mugshot...

Peter Murphy, of Bauhaus/solo artist fame, was arrested this weekend after allegedly hitting another car in his Subaru (brutal) and attempting to flee the scene. He was cornered by an eyewitness until the police arrived:

The eyewitness followed Murphy, 55, from the crash at Central and Goode avenues in Glendale to the 3400 block of Barham Boulevard in Los Angeles because "he was afraid [Murphy] would kill someone with his driving," according to Glendale police.

Murphy, who was in a Subaru Forester, reportedly struck a Mercedes about 11:48 a.m. at the intersection, then drove around it and entered the 134 Freeway, police said. As he fled the scene, a witness who was washing windows snapped a photograph of Murphy's vehicle, which had sustained moderate front-end damage...

Glendale officers said Murphy appeared to be at points "very confused" and had difficulty recalling the day and time.

Murphy denied drinking alcohol that day, adding that he had only taken his regular prescription pills for depression, according to police... Inside the L.A. police patrol car where Murphy had been detained, officers reported finding a small plastic bag, possibly of methamphetamine, police said. Murphy denied that the bag belonged to him, but officers said they believed he was trying to discard it in the patrol car. -[LA Times]

Gossip singer Beth Ditto was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on Friday night (March 15).

The singer was reportedly arrested at 1:42am after being denied service in the Bungalo Bar in Portland for being too drunk, you can see her police mug shot above. A source told Willamette Week that after being thrown out of the bar, Ditto "walked out in the middle of the street, threw off her shoes and purse and screamed 'Obama! Obama!'" which alerted police who subsequently arrested her.

Additionally, a Reddit user who was drinking in the same bar as Ditto on the night posted his account of what happened prior to the arrest. The user states that "By 1:30 Beth was completely blackout drunk challenging people to fights. My friends and I headed over to the Bungalow from the Alibi only to be met with Beth's belligerent asshole posse. We got our drinks and went out to the back, only to hear her and her friends breaking shit." Adding: "Fifteen minutes later she was arrested for being a complete fucking cunt. The bartender called the police because she kicked him in balls." [NME, via]

Um...

Three men are facing charges in connection with an alleged plot to kill pop star Justin Bieber.
Published reports say Mark Staake and his nephew Tanner Ruane planned to castrate and kill Bieber when he was in New York to perform at the end of November.

Reports say 45-year-old Dana Martin -- who is serving life in prison in New Mexico -- was the mastermind behind the plot.

Martin reportedly is obsessed with Bieber and has a tatoo of the pop star on his leg.

Staake was arrested in Vermont and Ruane was picked up by police in New York.

A spokesman says Bieber's security team takes every precaution. [NY1]

Last year, five Queens cops were hurt trying to stop an onslaught by gang members who attacked them with brass knuckles, knives and a baseball bat, court papers state.

Even Bushwick's hipsters ran afoul of the Forbidden Ones, who had a clubhouse on the ground floor of a three-story loft building at 15 Thames St.

"My roommates said they got assaulted by members of the biker gang," said Wendy Scher, a 33-year-old resident of the building. "Two of them won't come back because they're afraid."

But other residents got a kick out of the outlaws.

"They're really nice guys. "They're really chill. I party with them all the time," said Alex Syner, 25.

But even the most free-spirited bohemian might have been uneasy to know that a two-wheeled cannon was loaded and aimed at the front door of the Forbidden Ones' lair, ready to fire at infiltrators, according to the prosecutor.

"The defendants wear the 'patch' to make it known that they are 'outlaws' who reject mainstream society and live outside the law," wrote Assistant Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Celia Cohen. [Daily News]

Man these Texas cops have it out for touring musicians!

Rapper Nelly was detained last night in Texas while police officers searched his tour bus -- and found HEROIN in addition to a loaded gun ... and MASSIVE amounts of weed ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

According to law enforcement sources, Nelly's bus was stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca -- and a police canine detected the presence of drugs.

We're told cops pulled the bus over -- and after performing a search, they found 36 small baggies of heroin (totaling .64 ounces) and over TEN POUNDS of marijuana inside a large green duffel bag (an amount roughly the size of a large bed pillow).

Cops also say they found a loaded .45 caliber pistol.

There were seven people riding on Nelly's bus at the time -- including the rapper -- and they were all detained during the search.

According to law enforcement sources, one of the passengers -- a guy named Brian Keith Jones -- admitted the drugs and the gun were his. He was subsequently placed under arrest.

Nelly and the remaining five were let go. Calls to Nelly's reps were not returned.

FYI -- this is the same checkpoint where multitudes of celebs have been busted for drugs in recent years ... including Willie Nelson, Armie Hammer, Snoop Dogg, and Fiona Apple. [TMZ]

In somewhat related news, Fiona Apple's Austin show has changed status from "postponed" to "cancelled". her NJ, Long Island and NYC shows this week are still all on though.

Fiona Apple at Bowery Ballroom in March (more by Dana (distortion) Yavin)

TMZ reports that Fiona Apple was arrested in Texas yesterday (9/19) for possession of hash. She's currently beind held at Hudspeth County Jail.

If all goes well, Fiona will return to the NYC area for multiple shows in October. Meanwhile she's scheduled to play the Moody Theater in Austin tonight. UPDATE: Tonight's show is sadly postponed

Free Fiona! UPDATE: she is actually free at least.

Apple spent the night in the Hudspeth County Jail, and was ordered released this afternoon on $11,000 bond.

Apple was arrested at the same checkpoint where Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, and 'J. Edgar' actor Armie Hammer were arrested on similar charges. What does Dean-Walker think of all of the celebrities being arrested in her remote county, which is in the Big Bend between San Antonio and El Paso?

"I think the reason we're catching so many celebrities there is they are going through there with stuff they shouldn't have," she said. [WOAI]

You can see her mugshot, via TMZ, below...

Continue reading "Fiona Apple arrested for possession of hash in Texas"

Earlier today:

Three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, over a protest in a cathedral.

Judge Marina Syrova said the women had "crudely undermined social order" during their action in February.

The women say their "punk prayer" was a political act in protest against the Russian Orthodox Church leader's support of President Vladimir Putin.

Prosecutors are seeking a three-year jail sentence.

Judge Syrova said Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29, had offended the feelings of Orthodox believers and shown a "complete lack of respect".

"Tolokonnikova, Alyokhina and Samutsevich committed hooliganism - in other words, a grave violation of public order," she said.

The judge quoted prosecution witnesses as saying the act had been one of blasphemy, not politics. - [BBC]

And the sentence:: Each band member is to receive two years in prison which begins from the day of the arrest. At least it wasn't the three years the prosecutor wanted.

The three young women committed a "serious crime" and "should be punished", says judge Marina Syrova, sentencing them to two years' jail at a corrective labour facility for "hooliganism" and "incitement to religious hatred".
In the courtroom, the verdict was greeted by cries of "Shame!" and "Injustice!" [Yahoo]

Last night, a reading of Pussy Riot's s moving courtroom statements happened at Liberty Hall. Did anyone go? Even though the verdict is in, the Pussy Riot story remains developing.

"This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter." - Randy Blythe

Randy Blythe of Lamb of God was detained in June and was charged with manslaughter of a fan who died a month after a Lamb of God show that happened in Prague in 2010. The fan died from a brain hemorrhage that was allegedly from a head injury at the show, possibly because Randy pushed him off the stage. Now released and safe and sound in his native Richmond, VA, Randy issued a statement regarding his incarceration, the reaction it received world-wide, and his future regarding the case. Check it out below...

Continue reading "Randy Blythe vows to "fight to clear" his name"

A$AP Rocky at Pitchfork Festival last weekend (more by Fred Pessaro // BBG)

TMZ reports that A$AP Rocky, who was supposed to perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight, was arrested in NYC last night after attacking two amateur photographers that tried to take pictures of him during a "verbal dispute with someone." One of the photographers was taken to the hospital and both suffered cuts and bruises. Rocky was then arrested and is "expected to be booked for attempted robbery." We're confused by that last part too.

Brawling seems to be a recurring thing for the NYC rapper.

A$AP is scheduled to play the Catalpa Festival in NYC next week.

UPDATE: the fight apparently happened around Rivington and Orchard, and you can see a picture of Rocky in cuffs below...

Continue reading "A$AP Rocky arrested after fight w/ photographers in NYC"

by Fred Pessaro / BBG

Harley Flanagan is wheeled out of Webster Hall (via NYC Hammers)

To follow up our vague tweet last night, the NY Post has the full story:

A former member of the hard-core punk band the Cro-Mags attacked two of the group's current members with a hunting knife in a dressing room before a show at Webster Hall yesterday -- biting one and slashing both.
The band was about to take the stage about 8:15 p.m. when tattooed rocker Harley Flanagan, 42, barreled through the East Village venue's VIP section toward the Cro-Mags' dressing room, sending nearly 30 guests on the balcony into a frenzy, law enforcement sources and witnesses said.

"Someone was yelling, 'Get his hands, get his hands, he's got a knife!' " witness Dave Gustav said. "Everything went nuts."

Several beefy security guards rushed to contain Flanagan, who seemed about to boil over before he entered the East Village venue.

...Flanagan, the band's former bassist and founder, suffered a broken leg by the time security finally pinned him down, witnesses said. Cops handcuffed him to a chair and took him out.

"People started booing him and throwing stuff at him," eyewitness Justin Brannan said. "His hands were handcuffed but he still gave everyone the finger."

William Berario, 45, was slashed above the eye and bitten on his cheek. Michael Couls, 33, -- the band's current bassist, who is known in the hardcore world as "The Gook" -- was cut on his arm and stomach. -
[NY Post]

Harley, who did the stabbing, is an original member of the band that formed in 1981. John Joseph, also an original member, leads the current version of "Cro-Mags" that Harley is not in, and which John was calling "Cro-Mags (jam)" for a bit in 2008 to avoid confusion with a version of the band Harley was leading (or for legal reasons or something like that). John's version, which didn't keep the "(jam)" on their name for long, has been having much success the past few years, this CBGB Festival booking included. Harley's version hasn't been active in a while

UPDATE: Here are pictures from the show and a statement from Cro-Mags too..

Minneapolis rapper Brother Ali is set to release his new album, Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color, on August 21 via Rhymesayers. That's the cover art above. The album was produced by Jake One. You can stream "Stop The Press," from that album below.

Brother Ali will support the album with the 'Mourning In America' tour with Homeboy Sandman, who put out his first release for Stones Throw earlier this year, and DJ Sosa. He'll be touring with his new live band, Blank Tape Beloved, which features Jake One. That tour hits NYC for a show on September 27 at Bowery Ballroom. Colorado's The Reminders will also be supporting some dates on the tour, including the NYC show. Tickets for that show go on sale today (6/29) at noon.

In related news, StarTribune reports that Brother Ali was arrested in Minneapolis last week as he was taking part in an Occupy Homes protest for "trespassing and refusing police orders to leave the premises." They write:

Thirteen protesters were arrested out of about 125 at the site. It was one of at least a dozen protests nationwide, timed to a meeting at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. Occupy leaders blame a PNC computer glitch for leading to the foreclosure of the former Cruz family home at 4044 Cedar Av. S.

...

This was a first-time arrest for the rapper, who has been active in several community causes. He organized a block party last summer at Masjid An-Nur, the North Side mosque where he and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison worship, offering help to tornado victims in north Minneapolis, where he spent his teenage years.

Ali became a Muslim at age 15 to lessen the outcast status he felt as an albino. "The Muslim teachings I know tell you not to break laws," he said, so he consulted spiritual leaders beforehand about the possibility of being arrested. He said he spent about seven hours in jail. He was released on $50 bail and is due in court July 5.

A list of all Brother Ali dates and that song stream are below...

Continue reading "Brother Ali releasing LP, touring w/ Homeboy Sandman (dates), arrested in Minneapolis during Occupy protest"

Randy of Lamb of God at Roseland (more by Justina Villanueva)

The singer for Lamb of God, the world-famous, Richmond-based heavy metal band, was arrested this week in Prague in the Czech Republic and charged in connection with the death of a fan two years ago.

Randy Blythe, 41, was arrested when Lamb of God went to Prague for their show Thursday night at the Rock Café. He's charged with manslaughter for the fatal injury that occurred at their show May 24, 2010 at another venue in Prague, according to Czech news report.
Reportedly, Blythe struck or fought with the fan who had come on stage, and that person later died.

The four-time Grammy-nominated band cancelled Thursday's show in Prague. There's no mention on the band's social sites about the status of Friday's show in Leipzig, Germany.
Lamb Of God's publicist, Adrenaline PR, stated to a music publication that Randy was "wrongly accused, lawyers are dealing with it, and we expect him to be fully exonerated."

Randy's brother, Mark Blythe, told CBS-6 that he's awaiting further details and said the charge is "bogus and outrageous and will be dropped immediately."

LAMB OF GOD management will be issuing an official statement on Monday regarding the charges made against singer Randy Blythe. As no formal charges have yet been made and the case is only in the investigation stages, it would be premature to make an official statement filled with false truths or innuendos.

Having said that, management wished to address today one false piece of information that has been included in many of the news stories released so far. Under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head.

Again, until the investigation is concluded this weekend, nothing more will be released, but clarity and the facts needed to be addressed on this one reported point which is totally inaccurate.

Continue reading "Lamb of God's Randy Blythe charged with manslaughter in connection with a fan's death in Prague"

An obsessed Kate Bush fan has been deported from Britain after breaking into her home in an attempt to propose to her.

Frank Tufaro, an American, was carrying a £3,000 diamond, sapphire and gold ring bought at Tiffany's when he arrived at the countryside home of the reclusive singer and songwriter.

When Tufaro realised Miss Bush, who was nominated for a Brit Award this week, was not at home, he broke a window and let himself in.

Minutes later the unemployed artist panicked and fled by climbing over several fences to get into a nearby property.

Neighbours called police and minutes later a team of officers, supported by a helicopter unit, arrested 32-year-old Tufaro as he dragged his suitcase along a country lane.
He was detained under the Mental Health Act before being deported by four UK Border Agency officials who accompanied him to John F Kennedy airport in New York and handed him over to the FBI. -[Daily Mail]

Kate Bush released the BV favorite 50 Words for Snow at the tail end of last year.

Tyler at FFF Fest (more by Tim Griffin)

TMZ reports that Tyler, the Creator was arrested at his show at Hollywood's Roxy Theatre last night (12/22) for "suspicion of vandalism" after he "just destroyed an electric soundboard belonging to the venue." The NY Times confirms. A video below also shows that while throwing his fit on stage, he punched a sound guy. The police reports that "as [Tyler] was being escorted to a nearby radio car, the crowd exiting the venue became angry and rushed into the street, towards deputies." TMZ has a video of that, which you can watch below too. They also mention that "Tyler was taken into custody in front of his mother...who was visibly upset and yelled at the cops."

As expected, Tyler's fellow Odd Future members have wasted no time expressing their opinions on twitter. "Fuck sheriffs nigga WG," says Hodgy Beats, who continues, "Next year it wont be at the roxy." "Next year" refers to the fact that the show was the "Odd Future Christmas show." Jasper Dolphin tweeted, "Fuck The Police!," updating two hours later to, "Fuck The Roxy." Frank Ocean says, "dem hoelice yo," and Domo Genesis says, "fuck the feds!" And Mike G tweeted "Free Tyler."

UPDATE: Tyler is in fact a free man.

Videos below...

Continue reading "Tyler the Creator arrested in LA @ Odd Future Christmas show"

Big Boi at Governor's Ball (more by Chris La Putt)

Hip-hop artist Antwan "Big Boi" Patton faces several drug charges after Miami police arrested him Sunday, according to booking information posted on the Miami-Dade jail website.

Patton was charged with illegal possession of Viagra and Ecstasy pills, MDMA powder and drug paraphernalia with intent to use, the website said. Bonds totalling $16,000 were set, the site said.

His lawyer, in a statement provided to CNN through his publicist, said Patton was re-entering the United States when the contraband was found.

"While Big Boi was traveling with his group and friends, a small amount of contraband was found in the collective luggage," attorney Daniel Kane said. "I am confident when the entire facts are aired Big Boi will be completely exonerated."-[CNN]

In related news, Rapper Killer Mike (who has appeared on records by Andre 3000 and Big Boi) recently was interviewed by CNN and spilled the beans on new Outkast (we'll believe it when we see it) and Goodie Mob LPs on the way. Not many details other than their possible eventual existence.

by BBG

A former member of the rock band Queens of the Stone Age got into an intense standoff with a S.W.A.T. team at his L.A. home last night ... where cops found a high-powered LOADED rifle.

...Cops were called to the home of 39-year-old Nick Oliveri after a neighbor called 911 to report a "disturbance" between the rocker and his girlfriend.

Sources close to the couple tell us Nick's GF told police the rocker struck her during an argument the day before and she had come back to the home to collect her stuff so she could move out. That's when the two got into another heated argument and Nick locked themselves inside the duplex.

When cops arrived, Oliveri -- who played bass with the Queens for years before parting ways with the group -- refused to allow cops inside the residence and would not let his girlfriend leave.

A S.W.A.T. team was called to the scene -- and a standoff ensued. After two hours, Nick finally agreed to let his GF exit the duplex and two hours after that, he gave himself up without further incident.

When cops searched the home, we're told they found one high powered rifle -- which was FULLY LOADED.

Oliveri was booked on felony domestic violence. He has since been released after posting $100,000 bail. -[TMZ]

Oliveri also did time (rimshot!) in The Dwarves who are celebrating 25 years with a dates that include two NYC stops this week: July 15th at Knitting Factory and July 16th at The Studio at Webster Hall. Tickets for both the Knitting Factory date and the Studio date are still available.

Continue reading "Nick Oliveri arrested after standoff with S.W.A.T team"

"Just hours before his band was to open for Soundgarden on Sunday, the bass player for Coheed and Cambria, the alternative rock band from Nyack, N.Y., was arrested on charges he robbed a pharmacy in Massachusetts to get prescription painkillers, the Associated Press reported.

The police said the bassist, Mike Todd, entered the Walgreens pharmacy in Attleboro, Mass., on Sunday afternoon and showed the pharmacists a note on his telephone claiming he had a bomb. Mr. Todd, who is 30, was said to have demanded six bottles of OxyContin and then caught a cab to the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Mass., where his band was to play the opening set before Soundgarden took the stage. He was arrested at the concert hall before the show and charged with armed robbery and possession of a controlled substance, the police said. The band played without him." [NY Times]

Update: Pictures from the Jones Beach show (though none of Coheed), HERE.

photos by Dana (Distortion) Yavin & Graeme Flegenheimer

Primus

Arcade Fire

Two New York men who got arrested here Friday never made it to Bonnaroo. That's because law officers allegedly found they were carrying over a pound of cocaine, 1,000 ecstasy pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Alberto R. Almonte, 40, and Joseph Cruz, 29, both of the Bronx, N.Y., are charged with possession of drugs for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Almonte is also charged with speeding.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, it was around 2 p.m. Friday when Trooper Matilda Mahaney clocked a 2006 Chevrolet Impala doing 83 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone on Highway 111 in Putnam County.

The trooper stopped the car "and discovered that the two occupants were enroute to Bonnaroo in Manchester," says a news release from the THP. [Herald Citizen]

Continue reading "Bonnaroo 2011 -- Day 2 in pics (Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, NOFX, Grace Potter, Lil Wayne, Primus & more)"

by BBG

Twilight 2010. That's Jef Whitehead, second from the left

"A tattoo artist raped his girlfriend using tattoo tools above a near West Side tattoo parlor, authorities allege.

Jef Whitehead, 42, allegedly choked and beat his 26-year-old girlfriend unconscious by banging her head against a wall above Taylor Street Tattoo and Piercing, 1150 W. Taylor, in t he early hours of Saturday morning.

He also attacked her with a pair of scissors, it's alleged. When she regained consciousness she discovered she had been sexually assaulted with the tattoo tools, Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Tom McGuire said. Whitehead then allegedly knocked her out again, McGuire said. When the victim woke up she was in the street outside the parlor, he added. A heavily-bearded and tattooed Whitehead was dressed all in black as he appeared before Judge Israel Desierto Sunday morning.

Wearing a hooded sweater with the words "stop the madness" printed on it, he was ordered held on bail of $350,000. Whitehead is from California but he and his girlfriend had recently arrived in Chicago and were considering making it their permanent home, McGuire said." [Chicago Sun Times]

Willie Nelson's mugshot

Forget the Tea Party -- country music legend Willie Nelson has a different kind of movement he wants you to join.

"There's the Tea Party...How about the Teapot Party? Our motto: We lean a little to the left."

Nelson, 77, was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol for possession of marijuana last week, despite the fact that he was roughly 100 miles [from] the U.S. border at the time.

"It's supposed to be a checkpoint only for aliens, and [agents] overstep their authority all the time," Texas attorney Dick DeGuerin told Rolling Stone. "I've had several cases from that checkpoint and they just use the opportunity to check out anybody they want to."

...If Nelson's new party succeeds, he won't be a lawbreaker anymore.

"Tax it, regulate it and legalize it," Nelson wrote. "And stop the border wars over drugs. Why should the drug lords make all the money? Thousands of lives will be saved." -[About]

Two of those dates (2/13 & 2/14) will go down at Austin City Limits - Live, the studio that houses the famed series which recently relocated. The show's new home, Moody Theater, will begin taping shows there in early 2011. The new location is now walking distance from the main drag that is 6th Street.

I'm not sure of Wavves' political affiliation, but I am guessing he's all for switching to the Teapot party. He just got arrested for pot in Germany. Hopefully he's more careful on his upcoming tour with Best Coast. There won't be a smoke-filled tour bus that asking to be pulled over since, well since Willie Nelson.

In other news, Smokey Robinson is scheduled to play the St. George Theatre in Staten Island (on sale), on 1/22/11 and the Apollo Theater on 2/15/11 (on sale).

Willie Nelson tour dates and some videos below..

Continue reading "Willie Nelson starts 'Teapot Party' after US pot arrest, Wavves busted in Germany ++ Smokey Robinson playing shows"

Jonathan Shaw, Johnny Depp, and Jim Jarmusch

A well-known tattoo artist and son of big-band legend Artie Shaw was arrested after cops found an arsenal of heavy weaponry among his belongings, prosecutors said Monday.

Jonathan Shaw, who opened the first legal tattoo parlor in the city and inked celebs like Johnny Depp, Marilyn Manson and Naomi Campbell, was arrested Sunday after movers found the weapons cache in a storage locker.

Shaw was sending the contents to Los Angeles, but when the movers found rifles in a suitcase and duffle bag, they called police, said Manhattan prosecutor Christopher Prevost.

Cops discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a loaded British rifle, 96 knives, five sets of metal knuckles, eight batons, 2,833 rounds of ammunition, stage pistols and an air rifle, authorities said.

Shaw, 57, was hit Monday with dozens of weapons possession charges. The tattoo artist's lawyer painted a different picture of his client. "He's a peaceful man," said Brian Pakett, describing Shaw as an artist and author. "The charges miscast the type of person Mr. Shaw is. He never had as much as a fight."...

...Shaw earned notoriety for his tribal tattoos, opening Fun City Tattoos in the East Village in 1991. [Daily News]

Justin Townes Earle @ Governors Island in August (more by Chris La Putt)

Justin Townes Earle has decided to suspend the remaining dates on his tour and enter a rehabilitation facility. Earle is strongly committed to confronting his on-going struggle with addiction and thanks his family, friends and fans for their continued support through this difficult time.

In regards to the misdemeanor charges recently filed in Indianapolis, Earle released the following statement earlier this week: "Unfortunately, reports surfacing online about the incident in Indianapolis are not accurate. I have been advised by counsel that I should not comment on a pending criminal matter, but suffice to say that I am looking forward to having my day in court. I would also like to say that I oppose violence against women in any form."

Earle looks forward to resuming the tour in support of his critically-acclaimed third album, Harlem River Blues, on independent record label Bloodshot Records. The album enters this week at #47 on the Top 200 in overall Soundscan.

Continue reading "Justin Townes Earle postpones tour, enters rehab "

DOWNLOAD: Prince Rama - "Lightening Fossil" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Light Pollution - "Witchcraft" (MP3)

photos by Benjamin Lozovsky

Deakin @ Glasslands

"Just got back from it. Didn't stick around for the cowboys & indians dance party, though I probably should have. I was faced on mushrooms the whole night and felt like the place was being overrun by 16 year olds. Twice some dumb scantily-clad broads approached me to ask if I'd buy them drinks cos they were only "20". This was very different from the demographic I imagined Prince Rama and Deakin would be playing for.

Really bummed out about the arrest of Michael from Prince Rama, and the subsequent abridged setlist. But still they sounded really amazing, and Deakin's set was very cool. It's a shame most people there didn't seem to give much of a shit about the live music.

Can't believe I didn't stick around longer. What did I miss? But don't tell me a bunch of half naked 18 year old girls with face paint prancing around, beseeching older men to buy them drinks. Because I was there for that.

P.S. I was the awkward weirdo in the blue hoodie.
-dreamlight molecule

The trek continues for Prince Rama/Deakin, who play Montreal tonight and scoot across the west coast until the end of September. After that, Prince Rama will then link up with Light Pollution for another tour that kicks off in Chicago in early October before they both play NYC on 10/21 as part of the Carpark/Paw Tracks CMJ Showcase at Cake Shop. More details on that showcase TBA.

It's unclear why the guy from Prince Rama got arrested, but the above account makes at least three times I heard about it.

Prince Rama's new LP, Shadow Temple, is out now via Paw Tracks, dig on one track from the LP, "Lightening Fossil", downloadable above. Light Pollution's new LP, Apparitions, is out now also, and features "Witchcraft" available for download above.

Full tour dates and tons of pics from Glasslands are below...

Continue reading "Despite an arrest, Prince Rama & Deakin played Glasslands (pics), playing more shows (dates) "

"Authorities say an arrest in Scott County has made them more aware of a new kind of often abused substance -- something some call the "new marijuana."

Drug agents arrested Sytanya Darren Fells on Friday during a traffic stop on Highway 27 in Oneida. Fells is wanted in Knox County for felony theft and in Florida for felony grand larson.

Fells was a passenger in a camper bound for Bonnaroo. According to drug agents, a serach of the vehicle showed the driver, Larry Thurber, was carrying 38 Xaxax pills and "Mojo" - a synthetic herbal incense often used as an alternative to marijuana." [WBIR, Knoxville, TN]

Continue reading ""the new marijuana" discovered on its way to Bonnaroo"

Kid Cudi @ Bonnaroo (via MagicHatBrewing)

"Kid Cudi performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee despite being arrested hours earlier in New York City.

The artist arrived at the venue, telling the fans, "I really wanted to be here tonight." He is also expected to perform at tonight's concert, co-headlining with Jay-Z.

According to sources, the artist was arrested on drug and destruction charges. CuDi allegedly smashed a 24 year old woman's phone and then broke her apartment door off of its hinges." [SickHop]

Continue reading "Kid Cudi got arrested in NYC, but still played Bonnaroo"