The Roots, Yoko Ono, Yo La Tengo, Patti Smith, Charlie Haden (with Robert Wyatt), and Moby are among the initial artists announced for Ornette Coleman’s Meltdown Festival, which takes place in London from June 13-21. Coleman is also set to perform at least twice during the fest, which has been curated in the past by the likes of Massive Attack, Scott Walker, and Jarvis Cocker. [Meltdown; HT The Daily Swarm] More »
Between this Monday’s release of the latest covers-stuffed War Child charity album—which includes the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ take on “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” and Lily Allen‘s drowsy reworking of “Straight To Hell”—and the “what are your favorite cover songs” meme going around Facebook lately, I figured it would be fun to have us all share some of our favorite reworkings of popular songs. A few of mine after the jump, presented with minimal comment because after a week of scandals and Grammys and people not being dead I am wiped out. Feel free to share yours! The newer the better!
There are days (especially when it’s drizzly) when I think British art-rock godfather Robert Wyatt’s version of Elvis Costello’s “Shipbuilding,” where a shipyard laborer reassesses his livelihood in the face of his hard work being used for wartime purposes, at least according to loose talk around… More »
Brit experimental institution The Wire has just dropped its weighty year-end issue, which features Brit experimental (pop) institution Robert Wyatt at No. 1 on its list of the top 50 albums of 2007. As for the rest of the mag’s rundown, it may prominently big up LCD Soundsystem and M.I.A., but hey, it’s also got saxophone records that you can barely hear!
THE GOOD: The Wire is always reliable for a dose of hair-straightening hairshirt noise, serious sound art, and/or free improv. Like Sightings’ brutalist Through at no. 37, Throbbing Gristle’s unexpectedly excellent reunion record at No. 32, or the ramshackle brilliance of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Mick Flower’s duo LP at No. 27.
THE BAD: Rough and tough experimentalists beware: bloggers and message board denizens are already grumbling that The Wire‘s Top 10 features many of the same records that appeared on all sorts of square lists this year. On the other hand, those who feel the magazine has lost the connection to (avant) pop music that marked its ’90s heyday may find this development heartening.
THE WHAAAA? In Rainbows? Even down at No. 34? You’re The Wire! You don’t have to play these mainstream reindeer games!
