Picked up the new Icehouse album.

wow, I thought Iva had entered a monastery or something. Interesting to see he's back (or still going).

eta: you can download a song from the new album at Iva's website: [link]

etaa: oops, my mistake. The downloadable song is from a work in progress and not from the album Gandalfe was talking about. From Iva's site:

NEWS UPDATE : 09 JULY 2004 : HEROES ATHENS MIX AND NEW CD

Icehouse will release a version of David Bowie's 'Heroes' to coincide with the upcoming Athens Summer Olympics. The song will be available as both a CD single AND on a new album that features songs previously released on the 'Berlin Tapes' album plus the new version of 'Heroes'. Warners have decided upon this release as they thought the Berlin Tapes album was too often thought to be a ballet soundtrack and thus it didn't do justice to the content - a great album of cover versions.

You can see the track listing here:

[link]

Fans of 60's pop (I'm looking at you, David!) -- This looks to be a great resource.

What Evil Jimi said.

Fans of 60's pop (I'm looking at you, David!) -- This looks to be a great resource.

Yeah, Spectropop rocks. I haven't been there in a while, though, so thanks for the nudge. The whole Curt Boettcher revival kind of started there. And the book contributes to that by doing both his album as Sagitarrius and his solo album.

The more I listen to the new Dizzee Rascal, the more I like it. And I'm not a huge hip-hop fan as a rule.

It's cracking, isn't it?

Franz Ferdinand wins Mercury Prize

Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand, whose debut album has been hailed by critics as a masterpiece of pop, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.

The Glasgow-based quartet were the favorites among the 12-strong shortlist to take home the award for their self-titled album.

The $35,600 prize, now in its 13th year, honors the best album of the year by a British or Irish band. It is judged on talent and innovation rather than commercial sales, and the winner can usually expect a surge in sales and publicity.

Among the acts Franz Ferdinand beat for the prize, announced Tuesday, were two-time nominee The Streets, aka rapper Mike Skinner; young soul sensation Joss Stone; urban star Jamelia; and guitarless rock band Keane.

Speaking of The Streets, I listened to the CD the other day, and it did not make me cry. I was amused by the Run Lola Run ending and thought it was touching, but no cry from me. Sorry Angus. You're one step closer to that LotR marathon.

[I can't believe I spoiler fonted a CD review, but it's more a narrative than a musical experience]

The Streets were unofficially excluded from the Mercury because he's too shy to make a speech is the rumour over here.

Did you enjoy the album, though, Jon.

I thought the album was interesting, but it didn't move me like I'd hoped. Part of it might be cultural -- I didn't relate to the guy. I have a hard time being sympathetic to those who make their own mess.

Frou Frou are becoming more and more noticed. Gilmore Girls is using one of their songs for their fall preview.

ION, everyone should buy Jimmy Eat World's new album, Futures, when it comes out on october 19th. i have a bootleg copy and it's just...phenomenal. seriously.