominated for a Grammy for best alternative album.

ABOUT DJ ZEGON: A professional skateboarder who has evolved into one of the most sought after, cutting-edge DJs in Latin America, Ze Gonzales has carved out his own musical niche that marries traditional Brazilian beats with underground hip hop, creating a sound and vibe that places Zegon in a class all his own. Recently, Ze spent two years in Los Angeles working with longtime friend - and fellow Brazilian -- Mario C, the producer and engineer behind such artists as Beastie Boys, Tone Loc, Young MC and Bjork.

Magazine due Nov. 25, Joke comes out Oct. 14

By Blurt Staff

Magazine, the late-1970s post-punk band led by Buzzcocks vocalist Howard Devoto, will get the Complete Peel Sessions treatment Nov. 25 via Virgin/Caroline. This will be the first time the band’s performances on the late John Peel’s venerated BBC Radio 1 show. The tracks were recorded during Magazine’s four “Peel Sessions” appearances between 1978 and 1980.

From the press release:  

While many of their British contemporaries forged ahead in punk and pop as the ‘70s waned, Magazine created a new hybrid sound that has distinguished the band from its peers. “I wasn’t that wild on punk rock,” commented Devoto. “There was a lot of negative energy, perhaps to its credit. I was uncomfortable, even disturbed, and somewhat scared by some of it.” At a time when many others in the UK’s music scene seemed to be trying to recreate The Clash or rewrite The Ramones songbook, Magazine covered songs by artists as diverse as John Barry, Sly Stone, and Captain Beefheart.  “I’m not stupid and I refuse to pretend to be,” declared Devoto to the NME.

Magazine’s Complete John Peel Sessions collection presents fascinating, live-in-the-studio versions of the band’s standout hits, as well as many tracks that were only released as singles. Peppered among the Magazine originals are highly individual covers, including Sly & The Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and Captain Beefheart’s “I Love You, You Big Dummy.”  Also of particular interest is Magazine’s version of “Boredom,” which Howard Devoto originally sang on the Buzzcocks’ debut, Spiral Scratch EP, when he was that group’s lead vocalist.

Magazine will reunite for three performances in February 2009 (two in London and one in the band’s hometown of Manchester). The lineup will include Howard Devoto, Dave Formula, Barry Adamson and drummer John Doyle. Magazine’s original guitarist John McGeoch passed away in 2004.

On October 14, Virgin/Caroline World Service will release Killing Joke: The Peel Sessions 1979-1981. The CD and digital collection includes 17 in-studio performances Killing Joke recorded for the BBC Radio program.

Magazine: The Complete John Peel Sessions (CD, digital album)

1. Touch and Go (2/14/78)

2. The Lights Pour Out Of Me (2/14/78)

3. Real Life (‘Definitive Gave’) (2/14/78)

4. My Mind Ain’t So Open (2/14/78)

5. Give Me Everything (7/24/78)

6. Burst (7/24/78)

7. I Love You, You Big Dummy (7/24/78)

8. Boredom (7/24/78)

9. TV Baby (5/8/79)

10. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (5/8/79)

11. Permafrost (5/8/79)

12. A Song From Under The Floorboards (1/7/80)

13. Twenty Years Ago (1/7/80)

14. Look What Fear’s Done To My Body (AKA I Love You Because You’re Frightened) (1/7/80)

15. Model Worker (1/7/80)

Three Deerhoof clips added to the Blurt player.

By Blurt Staff

We know you Blurt readers loves you some Deerhoof, so check out the three new videos we’ve added to the player. We’ve programmed the new clip “Chandelier Searchlight,” plus “Fresh Born” and “The Tears and Music of Love” just for youse guys. (Okay--kinda for us, too.) Enjoy!

Singer-songwriter and Blurt blogger Todd Snider offers free EP download

By Randy Harward

Giving music away before the release date: That’s balls, folks. Todd Snider’s got some AC/DC-style big’uns, ‘cause he’s putting his new EP Peace Queer up for download on Oct. 11—three days before the CDs hit shelves—and keeping it up until Oct. 31. What’s even cooler is Snider doesn’t explain himself. The press release went out today with just the who-what-when-where-how, select quotes from rave reviews (Blender, The New Yorker), the release date and a line about how the EP is Top 5 at Americana radio. It’s just, ‘Here ya go.’ Since Peace Queer’s the undiluted good stuff, we’re extra grateful. Thanks, buddy.

Download Peace Queer 10/11-10/31: http://www.toddsnider.net

Peace Queer promo video:

“Mission Accomplished” lyrics: http://www.eighteenminutes.com/lyrics/mission_accomplished.html

Corny-ass teen drama on CW seeks hot-as-fire singer-songwriter to spice shit up.

By Randy Harward

Well, if you have a lame, two-dimensional teen drama on a second-rate TV network, you need some spice—maybe a little sugar. Grace Potter is both.

Unlike the plastic actresses on One Tree Hill, the saucy singer-songwriter—shown here in a fashion-backward evening gown by Betsy Ross—is known for her salty language and no-bullshit demeanor. That is, she has a personality that extends beyond, even eclipses, her pinup hotness. Ah, the elusive ((((third dimension))))!

Then there’s her music—call that the fourth dimension, which is her personality, brains and soul all wrapped up in one little bundle. Much better than the mainstreamy dreck OTH’s music supervisor usually licenses for the show. But no matter how cool Grace is, and how good the music she and the Nocturnals crank out, it’s not gonna change the fact that after she appears on the show—and even writes the score, it’s still gonna suck.

But we may tune in anyway, just to see Gracie work her magic. She’s playing two songs—an acoustic version of “Ah Mary” and the brand-new “I Want Something That I Want” with Bethany Joy Gaelotti, who plays Haley. Special, huh!

If you can’t bring yourself to watch the show, catch her live at one of those tour stops:

*** festival date

More dates to be announced.

Compiled by Blurt Staff

206 digital, satellite and hi-def channels and nothin' on? Not likely. Here are BLURT's top music television picks of the day. The time is followed by the network/cable/satellite channel, then the name of the program and/or featured artist(s). All times are EST. For a comprehensive hour-by-hour listing, go to the VH1 Rock On TV site. Note that for certain channels, shows frequently repeat during the day on or subsequent days.

TIME (EST) / CHANNEL / PROGRAM / ARTIST(S)

7:00 AM CBS: The Early Show: Sarah McLachlan

8:00 AM RAVE HD: Soundstage: Steve Winwood

9:00 AM SYN: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Kanye West

10:00 AM RAVE HD: Other Voices: Ryan Adams , Cathy Davey , The Crimea , Foy Vance

1:30 PM FUSE: Loaded: Paramore

3:00 PM RAVE HD: The Dave Fanning Interview: KT Tunstall

7:00 PM RAVE HD: Oasis Live at Manchester City Stadium

7:00 PM ET: VH1C: BBC Electric Proms: Paul McCartney

9:00 PM Palladia HD: Palladia Concerts: Amy Winehouse: Live from London

9:00 PM Showtime: Prey for Rock & Roll (2003)

10:00 PM VH1 Classic in Concert: Rush - R30 Anniversary

11:30 PM PBS: Tavis Smiley: James Taylor

11:35 PM CBS: The Late Show With David Letterman: Buddy Guy

11:35 PM NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Marc Broussard

12:05 AM ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Good Charlotte

12:30 AM VH1C: True Stories (1986) w/David Byrne ,

12:37 AM CBS: The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Natasha Bedingfield

1:35 AM NBC: Last Call with Carson Daly: Cloud Cult

3:00 AM BCA: The Graham Norton Show: Rufus Wainwright , Melanie C

Serving up some cold sweat with Jim Diamond, Matthew Smith and more.

By Fred Mills

2008 is shaping up to be the Year Of Rodriguez - the psychedelic soul maestro's 1970 cult classic album Cold Fact was reissued recently by Light In The Attic, prompting an avalanche of critical kudos (including an unprecedented 10-minute profile on NPR) and setting the stage for the Detroit musician's eventual return, with luck, to full-time performing and recording.

Now comes word that Rodriguez will be appearing on Detroit radio station WDET this Friday, Oct. 10, during the "Detroit Today" show. He'll be backed by a band of Motor City garage heavyweights including Jim Diamond (The Dirtbombs, The White Stripes), Matthew Smith (The Go), Bobby Emmett (The Sights) and Dave Shettler (The Sights).

You can tune in online around 11:25 a.m. EST at www.wdetfm.org .

Trust us, you don't want to miss this special event. And that's a stone cold fact. In addition to the above links, you can read an interesting story about Rodriguez HERE.

McCain-Palin campaign using “My Hero” without permission.

By Randy Harward

In an ever-desperate attempt to be hip, the McCain-Palin campaign has stopped ripping off classic rock artists like Van Halen and Heart—they’ve moved on to alternative rock, namely the Foo Fighters. In a press release today, the band blasted the McPalin campaign for using “My Hero” at campaign rallies—again without seeking permission.

Said the Foos: “It's frustrating and infuriating that someone who claims to speak for the American people would repeatedly show such little respect for creativity and intellectual property. The saddest thing about this is that ‘My Hero’ was written as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential. To have it appropriated without our knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric just tarnishes the song. We hope that the McCain campaign will do the right thing and stop using our song—and start asking artists' permission in general!”

Fat chance. Once their clean-cut, doughy handlers realize there was music made after the 1990s, they’re gonna start perverting other songs. In fact, here are some BLURT predictions:

Death Cab for Cutie - “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”

The sweet song from DCFC will be twisted to show McPalin supporters’ devotion.

Andre Williams – “Can You Deal With It?”

The new soundtrack for the Straight Talk Express!

Jenny Lewis – “Acid Tongue”

A little ditty from Palin to her Officer/Gentleman. “I can fix that hole in you.”

Juan Maclean – “Find A Way”

Anything to be president! “I can see the light/I can feel the love!” How does a 52% to 41% Obama-over-McCain edge feel, Juanny McCain?

White Denim – “Paint Silver Gold”

Well, maybe if it was “Paint Turds Gold”...

The Spinto Band – “They All Laughed”

…when I said I was gonna run again.

Concrete Blonde singer plays shows, shows art, covers Midnight Oil, protests Joshua Tree dump and prepares second solo joint.

By Randy Harward

Usually artists give us one little tidbit to talk about: Concrete Blonde singer Johnette Napolitano has released a laundry list of new projects including shows (concerts and galleries), a new single, a political protest and new album news.

First, she’ll play three one-night only” shows this month in Hollywood (Oct. 14, Hotel Café), Tucson, AZ (Oct. 16, Hotel Congress) and San Francisco (Oct. 17, Café du Nord). Simultaneously, she’ll show her wood and tin sculptures in “Saints and Crosses” at the Art Queen gallery in her hometown of Joshua Tree. The show “explores the art and symbolism of the cross while also acknowledging the contributions of a few of the lesser-known Saints.” The gallery is at 61855 Highway 62 in Joshua Tree and will be open from 1-6 pm on weekends.

Speakin’ of Joshua Tree—she and her neighbor Dave Catching from Eagles of Death Metal have created a PSA regarding a proposed Joshua Tree garbage dump site. Check out the avant-Public Service Announcement here. Also, visit http:www.ccaej.org

Napolitano—along with UK artist Will Crewdson—has also recorded a cover of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning,” which you can hear here (or purchase on CDBaby.com). The two have been collaborating online (Crewdson sent Napolitano material that wound up on her debut solo LP Scarred) and both shared an affinity for the Oils politically charged song. Crewsdon will appear with Napolitano at the one-off shows.

“I always thought that Oils song was genius: a great dance track, great bass line, and a political message [about] Native Rights, something I believe in strongly,” says Napolitano. “I'd been inspired from recording John Trudell out at my cabin, and am always trying to fuse the right balance of thought, subject, emotion and badass groove into whatever I put out... Will and I talked about it, and he sent me this track and I flipped, it was so great. I love what he did to the choruses, they're very female; sad and pleading where the Oils' is more demanding and macho... Will's sounds are more industrial, more Modern War.”

Finally, Napolitano is hard at working crafting a follow-up to Scarred, to be released next year, along with a lyric and art book based on the albums. She’s also creating the third disc in her Sketchbook series—Sketchbook III will be available on CDBaby.com in December.

(Photo: Crewdson by Michael Gamon, Napolitano by Doc @ Barfly)

Jim James fell offstage last night in Iowa City.

By Randy Harward

My Morning Jacket has issued a statement saying they’ll postpone some shows due to an injury singer-guitarist Jim James sustained when he fell from the stage during a show in Iowa City. Here’s a statement from the band:

As some of you may have heard we had to cancel our show last evening in Iowa City. We were finishing up the last few bars of  “Off The Record,” and just like any other night we were all having a great time. Jim went to get closer to the audience on his side of the stage, and as he moved forward to step onto the sub-woofer the lights darkened, and he inadvertently stepped off the stage. Upon falling, he suffered traumatic injuries to his torso, and was immediately taken to the hospital. Per the doctor's orders, Jim will be off the road and recovering from his injuries for the next two to three weeks. Sadly, we must postpone the two shows in Chicago on Thursday and Friday until further notice.

For those who attended the Iowa City show, we would like to extend our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation. We take our fans and performances very seriously, and would never cancel a show unless it was absolutely necessary. Please know that we will be making every effort to return to your fine city.

Thank you so much to our fans for the kind sentiments and well-wishes on Jim's behalf. We hope for Jim's quick recovery and to be back out on the road soon.

With Love,

My Morning Jacket