Music Blog

Happy Election Day! There’s definitely an energy in the air here in Portland and I have to say it’s pretty exciting. No matter what your political affiliation, it’s hard not to get caught up in the middle of this historic race. Everywhere you turn, there seems to be some sign or banner asking that you vote. In fact, this morning as I was driving in to work I passed by no less than 5 different people all dressed in wigs and crazy outfits holding “Vote!” signs and screaming at the passing cars. It made me smile…and honk.

Random crazies aren’t the only ones getting into the action, either. Musicians around the country continue jumping on board the political train asking fans to vote and be heard.  Last week I told you about Wilco’s free mp3.  Since then, Bruce Springsteen has gotten in on the action, as have David Byrne, Patterson Hood and of course everybody’s favorite frontman Wayne Coyne.  And if you’d like some free food and drink with that propaganda, Starbucks is giving away free coffee today, Krispy Kreme is giving away free star-shaped donuts (with “patriotic sprinkles”!) and best of all, Ben and Jerry’s is giving away free ice cream! 

Now that you’re filled with propaganda, caffeine and a huge sugar rush, on to some headlines...

Christie’s New York is holding an auction for punk rock memorabilia. The Pop Culture: Punk Rock collection will feature postcards, posters, instruments, autographed items and clothing from the likes of The Smiths, The Clash, Ramones and the Sex Pistols, among others. You can check out some of the merchandise here.

Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie was stung by a scorpion…multiple times! That’ll teach him to mess with carnivorous arthropods.

NPR recently posted an interview with the lovely Lucinda Williams.

Meanwhile, SF Station has posted an interview with the Breeders’ Kim Deal.

For those of you that missed Wilco on “The Colbert Report,” you can watch the interview here. The band debuted a new tune -- with a Joe the Plummer-esq title -- called “Wilco the Song.”

Meanwhile, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and his twin brother Alex have released concurrent LPs.

Speaking of family, the Jackson 5 is…sort of reuniting…as the Jackson 4.  Jermaine Jackson announced last week that the family would reunite to tour in 2009 as the original group.  Apparently, he forgot to ask Michael, however, who issued a statement several days later saying: “"My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we've certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them.”

On a happier family note, Paste has named the “10 Best Musical Husband and Wife Duos.”

And lastly, to round out the “family” news, Pitchfork is streaming Danielson: A Family Movie through the end of this week.

Now that summer is long gone and fall is starting to slip away, the Minneapolis Star Tribune has listed its favorite albums from the past 6 months.

Beirut is planning to release a pair of EPs this coming February.

If you haven’t heard, Elvis Costello will be hosting a new television show later this fall called Spectacle.  The talk show will focus on interviewing musicians, including Elton John in the premiere. It is slated to air beginning December 3 on the Sundance Channel.

If you’re looking for early Christmas gifts, Merge Records announced a nifty idea for indie music fans.  The label of Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire, Spoon, M. Ward and others announced that it will be offering a compilation CD every month in 2009 as part of its Score! package. Coinciding with the label’s 20th anniversary, subscribers will receive 14 compilation CDs, a remix CD, a covers CD, a cover art book and other assorted items throughout the year. Price is $179 through November 8th and then $199 after.

Lastly -- and there's a good reason I saved this for last -- NME has released its "Cool List 2008."  Sadly, I'm not on it...

Now go vote and be American!  The thread is open...