Music Blog

Wow, do you hear that? Exactly. It’s the silence that follows the post-election, post-Halloween, pre-Thanksgiving period. It’s kind of nice, I got to admit – I can hear myself think even. And even better, I can go back to listening to music and not feel bad about not hearing the political news going on around me. There really should be a name for this wonderful lull in time between all the noise. Maybe there is and I just don’t know about it? Regardless, it’s refreshing…kind of like the onset of the Portland rain going on right now. Now on to some headlines…

For all you vinyl junkies out there, Nada Surf just announced that they’ll be releasing their entire catalog on vinyl for the first time ever. Barsuk is calling the special package Vinyl Box Set 1994-2008 (creative title guys) and it will contain all five albums including their latest, Lucky. The set will be released just in time for the Christmas holiday (November 25th to be exact) and will be a run of a 1,000 numbered copies. Get ‘em while their hot!

Country music legend Merle Haggard underwent lung cancer surgery this past week. The legendary singer had a cancerous growth removed from his right lung, but is recovering and getting better, according to his family.

Yet another reason for me to put the iPhone on my Christmas list… Wired magazine posted a blog about a new recording app designed for the iPhone or iPod Touch that records, mixes and plays music in a mini, portable studio format. Designed by Sonoma Wire Works, the FourTrack app is $10 and is available through the iTunes store.

A slew of musicians are releasing albums, EPs and reissues. Jose Gonzalez will be releasing a live EP called “Live at Park Ave. CDs” from the Park Avenue concerts in Orlando, Florida.

Meanwhile, the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is self-releasing their newest album, The Effects of 333, through their new music store. The album features 10 new cuts of instrumental/ambient music.

Franz Nicolay from the Hold Steady is also getting into the act. The solo debut of the mustachioed musician is titled Major General (album art includes mustache!) and is slated for release January 13th from Fistolo Records.

Chanteuse and number counter Feist is re-packaging her latest album Reminder with a batch of duets and remixes. The “Deluxe Edition” will also feature music videos from the album, but sadly will not contain any appearance of her appearance on Sesame Street. Though I must say the saucy album cover almost makes up for it…

Is Blur getting back together? Maybe? Maybe?

According to Billboard.com, Bruce Springsteen is releasing a new album in January.

opbmusic.org has a new in-studio up today with Jolie Holland. Interview and video to be posted shortly.

Interviews, interviews, interviews!

The frontman of Portland’s own Blitzen Trapper spoke with the Indianapolis Star recently.

The Drive-By-Truckers’ Patterson Hood spoke with Gotham Acme.

Jason Collett chatted it up with the Star Phoenix out of the lovely city of Saskatoon (love that name Saskatoon…).

And Will Sheff of Okkervil River sat down with Filter magazine for an interview.

Finally, topping 'er off today, here’s a combo that should produce some good tunes. Arcade Fire and Beirut member Kelly Pratt has assembled some of his friends to form Plan B. The group consists of a gaggle of musicians including Pratt’s cohorts in the aforementioned bands, as well as LCD Soundsystem members. The group has just finished up an album, but is yet unsigned.

Happy Thursday everyone. The thread is open for comments.