Best Albums of 2009… So Far

The year is barely half old, but that didn’t stop SPIN Magazine from coming up with their “Best 20 Albums of 2009 … So Far”.  It may be a little premature, but already includes new artists, Ida Maria and recently discovered Glasvegas, as well as artists we’ve been waiting to hear from again, Regina Spektor, Wilco, and more.  Check out the fancy slideshow accompanied with reviews over at SPIN.

Save Paste

Help save Paste Magazine and receive rare and exclusive music from over 100+ artists.  Paste Magazine has provided it’s readers with news on emerging bands and been in the forefront of independent music journalism.  Magazines have not been safe from the global recession and Paste has asked it’s readers for any possible donation they can muster.  Artists include The Decemberists, Neko Case, She & Him, Cowboy Junkies, Of Montreal, Indigo Girls, Jayhawks, String Cheese Incident, G. Love, Josh Rouse, The Hives, Matthew Sweet, The Avett Brothers, Joe Henry, John Roderick of The Long Winters, Over the Rhine, Bob Mould, Arrested Development, Brandi Carlile, John Doe, Josh Ritter, Marc Broussard and more.  If you ever wanted to be in the loop and up to date with the newest artists, keep Paste alive.

Danger Mouse’s new album Dark Night Of The Soul

Danger Mouse along with Sparklehorse is releasing a new album, and it possibly could contain a blank CD.  Due to a dispute with EMI, the album will come as a blank, recordable CD-R and will be clearly labeled, “For legal reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will.”  But fret not, that’s not all you will get.  Famed director David Lynch has compiled a book of his photographs that will be packaged with the album.  Dark Night features a collaboration of artists including James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, David Lynch, and Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.

The album is currently available over at NPR for streaming.  Here’s to hoping the album actually gets released so we can put the blank CD-R to use.

Design for Humanity, and Water

Watch art, music, and fashion combine at the 3rd annual Billabong Design for Humanity event.  On June 17th, at the Avalon/Bardot in Hollywood, this one night event will feature an art and auction show followed by a Billabong bikini show and finishing off with a performance by two live bands.  The headlining band yet to be announced will be opened by up and comers Iglu and Hartly.

The cause, Charity: Water, a non profit organization providing safe and clean drinking water to developing nations around the world.  Make a difference by participating in this one time event featuring live bands, art, and a fashion runway.

Coachella 2009 Videos

Coachella has ended once again this year and here’s your chance to relive all those moments.  Even if you missed out on one the year’s biggest festivals and the best bands, you can see some of the highlights here.

Download SXSW 2009 on BitTorrent

Can’t make the SXSW festival this year?  No worries, songs from all the artists participating in this years festival is available for download off BitTorrent.  6GB of DRM free, RIAA safe mp3’s showcase this year’s lineup.  The SXSW festival will take place from March 18 to 22nd in Austin, Texas.  It’s not too late to check out the free music from all the past festivals either.  Thousands of free mp3’s for you iPod without RIAA keeping their eye on you.

Late Night With The Roots

In stranger than fiction news, The Roots has been slated to become the house band when Jimmy Fallon hits the air on March 2nd.  First, stated in an online video which was quickly taken off the air, ?uestlove remarked on his old age and their band’s desire to find a steady gig.  The announcement was further confirmed by Jimmy Fallon on his blog.  The band – most in their late 30s – are looking forward to living like “normal men,” as ?uestlove says.  Although not a complete announcement of retirement, The Roots, known for their extensive touring, will definitely be putting their road show on hiatus.

Artst Spells New Online Community for Artists

Backed by Pharrell, a new online community is born which caters to artists of all trades.  Artst is a social networking site where users can share, view, and discuss art of all mediums.  Anything from architecture, writing, videos, music and much much more, artists can put their work up on display.  This is your one stop shop for all things in fashion, art, culture and music.  Wish to share your passion for art with others or just like to view and comment on others original works of art, check out this growing community.

Sasquatch! 2009 Lineup Spotted

What better way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend then to see  all your favorite bands over a three day period.  This year’s festival promises to be it’s biggest featuring the likes of Janes Addiction, NIN, Grizzly Bear, The Animal Collective, The Walkmen, TV on the Radio among countless others.  Located at the Gorge in Quincy, WA, this all out party spans from Saturday to Monday.  For up to date news, visit the official site.  Stay tuned after the jump for the extensive yet unfinalized lineup and info.

Santogold now goes by just Santigold

It’s not some sexually ambigous symbol or some weird spelling, but Santogold has changed her name to simply Santigold.  Born Santi White, the artist took on the name Santogold which happened to be shared with an actor/infomercial character who has made a living selling gold chains and making obscure songs since ‘83.  The gold chain wearing, infomercial making extraordinaire subsequently sued the artist formerly known as Santogold last year.  Here’s Santigold’s official press release:

“Change the graffiti on the bathroom wall, get your tattoo fixed, get your t-shirt airbrushed and change the name on your year end list- Santogold is now Santigold. She’s not telling you why, that’s just how it is. No unpronounceable symbol, no numbers where they shouldn’t be, no random capitalization, just plain ass Santigold so remember that.”