CATCHING UP

i do plan to begin to update more again... i was in a bit of a funk. but i'm back, i think, and ready to write.

but really, what that headline is referring to is my recent realization that i don't follow the music scene with the same intensity that i follow videogaming and film. this became apparent recently when christian made a remark about the upcoming my bloody valentine box sets/dvd. i had no idea that kevin shields had archived soundboard recordings of EVERY SHOW THE BAND EVER PLAYED. nor was i informed about the fact that some of this live stuff would be released with unreleased tracks and alternate versions of the bands tunes.... or the dvd, which will feature live footage, home video type stuff, and music videos. i mean jesus. then when christian revealed that brian wilson and van dyke parks have re-recorded "smile" with the intent to release it this september, well, i knew something was wrong with me. i've always gotten news about specific bands from fansites, and the like. i hadn't been utilizing a single powerful, all-encompassing music news site, the way that i would for movies or games. it appears that pitchfork media is the answer.

so, now i'll share some quick music news:

• autolux -- along with jon brion, one of los angeles's most exciting musical secrets -- is set to release an album entitled "future perfect" this september courtesy of dmz records; this label is owned and operated by the coen bros. and t-bone burnett. this is exciting news for fans who've been listening to the self-released demo for the past two years hoping and dreaming that a full release was near. and if the official site isn't providing the information you desire, check out autolux.org for more.
• jane and the chrises of dealership are currently in socal shooting a video for the single off their upcoming album "action/adventure." the record is scheduled to be released end of july/early august, if i understand correctly. for a look at a section of the album artwork, click here. i quite enjoy what i've seen. congrats, jane and crew. this is all very exciting!

finally, shane, carlos and i sat down and watched beat's version of zatoichi last night, and i was quite impressed. we were watching the korean special-edition set (which you could purchase from poker industries) but the movie is getting a relatively wide-release in the states very soon. the editing is a bit wacky, but the action is solid and the acting -- especially kitano's -- is excellent. and there are even some very cool coldcut-esque moments that had shane and i tapping out the beats to "timber" with our fingers. fun, fun, fun. those unitiated with the tale of the blind swordsman may want to check out the trailer.

oh, and mario golf: advance tour is super-excellent. who knew that rpg stands for "role-playing golf?" i didn't, but now i believe it! Posted by ryan at June 25, 2004 10:36 AM