Up for an Americana award, too.

By Blurt Staff

Steve Earle will conclude his Washington Square Serenade tour of North America next week at NYC's Judson Memorial Church. Described as an "extremely intimate" venue, it will be a special 4-night conclusion to an already special tour, and we just got word that a handful of tickets are still available - go HERE for Earle's itinerary and ticketing information.

Judson, incidentally, is a pretty special place for New Yorkers. Located at 55 Washington Square South, the church describes itself as "a little bit different" on its website, www.judson.org:

You've found a church  that's a little bit different. It looks like a high Italian Renaissance church for a reason you might not expect from low church Baptists. We're deeply rooted in free church, Baptist and UCC traditions, but every kind of believer and not-so-much-a believer gathers together on Sunday mornings. We've been Gay Proud long before Gay Pride.

We're interested in changing the plight of the marginalized and noticing when the emperors have no clothes. We think the arts make life worth living and celebrate the secular and sacred in all that we do, including worship and how we use our glorious spaces.

Meanwhile, Earle will be at the Americana Music Association awards ceremony tomorrow in Nashville where he's up for Artist of the Year. For our prior coverage of Earle, the tour and the award, go HERE.

Birthplace of Muscle Shoals sound mines vault and readies reissues.

By Blurt Staff

Muscle Shoals is an unassuming town, the least likely town one would expect to be the birthplace of some of the most iconic soul hits of the 1960's and 70's. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and Little Richard mined real artistic gold in the town.  Muscle Shoals was known for a plucky group of session musicians known as the Swampers, who pioneered "that Muscle Shoals sound" under the direction of Rick Hall and FAME Recording Studios.  More recently, BLURT hero Jason Isbell has been at work recording his second solo album there.

(For a detailed history of Fame, go HERE.)

FAME Records is the sister company and music distribution wing of the famous FAME Recording Studios, and in its hey-day released music by soul legends Candi Staton, Dan Penn, Clarence Carter, and Arthur Conley.  Shuttered in 1976, the label has announced its own resuscitation thanks to a new arrangement with EMI Distribution Co.

The first release from the reinvigorated label will be 'The Best of Jimmy Hughes,' an eighteen -track collection, due out October, 28, 2008.  Hughes' signature hit, 1964's "Steal Away," was the first song recorded at FAME's Avalon Avenue studios, and the first release on the original FAME label.  Though he retired from recording in the mid- ‘70s, Hughes still lives near Muscle Shoals and sings in church most Sundays. Album extras include an essay by renowned record producer Rick Hall, and a roundtable discussion with Hughes and Hall, and several legendary Muscle Shoals musicians - Norbert Putnam, Spooner Oldham, Jerry Carrigan, Peanut Montgomery and David Briggs - which fans can access as a bonus mp3 when they purchase the album.

Rodney Hall, vice-president of FAME Records and son of Rick Hall, said, "It's been nearly fifty years since my father built FAME Studios, and the music made here is more influential now than ever.  Our mission with FAME Records is to keep the legacy of this essential American music alive, and show the world that Muscle Shoals still thrives as a music mecca today."

More releases are to be expected as FAME Records mines the vaults and pulls out dusts off many more southern-soul gems.  

Taking bets as well...

By Fred Mills

One of the current trainspotter pastimes is unquestionably monitoring Robert Smith's blog at the Cure's official website as we lead up to the release of the new 4:13 Dream (tentatively set for an Oct. 28 arrival in the States).

Smith's most recent post revealed the presumed artwork (above) for the album - well, it he noted that it "will look something like this..." - as well as the tracklisting ("will sound something like this...") along with some typically Smith-ian gibberish:

1 UNDERNEATH THE STARS
2 THE ONLY ONE
3 THE REASONS WHY
4 FREAKSHOW
5 SIRENSONG
6 THE REAL SNOW WHITE
7 THE HUNGRY GHOST
8 SWITCH
9 THE PERFECT BOY
10 THIS. HERE AND NOW. WITH YOU
11 SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD
12 THE SCREAM
13 IT'S OVER

IT WILL BE THE SAME EVERYWHERE
(AAAAAH... JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS?!!)
AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON CD, VINYL AND ONLINE...

MORE EXCITING NEWS ABOUT STUFF AND STUFF IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS...

RSX
PS
TAKING BETS NOW AGAINST 'DARK ALBUM' COMPANION PIECE OUT BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY 2009... HA!

OR NOT SO HA...

Actually, if you go to the site, click on the "comments" link below the post - there's never anything quite so entertaining as the tear- and cum-stained dribblings of long-suffering, besmitten Cure fans...

Anyhow, keep scrolling down when you do go to the site and you'll find Smith holding forth on everything from iTunes UK (he feels they have somehow fucked up the new Hypnagogic States EP - "I fucking despair again," writes Smith - for charging too much) to MTV to "The Perfect Anniversary Singalong" (you'll have to figure that one out for yourself as our heads are hurting now from reading Smith's faux-poetry).

"Temporary People" and "The Rat" respectively rockin' our day.

By Fred Mills

Over in our Blurt video section we've got a pair of new aces poking out of our deck that we feel are must-see teevee:

Dead Confederate "The Rat" comes from the Georgia band's brand new Wrecking Ball (Razor & Tie) album. Part performance clip, part impressionistic southern travelogue, it's guaranteed to induce vertigo - ditto the woozyheavycool music.

Oh, and it's a BLURT exclusive, too. Make sure you check our new (September) issue of the BLURT digital magazine. Not only do we have a review of the Dead Confederate album (8 stars out of 10), there's also a feature profile of the group.

Meanwhile, back to the videos:

Joseph Arthur "Temporary People" is plucked from the forthcoming album of the same name (issued by his own Lonely Astronaut Records) - what the hell's up with that kitty-cat mask, Joe? A seriously fine album, judging by the advance we have, and yet another in Arthur's long line of visually arresting videos.

"Fake" news reporter dons cardigan, celebrates Christmas with famous musical guests

By Brian Creech

Stephen Colbert, on his quest to protect all things American, has added a new institution to his list: the Holiday Special.  Sure to feature collection of holiday attire to make any Gap ad swell with pride, the one -hour comedy and music bonanza, entitled A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All, premiers November 23rd on Comedy Central .  Though it will probably be run into the ground even more than the roasts of Flavor Flav and Bob Saget combined, Comedy Central will also release it on DVD on November 25^th.  Old copies of A Bing Crosby Christmas are being tossed out in anticipation.

 According to a press release:

In the special, Colbert is on his way to meet with Elvis Costello in New York City but is snowed-in at his cabin in upstate New York (bear country). He weathers through the storm with help from his friends Feist, Toby Keith, John Legend, Willie Nelson, and Jon Stewart.

Surely, they will all learn the true meaning of Christmas while making Hannukah/Jew jokes at Jon Stewart's expense, but it is a reassuring thought to imagine Colbert and Costello sharing a yuletide cup of eggnog together.

Eight of the songs for the special were written by Adam Schlesinger, of Fountains of Wayne fame, and Daily Show executive producer David Javerbaum.  "Another Christmas Song" and "Cold, Cold Christmas" will feature Colbert solo, while "Little Dealer Boy" features Colbert in a duet with Willie Nelson.  Jon Stewart joins Colbert for "Hanukkah ," while Jon Legend steps in to help Stephen perform "Nutmeg." Feist sings "Please Be Patient" to an impatient Colbert, and Toby Keith continues his tradition of straight-talking singing with "Have I Got a Present for You," in which I'm willing to bet he gives someone a present.

Colbert and Costello finally cross paths on "There Are Much Worse Things To Believe In"  and the entire ensemble performs a version of Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love And Understanding."  Speculators say Toby Keith is currently lobbying to have the line "A whole damn lot" added to the chorus. 

A portion of proceeds from DVD sales of "A Colbert Christmas" will go to the charity Feeding America.  Special features on the DVD version include a book-burning yule log, a video advent calendar, and some alternate endings.  Like the one where Willie Nelson jack-slaps Toby Keith for ratting him out on national television. 

[Photo Credit: Kristopher Long]

Ted Nugent sends love letter, new book to VP candidate; halo of hearts and stars appears above his head.

By Randy Harward

Oh, Nuge. It’s so cute you have a crush on Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin. We all do, but for those of us on the reasonable side, it’s purely physical (but we’d feel dirty in the morning). We can see why you’d be drawn to her: She’s extreme! Just like you, she has a scorched earth/kill ‘em all, let (((((God))))) sort ‘em out policy. She’s an avid hunter and outdoorswoman, and a lifetime member of the NRA. She shares your narrow, stupid ideology. You couldn’t have found a better match on eHarmony.com. (Take that, Neil Clark Warren!)

Let’s see what you said in the love letter that accompanied the ostensibly signed, leather-bound first-edition of your book:

Dear Governor Palin,

Please accept this copy of my new book, "TED WHITE & BLUE-The Nugent Manifesto" for you and your family. As a proud fellow American hunter, fisherman and lover of Alaska's soul cleansing magnificent Spirit of the Wild, we who live our American Dream by God, truth, logic, goodwill and decency, thank you for bringing such defiant common sense and self evident truth back to the GOP and politics. We wish you Godspeed for the best hunting and fishing season of your life and pray to God almighty that you bring your bold spirit to the White House.

Godbless,

American BloodBrothers, Ted Nugent and family

You’re probably replaying her speech and putting a stranglehold on Uncle Ted, Jr. right now, imagining how great it would be to run naked through the Alaskan wild, then rut like beasts in the belly of a freshly slain… beast. Then, in the afterglow, you’ll read to her the sonnets collected in your self-referential, self-aggrandizing, hot-as-Courtney Love’s-morning-breath tome (that means “book”). And suddenly, you’re ready for another go. You know, after you ask her to plug your book at campaign stops.

Oh, and look at this: You’re already defending her honor against the dreaded Hollywood liberal Matt Damon. How cute! Go get her, Teddy.

Butthole Surfer Gibby Haynes appears on FOX News program; world implodes.

By Randy Harward

So FOX News is trying to affect an edge. That's not news; they've been making feeble attempts at cool for a while now. The late-night show Red Eye w/Greg Gutfeld, for example, has aired over 300 episodes and featured such guests as pothead comedians Tommy Chong and Doug Benson, cringe humorist Jim Norton, porn star Savanna Samson and unclean rocker Andrew W.K.  So the Butthole Surfers' Gibby Haynes shouldn't be too much of a surprise, yet he was just as shocked as we were to be an invited guest on the program. 

"That's the only reason I'm here," Haynes said when Gutfled asked if he ever expected to be on FOX News. Haynes then asked for the real scoop on Bill O'Reilly, the network's famously crazed host of The O'Reilly Factor. When told he was sitting in the very spot they film the show, Haynes wasn't all that impressed, instead asking if O'Reilly was "really like that" and then accepting Gutfeld's answer to the affirmative--and ensuing Paul Bunyan tale about how O'Reilly's NBA-level stature--before answering boring questions about his band like, "What exactly is a Butthole Surfer?"

"It's the name of our band," Haynes replied before genially bemoaning the lame query. "God, that's like the first question, like--30 years ago..."

Well, you know you gotta give FOX viewers the back story. Few of them have surfed the crest of that particular wave. At least, not publicly.

Oh, well. At least the message is getting out.

Wanna watch the video?

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: Andy Taylor

8:00 AM TVONE: Tom Joyner Sky Show:  The O'Jays

12:00 PM RAVE HD: Soundstage: Lifehouse

1:00 PM Biography: City Confidential: Greenwood: The Devil and the Delta Blues

1:30 PM Sundance: Saving Jazz

2:30 PM Sundance: Joe Strummer Let's Rock Again!

4:00 PM RAVE HD: Soundstage: Tori Amos

7:00 PM Syndicated: Entertainment Tonight: Tina Turner

10:00 PM Great American Country:  Hal Ketchum

10:00 PM PLD HD: Radio 1's Big Weekend 2008: Madonna , Raconteurs , Usher , Nelly, OneRepublic

11:30 PM PBS: Tavis Smiley: Natalie Cole

12:00 AM RAVE HD: Later With Jools Holland: Green Day , Elvis Costello , Robbie Williams ,

Estelle , Nellie McKay , Jools Holland

12:05 AM ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Tokio Hotel

12:35 AM NBC: Late Night with Conan O'Brien: Marc Broussard

2:00 AM BET: The Blind Boys of Alabama

3:00 AM GSN: What's My Line?: 6/3/1956 - Liberace

Legendary 1977 show paired with equally legendary 1969 show.

By Blurt Staff

For the discriminating Who collector, it's a little bit of manna from ‘oo heaven: The Who: At Kilburn: 1977, a two-disc DVD and single-disc Blu-Ray due November 18 from Image Entertainment, Inc. Newly mastered in high-definition with state-of-the-art sound, the December 15, 1977 Kilburn show at the Gaumont State Theater in North London was recorded before a select audience for Jeff Stein's hit film about The Who, The Kids Are Alright, but only a few brief selections of what would prove to be legendary drummer KEITH MOON's public swan song were ever seen in the finished feature. Captured on 35mm with six cameras and a 16-track audio recorder, portions of the Kilburn have surfaced on bootleg in the past (typically, poorly dubbed VHS copies) and the entire concert has appeared on audio (again, via the bootleg underground), but never in this quality.

Also included in this release is another never-before-seen show and one of the band's favorites, their 1969 London Coliseum performance, which comes with a wealth of additional bonus tracks and boasts the first-ever, officially sanctioned full live recording of their groundbreaking rock opera, Tommy. With a total of 29 classic The Who songs, this pivotal release has long been at the top of rock fans' wish lists and has been regarded as a lost "holy grail" for followers of The Who since Moon's passing.

In other Who news, it was recently announced that surviving members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey will be given lifetime achievement awards at the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, along with Morgan Freeman, George Jones, Barbra Streisand and Twyla Tharp.

 Track Listing:

Disc One:

Kilburn Songs: " I Can't Explain," "Substitute," "Baba O'Reilly (Teenage Wasteland)," "My Wife/Going Mobile," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Dreaming from the Waist," "Pinball Wizard," "I'm Free," "Tommy's Holiday Camp," "Summertime Blues," "Shakin' All Over," "My Generation," "Join Together," "Who Are You?," "Won't Get Fooled Again."

London Coliseum Songs: "Heaven and Hell," " I Can't Explain," "Fortune Teller," "Tattoo," "Young Man Blues," "A Quick One While He's Away," "Happy Jack," "I'm a Boy," "I'm Free," "Tommy's Holiday Camp," "See Me, Feel Me," "Summertime Blues," "Shakin' All Over," "My Generation."

Disc Two:

70 minutes of rare Coliseum bonus tracks and extended versions including the first-ever live recording of the rock opera Tommy: "A Quick One While He's Away," "Overture," "It's a Boy, " "1921," "Amazing Journey," "Christmas," "Acid Queen," "Pinball Wizard," "Do You Think It's Alright," "Fiddle About," "Tommy Can You Hear Me?," "There's a Doctor," "Go to the Mirror," "Smash the Mirror," "Miracle Cure," "Sally Simpson," "Tommy's Holiday Camp," "I'm Free," "We're Not Gonna Take It."

Literally, the best reunion album of all time!

By Fred Mills

Awhile back we told you the tale of the Source Family, an L.A.-based (later Hawaii) commune of the early ‘70s whose spiritual guru, Father Yod, shepherded the young people of the group, additionally operating the popular Source health food restaurant and frequently fronting the in-house rock band, the mega-psychedelic Yahowa 13. (Go HERE to read our review of the recent book about the family, The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Yahowa 13 and the Source Family.)

Now comes word of the imminent release of Sonic Portation featuring a re-formed Yahowa 13, due Oct. 23 on Prophase/MVD Audio. Of the live reunion that took place last November, the L.A. Times sagely observed that the band "makes Devendra Banhart look like Don Rumsfeld... the surviving members of the group reformed Friday night at the Echoplex and proudly revisited an era when belonging to the counter-culture took a bit more commitment than joining a Facebook group.Ya Ho Wa 13's music is purposefully obtuse and hypnotic -- tribal drums, sawing violins and group chanting made up on the spot -- but it's nothing you can't get from Animal Collective or Soft Circle today. The difference is that Ya Ho Wa 13 really, really means it."

The scoop on the CD, directly from the label:

Back in the early 70s a curious group owned and operated a health food restaurant in Los Angles. The Source Family was a religious group of young people centered around the father figure of Father Yod, a WWII flying ace and spiritual searcher. This group of young people also performed improvisational music backing Father Yod under the name Yahowa 13. When Father Yod died in a hang gliding accident in 1975, the group dispersed.

In 2007, with the publishing of a book about the Source Family, the original Yahowa 13 reunited for some shows and did some studio recordings. These are the long awaited results, the first studio recordings in over 30 years by Yahowa 13! Original members Djin, Octavius and Sunflower jam out like the ensuing years never happened. Incredible improv pieces with mind melting guitar and the psychedelic low end throb that all Yod fans will immediately recognize. Literally, the best reunion album of all time!

Track Listing:

Eah O Shin

Raga Nova

Yod Hey Vau Hey Tetractys

Travelin Ohm

Big Qundalini

In And Out