Tried of waking up the morning after a killer concert, knowing you had a fab time and the sound and visuals were majestic, but you had such a great time “overindulging” you can’t remember if they played your all time favorite song? Setlist.fm is a new wiki-like service that enables users to find set lists from concerts. You can collect and share set lists and search, add, edit and embed your favorites to your website. The service also allows you to sign in using your facebook account. I wish they had this service in the “rave days” when I had a hard time remembering what city I was in, let alone the tracks I heard or even who I went to see…God Love Technology!

the Prodigy

Liam Howlett returns as the Prodigy with a new single, Omen, off the upcoming album Invaders Must Die. It seems Liam has been erratically trying to find his way since the groups 1997 multi-platinum release, The Fat of the Land. Omen is exactly what you could expect, high-energy break-beats, vocal snippets, synth lines and plenty of drums. Elements of the track are actually decent and can serve a purpose…it’s just the fruity, high-pitched, synth line that makes it slightly more a clown show than a rock concert. I did catch myself whistling the melody later in the day after listening. The tune made me involuntarily envision myself inside a late ’80s video game doin the robot wearing a jester’s hat…not my typical afternoon daydreaming. I could see some Industrial purists latch onto this song like a good pair o’ boots…but the rest of us will find it outdated and audio gratification will drastically decrease with each listen. (BlakeAndrew)

There is soon to be a new Front Line Assembly album in the works. The last full length album, Artificial Soldier, was fantastic. Literally can’t wait for more…this is a post on the bands MySpace page today.

“Bill Leeb will be joining Rhys Fulber at his Los Angeles studio this spring to commence work on a new Front Line Assembly album. Expect it to be aggro electro, old school FLA style, mixed with the latest technology and some special guests…”

(BlakeAndrew)

Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains

Sebastien Grainger, better known as the singer and drummer for dance-punk duo Death From Above 1979, has moved on to a solo effort while ex-DFA 1979-partner, Jesse Keeler, forges ahead as 1/2 of MSTRKRFT.

Sebastien’s first solo release definitely takes a slightly different direction than the intense vocal effects and distorted bass-guitar riffs predominantly heard from DFA 1979. Some moves he made were for the better…and some not so much. He still dives into washed-out amplified vocals on “Niagara” and “Love Can Be So Mean” could have been and earlier DFA song, re-visited with added melodies. “Renegade Silence” is similar to DFA but with a lot more soul and funk. Tracks such as “Who do We Care For” show improved song structure and have definite potential for major alternative radio air play. “I Hate My Friends” pushes a little too close to early 80′s commercial rock and seems to nip at the toes of the likes of REO Speedwagon. Sebastien has dropped a lot of electronic elements found in DFA and has opted for slower ballot style tracks like “(Are There) Ways to Come Home” and “Love is Not a Contest.” All-in-all Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains is a solid release for a solo artist stepping away from his previous persona. It does lack the fun, electro-rock party anthems that hooked me on DFA 1979, but Sebastien has grown as an artist and forges into new territory with more complex vocal variations and smart, although somewhat commercial, song structure and melodies.

Radiohead won the Best Alternative Album Award for their record, ‘In Rainbows’. They also performed a song from the album, ’15 Step.’ This would be the band’s first ever performance at the Grammys. Their performance was backed by the University of Southern California (USC)’s renowned marching band. Radiohead beat out competition from: Beck – ‘Modern Guilt’, Gnarls Barkley – ‘The Odd Couple’, Death Cab For Cutie – ‘Narrow Stairs’, My Morning Jacket – ‘Evil Urges’.

Barack Obama can be heard using words such as “motherfucker,” “bitch,” and “nigger” in a new techno track by Remute. The track contains samples of Obama reading excerpts and quotes from his 1995 memoir ‘Dreams From My Father’ for an audiobook version.  Listen to the track below.

New video for Black Balloon, directed by Kenneth Capello. The track is planned to be released on an upcoming EP as well. Hopefully, we’ll see some new material or bonus tracks/remixes. Hands down, The Kills most recent studio album, Midnight Boom, is one of the best albums of 2008. Sometimes it’s the most simplistic music that is the most powerful and this takes the cake. Stand-out  guitar riffs, a drum machine, vocals and solid songwriting make Midnight Boom an extremely memorable album. Still enjoying it…but literally can’t wait for another release. The Kills are currently on tour in Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the States.

"Sounds" Wallpaper

After nearly 30 years, Depeche Mode continues as strong as ever with the April 21st release of their new album and 12th studio release, “Sounds of the Universe.” Although the height of the groups chart topping career was almost 20 years ago with “Violator,” the group is playing for a larger audience now then ever. Their last release “Playing the Angel” was in 2005 and for the most part, satisfied fans…new and old. My personal favorite track on the album, “Precious,” is not to be missed for die-hard DM fans. Although the primary songwriter of the group is Martin Gore, some of lead vocalist Dave Gahan’s writing got on to the last album; and if he can match the output of his last solo album, “Hourglass,” he (and the album) is sure to not disappoint.

The group’s also updating fans with some YouTube videos from the studio. Depeche Mode Web Clip 3.

Immolate Yourself

One of the two members of the Chicago based, electronic group Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on Thursday, January 22nd. Charlie Cooper III was 31 years of age. ‘Immolate Yourself,’ the groups third studio album was released one day later on Bpitch Control.

Little has been released on the exact details of how Cooper died. His friend and partner Joshua Eustis posted the following message on the group’s MySpace page. He’s accomplished a lot in his short career. The industry will surely miss him.

Hello, Everyone.

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago.  We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another’s expense.

Aside from Charlie’s singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere.  His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world – his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved.  In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a neice, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter.  As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,

Joshua Eustis