The December issue of Q Magazine is an 'Artists Of The Century' special edition, covering all of the acts that the fine staff of the good ship Q feel are the most important of the century so far. As befitting a special edition of the UK best selling music monthly requires a special cover was commissioned world renowned photographer John Wright has spent over a year shooting 34 artists to fit on triple fold out cover.

The issue is packed to the gills with pieces written by Russell Brand on Noel Gallagher, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis on Coldplay and Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme on The Arctic Monkeys. In addition it also includes exclusive interviews and photos from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Dizzee Rascal, U2, Dave Grohl, Lily Allen, Rihanna, Sir Paul McCartney, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Brandon Flowers from The Killers, Elbow's Guy Garvey, Pink, Muse's Matt Bellamy, Murdoc from Gorillaz, The Kings Of Leon, Mark Ronson, Mika, Nick Cave, Robert Plant, Florence Welch, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol and Tom Chaplin of Keane.

What do you get when you throw Pitchfork's favorite albums in a blender with NME's? Q's favorite albums of 2009 are (questionable & very UK-centric and) listed below..

Continue reading "Q Magazine's Top Albums of 2009 "

DOWNLOAD: Brighton Port Authority - Seattle (w/ Emmy the Great) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Brighton Port Authority - Toe Jam (w/ David Byrne) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Brighton Port Authority - He's Frank (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Brighton Port Authority - Should I Stay or Should I Blow (MP3)

The Brighton Port Authority (Fatboy Slim)'s album "I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat" won't be released until February, except on Amazon.com where you can get it now. Guest contributors to the album include Iggy Pop, Jack Penate, Dizzee Rascal, Emmy the Great, Jamie T, Martha Wainwright, and David Byrne. David's song (the one with the racy video) is "Toe Jam". That's also the song they're giving away the parts for if you want to make your own remix (though the contest part of it is over).

Tickets for David Byrne's 2nd NYC show at Radio City Music Hall go on regular-sale today/Monday at 10AM. The few-day-old presale is now over. All of David's tour dates are listed HERE.

Emmy the Great recently visited America for NYC's CMJ Music Marathon. "America" is the topic in The BPA's 2nd single "Seattle" that she sings on. Grab the MP3 above. Watch the video for that, and the one David & Dizzee sing in, below...

Continue reading "Brighton Port Authority out on Amazon, David Byrne tickets on sale, Emmy the Great -- MP3's & videos "

by BrooklynVegan Mike

Osheaga 2007 (CRED)

A label rep I was talking to told me that it takes a festival four to five years of good reviews and turnouts to be considered a serious destination on the festival circuit. In its sophomore year, Osheaga has followed up their triumphant debut with an impressive lineup that should continue the reputation they built for themselves last year. Once again, I was granted the task of covering this event...

Thunderheist @ Osheaga 2007 (CRED)

Arriving for day one of the two day festival around 12:30, I could hear the tail end of Apostle of Hustle opening the festivities on one of the alternating main stages. I made my way to the smaller stages on the other side of the park. Hopes were high for Thunderheist, a local hip-hop/house outfit comprised of DJ Grahm and female rapper Isis,. Taking the stage, Isis seemed to apologize in advance saying "we've been up all night." What followed was a rather limp set that took the wind out of my sails. I chalk it up to just a bad set, as I've heard that their smaller shows around town have been really good. It happens to the best of them. Over on the main stage, Jamie T performed to a somewhat apathetic audience. Unfamiliar with his music before that day, he vocally reminded me a lot of The Arctic Monkeys, a point I'm sure he'll have to have to answer questions about for years to come if his career gains traction.

Continued below...

Continue reading "Osheaga 2007 - Day 1"

2007 Mercury Prize nominee Jamie T is popular in the UK (I think), and now he's moving his way up the U.S. He's headlining his own show at Bowery Ballroom on September 13th, and another one at Luna Lounge in Brooklyn the next day. I did enjoy what I saw of him at SXSW, but maybe not enough to go see him again at one of these shows. Did anyone go to the recent Union Pool show? All tour dates below...

Continue reading "Jamie T - 2007 Tour Dates"

Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Jamie T, Bat for Lashes, and Maps were among those nominated for this year's UK Mercury Prize. Amy Winehouse is playing Summerstage and touring. Arctic Monkeys are playing Summerstage and touring. Jamie T played a one-off show in Brooklyn last night, and Bat For Lashes and Maps both have upcoming tour dates that I've listed below along with all the nominees...

Continue reading "2007 Mercury Prize nominees ++++++ BAT FOR LASHES & MAPS Tour Dates"

Bowery Presents expands its empire into Union Pool on July 17th with a show by UK sensation - and friend of dangerous criminals - Jamie T. The show will have one opener, and is going to be acoustic. Tickets are on sale.