Frammin' on the jim-jam for a good cause to boot.

By Fred Mills

Okay, astral travelers, get your head together long enough to mark your calendars for Oct. 11. That's when The Frisco Freakout descends upon, logically enough, San Francisco. Serving up "good trips, organic eats and the best in California psychedelic rock" (as the organizers advise us, there will be some serious frammin' on the jim-jam courtesy the following ace acts:

Earthless, Crystal Antlers, Wooden Shjips, the Bad Trips, Sleepy Sun, Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound,  Greg Ashley, Ascended Master, Art Lessing and the Flower Vato

The event will be held at Thee Parkside, 1600 17^th St and you can nab tickets here or find out more at www.friscofreakout.com.

Proceeds from the psychedelic dance party get donated to Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center in San Francisco, where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art. Creativity Explored's new exhibition, Fibrocosm, opens October 9, at the organization's gallery, 3245 16th Street, San Francisco.

The non-partisan voter registration organization HeadCount will also be on hand to register new voters, process address changes, and provide general voting information.

By Blurt Staff

Mmm... glom that groovy pic of Jenny Lewis! That and much more can be yours absolutely free for the viewing (and downloading).

We've put the finishing touches on the third issue (September 2008) of the Blurt digi-mag and it's a corker. In addition to our cover story on Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis there are in-depth features on the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer, New Orleans musical legend Bobby Charles, comedian Lewis Black, ex-Hella drummer Zach Hill, funk/soul icon Isaac Hayes (a special remembrance penned by former Stax Records studio engineer Terry Manning) and French electronica mavericks Daft Punk. We've also got coverage of Dead Confederate, Damien Jurado, Ben Folds, Tindersticks, Rachael Yamagata and loads more, plus the usual slew of CD, book and DVD reviews. In the latter section we shine the spotlight in particular on the brilliant new release from the Cold War Kids, Loyalty to Loyalty, and the brilliant old release from Johnny Cash,  At Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition; a new biography on Sly Stone, I Want to Take You Higher; and the Julian Schnabel-directed film Lou Reed's Berlin.

Speaking of Amanda Palmer: we've also got behind-the-scenes footage of her photo shoot and a special video interview to go with our magazine article. And dotting the issue are plenty of embedded MP3s from artists featured in the issue, all for your one-stop reading/listening pleasure. You can read BLURT #3 on the web or download it as individual pages or in its entirely in printer-friendly PDF form.

Just click on the magazine image on the right side of our homepage and follow the instructions...

Incidentally, we haven't been exactly neglecting this website you're on - as of September 16 we had posted our 500^th review. Pardon us if we pat ourselves on our back, but that's not bad for a music portal that's only been operative for 3 months. Scroll down the page to locate our vast archive of CD reviews, and then below that are Books, DVDs and Concerts.

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