Jeremy Farmer
- In somewhat interesting though, in retrospect, largely unimportant news, Radiohead was encouraged by their management to split up prior to releasing In Rainbows. According to Brian Message of Courtyard Management, the band couldn’t put their written songs to tape. If only more managers were like Courtyard...
- Multi-instrumentalist and former member of Wilco, Jay Bennett, is suing Jeff Tweedy for money from the sale of the 2002 documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. As Tweedy was not the producer of the film, it is unknown how the complaint relates to him, but nonetheless the suit was filed in Cook County on Monday.
Christopher Nelson
- Coraline, the hit 3-D film from last year, is taking to the stage in NYC this week. The play, which has been in the works for years but tied up with the film rights, features music by Magnetic Fields‘ Stephin Merritt. Asked how he felt after waiting so long to get this project on the stage, Merritt said,
I don’t get excited. I’m not that type of person.
Oh Stephin.
- Also in film news, three directors have expressed interest in putting Mastodon‘s latest album, Crack the Skye, on the big screen. The band is not naming possible directors but confirms that a screenplay has been written.
- Time Magazine has taken notice of the rise of music site Pitchfork and the influence it has, going so far as to shortlist founder Ryan Schreiber for their list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Schreiber’s name did not make the eventual list, released this week, nor did Pitchfork earn the Webby Award it was nominated for following the recent redesign of their site. I’m guessing they’ll come out of this okay.
- Before fronting Interpol, Paul Banks performed under the name Julian Plenti. That name is being revived August 4 with the release of Banks’ solo album, titled Skyscraper. The best part is that, according to Billboard, the sound is ‘sexy’ and ‘cocky.’ Who would’ve expected anything cocky from a member of Interpol. Hear previews on the artist’s site.
Gregory A. Perez
- Those who have seen The Shins this last week may have been surprised by the odd yet familiar faces on stage. Pitchfork reports that James Mercer is no longer joined by Marty Crandall and Jesse Sandoval. Instead, the frontman is bookended by Ron Lewis (Grand Archives/Fruit Bats) on bass and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) on drums. When asked about the change, Mercer replied,
I started to have production ideas that I wanted to do that basically required some other people.
Best of luck to all involved and those that are no longer involved.