Retunring to the Fold/ Micro-News on May Day
We pulled back into town last weekend, but it's taken me a few days to get back in the swing of things. It's never easy to return from a vacation and this week is no exception. I have a few minutes to spare so I thought I'd take the opportunity to get some fresh content posted.

The Hold Steady will release Stay Positive the follow up to Boys and Girls in America on July 15th via Vagrant Records. I am looking forward to checking this out once it drops in my favorite record shop this summer. Craig Finn took to writing the press release for new record. "A great American philosopher named D. Boon once said 'our band could be your life.' I think that is true. But 'your life could be our band' is also a true statement. I know this because we have lived it. These are our lives. These are your lives. This is our fourth record. Stay Positive."

Clinic will play The Paradise with support from Shearwater here in Boston on May 9th. The band is touring in support of there recently released Do It issued by Domino Records. Speaking of Domino they have an album sampler of Do It on there site. You know, so you can hear it before you plunk down the cash for it. I have to admit they lost me on the last couple of albums, but Do it returns to the excellence of there debut album.
Do It Preview

During my week away I had the chance to spend some time with a recently released yet neglected album. Neon Neon's Stainless Style is collaboration between Super Fury Animal Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip. The 1980's have returned and Neon Neon have knocked off New Order as the kings of synth pop.

April Vacation Holiday Tour
Tomorrow my wife and I will be loading the the Little Speakers into the automobile and heading south till we hit Florida. Don't go throwing any parties while we're gone.

Friday Micro News
A busy week has kept me away from my trusty laptop this week. The need to earn a living can really be distracting. This weeks Micro News features updates from The National, Mission of Burma, Arcade Fire, and Radiohead

On May 20th The National will release A Skin, A Night. A film that was director by Vincent Moon. The film captures the creative process of the band in the studio recording the fantastic Boxer. You can check out the trailer here. A Skin, A Night will be accompanied by The Virginia EP. The 12 song EP will include demos, live versions,British B-sides and an unreleased track, You've Done it Again, Virginia.

The Virginia EP's track listing:
You've Done It Again, Virginia
Santa Clara
Blank Slate
Tall Saint (demo)
Without Permission
Forever After Days (demo)
Slow Show (demo)
Lucky You (Daytrotter session)
Mansion on the Hill (live)
Fake Empire (live)
About Today (live)

Mission of Burma will be playing four shows this June in support of the recently released Mission of Burma: The Definitive Editions. These special shows will feature MOB playing either Signals, Calls, and Marches or Vs. in its entirety. They will play two shows in New York and two shows in Boston.
Here's the details on the Boston shows:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
performing the album Signals
Friday, June 13, 2008
performing the album VS
Paradise Rock Club
Boston, MA

Congratulations to Arcade Fire for being presented with Alternative Album of the Year at Canada's Juno Awards on Sunday night.

Let's pretend that you've been out of the country or trapped under something heavy and haven't heard the long awaited confirmation of the Radiohead show at The Tweeter Center on August 13th. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 AM via the usual ticket outlets. So I guess I'll be spending my Saturday morning in front of my computer hitting the refresh button. Good luck if you'll be in the hunt.

Radiohead Tour Announcement
This is still unconfirmed but it looks like Radiohead will play The Tweeter Center on August 13th. My brother just sent me this link, so let me give him the credit. Here's the story the way it appeared at ateaseweb just a few hours ago. Radiohead’s Boston show will take place at Mansfield’s Tweeter Center. The band will play the venue exactly 5 years after their last show: August 13 2008. Apparently, tickets for the show go on sale April 12th. Once further details are revealed or an official announcement is made I'll be sure to pass it along.

The Fenway Recordings Sesssions #56-58/Elf Power Ticket Giveaway
The thing I miss most about my former life in radio is the free stuff. Does that make me shallow? I hope not. The bottom line is that everyone loves something for nothing, especially when the something is free tickets to a great show happening this weekend. Through the generosity of Phil at Fenway Recordings and Live Nation I am able to offer up the first ticket giveaway here at The Ash Gray Proclamation. I have two pair of tickets for this Sunday's session with Elf Power. If you're interested in grabbing these just send me an e-mail to ashgrayproclamation@yahoo.com. It will be a first come first serve policy this time around.

Here's the rundown on this weeks session as well as the other sessions they have planned this month. Sunday, April 6th 2008 - Sessions # 56 presents Elf Power and DJ Carbo, 9pm/18+/$12
Elf Power has a storied history as one of the founding bands of Athens, Georgia's Elephant 6 collective, whose alumni include Of Montreal and Neutral Milk Hotel. Formed in 1994, Elf Power's line-up of talented musicians has differed from album to album, but the band has managed to maintain a distinct style while remaining open to experimentation with their sound. Leader Andrew Rieger's otherworldly lyrical stances, the band's easy way with melody and an overall eclectic approach towards making music is evident on their ninth studio album In a Cave. The current line-up of Rieger, Jimmy Hughes, Derek Almstead, Eric Harris, Laura Carter and Heather McIntosh used a series of experimental recording processes and approaches to make In a Cave one of the most psychedelic Elf Power records in years.
ElfPower

Thursday, April 17th- Sessions #57 presents Jason Collett with Paddy Casey, DJ Carbo at Great Scott, 9pm/18+/$12
When Toronto singer-songwriter Jason Collett (of Broken Social Scene) was mulling over titles for his new album, Here's To Being Here, he stumbled across the line in an anthology of poetry by his friend Emily Haines' (BSS, Metric) late father Paul, a well-known avant-garde jazz poet. "I really love the simple sentiment of the title," says Collett. "I think of it as a toast, a raising of the glass to the notion of being present to the moment." Collett began writing to try to escape the boredom of the suburb of Bramalea where he grew up. He logged time in Toronto bands before going on to craft two full-length albums (1999's Chrome Reflections and 2001's Bitter Beauty). In 2003 he joined the Arts & Crafts family in 2003, and continued to pen songs with a poet's knack for reflection and a journalist's eye for detail.
JasonCollet
Paddy Casey

Wednesday, April 30th Sessions #58 presents The Secret Machines and DJ Carbo, 9pm/18+/$15
The Secret Machines story begins in Dallas, where bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Brandon Curtis, his brother guitarist/vocalist Ben Curtis, and drummer Josh Garza spent some time in lesser-known experimental rock bands. Convinced they were destined for greater things, the trio head to Chicago where they recorded their first EP September 000, before continuing on to New York City. They moved into Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood in November of 2000, living in a one-room loft apartment with no hot water that doubled as their rehearsal space. Word began to spread about the band's fiery live performances and the buzz led to a record deal with Reprise, which released Now Here Is Nowhere in 2004. Secret Machines produced there new album themselves, as they did Now Here Is Nowhere, booking itself into Allaire, a secluded recording studio on a mountaintop in scenic Shokan, New York, and worked, ate, and slept there for three weeks in May and two weeks in July. "Producing ourselves, we came away with the essential nature of preserving the sanctity of the vibe of a recording studio," Brandon says. "When you're doing it yourself, you have to be responsible for dictating the feeling you want." In September, the band traveled to London to mix the album with legendary engineer/producer Alan Moulder.

Great Scott is located at 1222 Comm. Ave in Allston, MA.
Upcoming Sessions:
Thursday, May 1st 2008 Sunday, The Silver State, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, DJ Carbo at Great Scott
Monday, May 19th 2008 - The Long Blondes with Drug Rug, DJ Carbo at Great Scott
Saturday, May 31st 2008- Jeremy Enigk with Damien Jurado DJ Carbo at Great Scott
Thursday, June 5th 2008- Adam Green with DJ Carbo at Great Scott
Sunday, June 8th 2008- Lightspeed Champion with Flowers Forever, DJ Carbo at Great Scott
Thanks again to the good kids at Fenway Recordings.
fenwayrecordings

Studio Activity Vol.1
I am happy to report that Doves have been back in the studio recording. The latest recording session has yielded 5 new songs that could show up on there in progress 4th album. A working title that I hope they stick with is Kingdom of Rust and Jetstream. Like many Doves fans you may be wondering what's taking so long. Andy Williams has become a new dad and must be enjoying fatherhood. Congratulations.

Mercury Rev have been absent far too long in my opinion. I know it's only been 3 years since they released The Secret Migration but it feels like 5. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. It was recently reported on the bands official site that they've been working on a new record somewhere in the Catskills all winter long. A late 2008 release date is on target. The band will play The End of the Road Festival in the UK on September 12th, 13th, and 14th.

You didn't think I'd miss the chance to give a Robert Pollard update did you? On June 3rd Robert Pollard will release his next album Off To Business on his new Guided By Voices Inc. Label. However the 1st release from GBV Inc. will be the Weartherman and Skin Goddess EP, a web only EP that will be a limited to 1000 CD's/500 12" LP's.

The Weatherman and Skin Goddess EP
1.Weatherman and Skin Goddess
2.Kiss The Quiet Man
3.Coat Factory Zero
Release Date 4/15/08
Order information can be obtained at Rockathon

Micro-News

Mark your calendars with red pen because the 6th album from The Silver Jews Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea will be released June 17 on Drag City. As we anxiously await that day Mr. Berman & Co. have recently confirmed some dates in the UK including a set at the always stellar All Tomorrow's Parties May 16th-18th. US dates are expected to be announced as the release date of the new album gets closer.

Things in The Pernice Brothers camp are gearing up as there seems to be some recording activities that I'll have to assume at this point will be the next Pernice Brothers album. In the meantime, Joe is still holed up in the NorthMidwest Territories somewhere, working on the great Canadian novel. He'll be making the trek down south to the resort town (in 1649) of Dorchester , Massachusetts to do what will probably by the first public reading of the new material. On May 29, he will appear with the most gifted writers whose personal emails we have, at a benefit for a local halfway house for alcoholics and drug addicts. Michael Patrick MacDonald, George Pelecanos and Tom Perotta will also appear, and it will be hosted by our pal Neal Huff, whose recent turn as Michael Steintorf on The Wire has made it difficult for me to believe his self-serving lies ever again. But I think he's telling me the truth when he says he'll be there, despite the fact that there's no quid pro quo. Anyway, if you have any interest in attending, follow the link below. Tickets are a little steep - $50 - but it's for a very good cause. Thanks to Joyce and charlie at Ashmont Records for providing us with this much needed update. For further details on the Raise The Roof Benefit check out ashmontrecords.com

Lastly I feel obligated to remind you that XMU will begin the SXSW recast of sets they recorded last week in Austin, TX. Listen to XMU today & tomorrow beginning at 9am West, Noon East, as we present the PASTE MAGAZINE AND STEREOGUM - DEL LOUNGE SHOWCASE RECAST. Check out XMUNation for full details.

Happy St. Patrick's Day
The (reunited) Pogues are in town this week for two shows at The Orpheum. So if you're lucky enough to be holding an extra ticket... I beg you..take me! I dropped the ball big time and never grabbed tickets. Alright I'll except my fate of a Pogue-less week and stop the begging. I am working on hooking up an mp3 hosting service shortly, so I can share some audio content here. Until then here's a gem from If I Should Fall From Grace With God and perfect tune for St. Paddy's Day.
Sláinte

Thousands Are Sailing
The island it is silent now
But the ghosts still haunt the waves
And the torch lights up a famished man
Who fortune could not save
Did you work upon the railroad
Did you rid the streets of crime
Were your dollars from the white house
Were they from the five and dime
Did the old songs taunt or cheer you
And did they still make you cry
Did you count the months and years

Or did your teardrops quickly dry
Ah, no, says he, 'twas not to be
On a coffin ship I came here
And I never even got so far
That they could change my name
Thousands are sailing
Across the western ocean
To a land of opportunity
That some of them will never see
Fortune prevailing
Across the western ocean
Their bellies full
Their spirits free
They'll break the chains of poverty
And they'll dance
In Manhattan's desert twilight
In the death of afternoon
We stepped hand in hand on Broadway
Like the first man on the moon
And "The Blackbird" broke the silence
As you whistled it so sweet
And in Brendan Behan's footsteps
I danced up and down the street
Then we said goodnight to Broadway
Giving it our best regards
Tipped our hats to Mister Cohen
Dear old Times Square's favorite bard
Then we raised a glass to JFK
And a dozen more besides
When I got back to my empty room
I suppose I must have cried
Thousands are sailing
Again across the ocean
Where the hand of opportunity
Draws tickets in a lottery
Postcards we're mailing
Of sky-blue skies and oceans
From rooms the daylight never sees
Where lights don't glow on Christmas trees
But we dance to the music
And we dance
Thousands are sailing
Across the western ocean
Where the hand of opportunity
Draws tickets in a lottery
Where e'er we go, we celebrate
The land that makes us refugees
From fear of Priests with empty plates
From guilt and weeping effigies
And we dance

Being There
Are you at work wishing you could have made 2008 the year you made it to SXSW? I feel your pain. Sure there's been great performances that we've missed and many more scheduled throughout the rest of the week. Do I have a point you ask? Well yes my point is that all is not lost as long you have access to XM Satellite radio. I get a few channels via my satellite TV provider and heard this mentioned yesterday and thought I'd share. You can listen to XMU Friday & Saturday, March 21st, & 22nd beginning at 9am West, Noon East,as they present the XMU PASTE MAGAZINE SHOWCASE RECAST. They've been good enough to record sets this week play them for us. The recast will include sets from, but not limited to Nada Surf, Destroyer, and Blitzen Trapper. It's the best thing I could find short of being there. SXSW in 2009? Perhaps.
XMU

Micro-News
A few minutes of free time has led me back to another post. My work schedule does not always permit a lot of time for this blog. So I'll take advantage while I can.

Robert Pollard's March Madness has absolutely nothing to do with the NCAA basketball tournament. Pollard's March Madness is a sale of Pollard collectibles that started this morning and last through the end of March. The photo above, For All The Good Kids is just a sample of the rare items up for grabs. ALL proceeds will go directly to the Miami Valley Housing Opportunities P.A.T.H. Program. PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) is an outreach program in Montgomery County, Ohio, in which staff members seek out persons with mental illnesses who are experiencing homelessness and help them take the steps to get off the streets and into permanent housing. PATH builds relationships with those in homelessness by supplying basic items such as food, clothing and other essential items. PATH encourages participants to seek services that will make positive impacts in their lives. PATH makes referrals to local health care agencies, human services, and other social service agencies. The ultimate goal is to guide PATH participants from homelessness to permanent housing. This is a great way to contribute to an excellent cause and grab some cool Pollard merchandise. All the deatails and a list of items can be accessed on robertpollard.net

Okkervil River guitarist Brian Cassidy will play his last show with band tonight when they play backing band to Rocky Erickson at the Austin Music Awards. Cassidy and his wife our expecting there first child and has decided to stop touring the free world in favor of being a Dad. Replacing Brian for this spring and summer dates is none other than The Wrens' Charles Bissell. Unfortunately there is no New England date scheduled. Great news for those of you holding tickets for the upcoming shows with New Pornogrpahers, but not so good for the rest of us waiting for the next Wrens album. I know, I know everything in due time.

My head has been hi-jacked by the excellent Gutter Twins-Saturnalia album. For the unfamiliar The Gutter Twins are Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan. Saturnalia is a a head full of dark broding rock. The album sounds like a full collaboration and not 6 Dulli and 6 Lanegan tracks. I have a feeling we'll see this on a lot of lists come December. The Gutter Twins play the Paradise on March 18th.

Super Furry Animals
with Times New Viking
Paradise Rock Club 2/23/08

I don't get out to see Live music nearly as much as I'd like. So when the planets align and a baby sitter is available I jump at the opportunity to catch a Live show. Mrs. Speakers and I hit The Paradise a little over a week ago to catch Super Furry Animals with Times New Viking. As the house lights went down SFA hit the stage decked out in there cowboy garb, think The Flying Burrito Brothers without all the sparkles. From the opening of Slow Life to the final chords of Keep The Cosmic Trigger Happy they fired through an excellent set brimming with would be and should be hits. The band let there fans vote for the songs they wanted to hear during this brief US Tour. This proved to be a great idea because this set list was flawless.



Slow Life (with helmet)
Rings Around the World
The Gateway Song
Run-away
Do or Die
Golden Retriever
Uuuurth (with audience participation)
The Gift that keeps on Giving
Neo Consumer
Fire in My Heart
Zoom!
Receptacle for the Respectable (with real carrot munching and spewing)
Uuuurth 2 (with audience participation)
Juxtaposed With You
Into the Night
Baby Ate My Eightball
Calimero
Hello Sunshine
Man Don’t Give a Fuck (with helmet)
Uuuurth 3 (with audience participation)
Keep the Cosmic Trigger Happy
Set list courtesy of Scott

Times New Viking delivered a ramshackle but excellent set showcasing songs from there Matador Records debut Rip it Off. The Ohio 3 piece has gotten heaps of praise from the indie press and after bearing witness to there Live show, I have to say the hype is right on.

Photo's courtesy of Mrs. Speakers

Micro-News
As the snow begins to pile up on the lawn I thought I'd take this opportunity to get caught up on the latest music news that you may have missed over the last 7 days as well as a preview to this weekends much anticipated Super Furry Animals show.

Earlier this week Robert Pollard announced that he has parted amicably with Merge Records and will release his new album Robert Pollard Is Off To Business on June 2nd via his brand new Guided By Voices, Inc. label. Off To Business will be the only proper "Robert Pollard" full length for 2008. However June 2nd is also the day that Fantagraphics' Town Of Mirrors: The Reassembled Imagery of RobertPollard, a lavish coffee-table book retrospective of Pollard's collage art and lyrics, as well as several Pollard art exhibits. The first release on GBV Inc. will be a 3-song EP released April 8, available only through www.robertpollard.net. The limited edition EP (cd & 12" 33 1/3 vinyl) will include one album standout "Weatherman And Skin Goddess" plus two exclusive non-album tracks. Thanks to Rich Turiel for posting the details of these releases.

Spiritualized have announced plans to release there first new album in over five years with Songs in A&E. The album is set to drop in the UK and Europe on May 19th. As of this post there is no information as to when the album will see the light of the day in the US. Can you say import?

Artic Monkey's frontman Alex Turner is preparing to release his first release from his side project, The Last Shadow Puppets The Age of the Understatement on Domino May 6th. The albums includes the 22-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra on some tracks. We'll get a preview of The Last Shadow Puppets when Domino releases The Age of the Understatement single on April 15th.

Saturday night will bring Super Furry Animals to the Paradise in support of there excellent Hey Venus album. I've been kicking myself for missing the Gruff Rhys' show at the Berkley Performance Center last year, so I'm pretty excited for this show. The bonus is, the owners of one of the my favorite releases of this young year Times New Viking are supporting. I'll post some kind of review next week.

Wilco's Winter Residency

Wilco is streaming tonight's 5th and final show of there Winter Residency live from the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. The Show starts at 7:30 Central Time. You can listen here.

Supernatural Superserious

REM are set to release Accelerate on April 1st. Until then you can check out Supernatural Superserious via the bands site.
I can not get this song out of my head!
It's great to hear Micheal Stipe sing something with a little balls to it.
I'll hold off before crowning this the return to form I've been hoping for until I hear the entire record. For now I'll keep hitting the repeat button.
Check out REMHQ.

Ski's and Micro-News


As I patiently wait for Radiohead to confirm a show in our city I'll go with the random. All I know for sure is that the Boston show is on the list of cities that they plan to play. The rest of the details should be announced shortly. I hope.

On a personal note I recently spent some time in New Hampshire with Mrs. Speakers for a brief getaway. Neither one of us had been on ski's in about 5 years so we jumped at the opportunity to get on the hill for a great day and fresh powder.


Here's a quick piece of music news form Mission of Burma to get us back in the swing of things.

Definitive Burma
on March 18th Matador Records are set to re-issue definitive versions of Mission of Brurma's Ace of Hearts catalog. Signals, Calls, and Marches, Vs., and The Horrible Truth About Burma will include bonus material and DVD's of Live footage including a show that was billed as the bands final performance at the Bradford Hotel in Boston 1983. The full details of these re-issues can be found here

The Last List of 2007

Before I can move forward and embrace the releases of 2008 I felt the need to share my favorite releases from the year gone by. It's just another list to toss on the 2007 fire. It was compiled and written by yours truly and as always I felt the need to post my opinions. Please free to share some feedback. Your thoughts are always welcome here. Thank you for reading and supporting the AGP.


The Ash Gray Proclamations Favorite 20 Albums of 2007


20.Sunset Rubdown- Random Spirit Lover (Jagjaguwar)
When he wasn't working on the next Wolf Parade album or playing with the Swan Lake Spencer Krug was recording the excellent Random Spirit Lover. With a solid song cycle steeped in magic and mythology Random Spirit Lover proves to be one of Krugs finest efforts.


19.Idlewild- Make Another World (Sanctuary)
Make Another World is a return to the guitar rock of Idlewild's early recordings. They've ditched the ballads of there last couple of releases in favor of 10 guitar driven pop anthems. A welcome return to form and great straight up rock record.


18.Menomena- Friend and Foe (Barsuk) This Portland Or. band delivered my eureka album of the year. How the hell did I go this long without hearing this band. Friend of Foe is filled with off kilter pop gems.


17.Modest Mouse-We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank(Epic)
Enter Johnny Marr for the most accessible Modest Mouse album without ever seeming like Brock & Co. were aiming for the top 40. This album is terrific, from the abrasive to beautiful and it includes my favorite song of 2007, Parting of the Sensory.




16.Buffalo Tom- Three Easy Pieces (New West)
Three Easy Pieces marks the 1st album of new material in 9 years from Buffalo Tom. I bought this album because I'm a long standing fan of BT.I kept listening because this album is everything I could have hoped for,superbly written guitar pop.



15.Iron & Wine- The Shepherd's Dog (Sub Pop)
Until his collaboration with Calexico in 2005 Iron & Wine albums were for the most part a solo affair. On The Shepard's Dog Sam Beam's lushed out vocals are supported by a wide range of instrumentation that elevate this album to Iron & Wine's best work to date.


14.Spoon- Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Merge)
The little speakers are big fans of The Underdog and so are the rest of us around here. Spoon finds a way to be adventurous without ever losing their focus. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a bold pop record of near perfection.


13.Ted Leo and Pharmacists- Living with the Living(Touch & Go)
This album was constantly playing in the car and on my ipod for a good reason. It rocks to put it simply. Recorded by Brendan Canty at North Brookfield's Longview Farms. Living with the Living is Leo's most diverse and politically charged record and it's also one his best.


12.Battles- Mirrored(Warp)
I cant remember having a listening experience quite like the one I had the 1st time I heard mirrored. Battles have created a blissful yet chaotic record with Mirrored. With each listen I was drawn in even more as the the melodic genius revealed itself.



11.Explosions In The Sky - All of The Sudden I Miss Everyone(TemporaryRes) An album that improves on there past recordings with there most consistent release to date. Once again they prove to be head and shoulders above there post- rock brethren. A stunning listen from beginning to end.


10.Wilco-Sky Blue Sky(Nonesuch)
This is what we call a grower kids. Sky Blue Sky took some repeated listening before I got it. At least I think I did. It's about jamming at Bonnaroo right? All kidding aside, on there eighth studio album Wilco shed some of the experimentalism for some 70's influenced guitar rock. When the guitars subside Jeff Tweedy reigns the band in for the albums quietest but strongest tracks.


09.Circus Devils- Sgt. Disco(Ipecac)
Sgt. Disco is the 5th and latest release from Circus Devils. The on-going collaboration between Robert Pollard and multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Tobias. You would think that with 32 tracks things might get tedious but it never does. Sgt Disco manages to accomplish something quite impressive, it reveals an accessibility without losing any of the prog-pop fire of the the Circus Devils previous output. To put it simply Sgt. Disco fxxking rocks.


08.Arcade Fire- Neon Bible(Merge)
Arcade Fire have followed up there sparkling debut record with an album that rivals Funeral on every level. Neon Bible is a righteous and powerful record worthy of your attention and praise.


07.Panda Bear- Person Pitch(Paw Tracks)
This record is remarkable. A kaleidoscope of Beach Boys drenched Psychedelia from Noah Lennox A.K.A. Panda Bear. Person Pitch is certainly more accessible than his main project, Animal Collective. However it retains the experimentalism and warmth that has made all his records so compelling. Person Pitch is a Gorgeous and inventive album from beginning to end.



06Okkervil River- The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
I was looking forward to this release all year and when it finally arrived it did not disappoint. Okkervil River deliver another superb collection of dark litteral pop. The Stage Name is an outstanding album From the guitar rock gem of Unless it's kicks to the stunning closer John Allyn Smith Sails, complete with the Sloop John B chorus. Without question one of the finest releases of the year.



05Dinosaur Jr.- Beyond (Fat Possum)
I have to admit when I heard the original line up of Dinosaur Jr. was reuniting I was a little skeptical of it all. How do you follow up the three records that this line-up recorded in the 80's for SST? With a outstanding record that rivals anything that came before. Beyond is all that and more. Dinosuar Jr. has never sounded better to these years. Welcome back gentlemen.



04Radiohead- In Rainbows (Self Released)
I'm not sure what I respect more, the fact that Radiohead raised there collective middle fingers to their label or that they've released there strongest collection of songs in years. It's hard to argue with this record being on the top of any year end list. In Rainbows is a masterful reinvention.


03.Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam (Domino)
To me this is the sleeper of the year. Animal Collective have successfully evolved without losing any of there weird charm. Strawberry Jam is there most focused effort to date party due to the fact that you can understand almost every word that vocalist Avey Tare and Panda Bear mutter. Strawberry Jam may not be just be the bands finest hour, but a hint at what's coming next. Deconstruction has never sounded better.


02.Robert Pollard- Coast to Coast Carpet of Love(Merge)
This is the record you've been waiting for Robert Pollard to make.Coast To Coast Carpet of Love is a sublime rock record full of hooks and pop magic. This album is full of remarkable moments, listen to songs like Slow Hamilton and Current Desperation once and you'll be hooked. Coast to Coast Carpet of Love is full of 16 creamy guitar anthems. It might just make someone start a band. Yeah it's that kind of record.



01.The National- The Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
Ever since hearing there sophomore album Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers I've been singing the praises of The National. With each album the band has raised the bar and The Boxer continues that tradition. Like some of my favorite albums with repeated listens The Boxer reveals itself and uncovers some of it's hidden treasures. The Boxer is a smart and moody masterpiece from America's best band.

Superman Was A Rocker

This news comes to us courtesy of Rich Turiel and the good people at Rockathon Records. Thanks Rich.

ROBERT POLLARD - SUPERMAN WAS A ROCKER (HAPPY JACK ROCK RECORDS 15)

Robert Pollard's Superman Was A Rocker is a return to old ways for Bob. This mini-album (13 songs, 30 minutes) finds Bob using recording methods that he hasn't engaged in since the old GBV days.

Bob recently poured through a bunch of old cassette tapes of his and found some great instrumentals that he either wrote or co-wrote, and never used. He decided to go into the studio and put vocals (and melodies!) over them. The music spans a 20+ year period

Due to the span of time and body of work from which the clips were accessed, many of the classic GBV alumni appear on this album; Tobin Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, Kevin Fennell, Doug Gillard, Nate Farley.


NOTE: The CD/LP will be distributed world wide by Revolver and will be in stores on JANUARY 29th.

You can check out the mp3 of Love Your Spaceman right here

Another Christmas Past

I hope all the AGP readers had a nice Christmas holiday and I wish you all a Happy New Year. As the year comes to a close the flood gates have opened with year end lists from everyone from Pitchfork to The Phoenix and everyone in between. The ever growing staff at the Ash Gray Proclamation will also toss their list onto the the year end bonfire.

I expect to have this list of opinions and hyperbole posted sometime after the 1st of the year. Until then here's some news from two artists that need no introduction at least on this blog.

Robert Pollard has been working with former GBV members Doug Gillard, Tobin Sprout, as well as brother Jim Pollard on the forthcoming Superman Was A Rocker. The album is due on January 29th through Pollard's Happy Jack Rock Records.

Today Thom Yorke revelaed that Radiohead will be broadcasting a pre-recorded performace of tracks from In Rainbows filmed at the bands Oxford studio. You can check the performance out at radiohead.tv or on Al Gore'television station current. The events begins at 12 in the UK so lets just call it early evening here in the states.

Suburban Christmas Cards and a Present

The snow has just begun to fall here in America's home town. I started up the snow blower to assure that it is in opperational condition, I've just popped in the the excellent Random Spirit Lover from Sunset Rubdown and I'm ready for the 1st measurable snow fall of the season.

On to some worthy post material. Okkervil River has given permission for you to open there holiday gift early this year. The Golden Opportunities Mix tape is available for free download at the bands site Okkervil River Golden Opportunities was recorded on tour from 2006 to 2007 and includes 8 covers and 1 new track, the stunning Listening to Otis Redding at Home During Christmas. You'll definitely want to add that to your holiday play list.


Super Furry Animals finally drop there eighth album and first via Rough Trade Hey Venus on January 22nd. Hey Venus was released in August overseas to much acclaim. I for one can not wait to get my hands on this one.
SFA will play The Paradise on February 23rd.

Robert Pollard 12.31.07 The Metro Chicago,IL

For many Pollard fans this past weekends shows will have to be read about and not seen. Luckily the good kids from Strong Lions, the fan e-mail list of witch I am member have shared a set list and a video.

OUR GAZE
COUNT US IN
RUD FINS
A HERO BLOWS THE REVOLUTION
PSYCHO INERTIA
ISLAND LOBBY
GIVE UP THE GRAPE
PEGASUS GLUE FACTORY
THE KILLERS
CUSTOMER'S THROAT
LIFE OF A WIFE
SHE GOES OFF AT NIGHT
CURRENT DESPERATION
SHADOW PORT, GET A FACEFUL
LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
THE RIGHT THING
PILL GONE GIRl
I IN THE WORLD
SLOW HAMILTON
YOUTH LEAGUES
WHEN WE WERE SLAVES
PNUMBRA DUMB LADY
PIVOTAL FILM
NOW TO WAR
CHOKING TARA
I AM A SCIENTIST
MOTION SICKNESS GHOST
BOXING ABOUT
I FEEL GONE AGAIN
SPIDER EYES
FOLDED CLAWS
DON'T TRUST ANYBODY
SKILLS LIKE THIS
DANCING GIRLS AND DANCING MEN
FEEL NOT CRUSHED
MILES UNDER THE SKIN
CUT OUT WITCH
CATS LOVE A PARADE
ENCORE
A SALTY SALUTE
PICTURES OF LILY
RHODA RHODA
US MUSTARD CO
LOVE IS STRONGER THAN WITCHCRAFT
SHOCKER IN GLOOMTOWN
GAME OF PRICKS
RECOVERING
ENCORE 2
GIRLS OF WILD STRAWBERRIES
MOTOR AWAY

Thanks to Brian Felhandler for providing this video.
Our Gaze recorded at Southgate House Newport, KY 11.30.07
Our Gaze

I will most likely have this video posted in the next day or so. Until then enjoy!