What Kind of Democracy? Chinese you say?

Apparently Mr. Rose has given the masters to his label. Who wants to place a friendly wager on whether or not this album will actually come out this year?

...And Here I Thought They Were Gone Forever

Rolling Stone just posted a 2008 album preview article and it's full of surprises.

Remember Robyn? You know the Swedish female pop star from the early 90s? I know the girls reading this remember her and the smash hit "Show Me Love". Wasn't that the greatest dance/sing-a-long song? Anyway she's making her way back into the US spot light with a new album this spring. Little did I know this will be her fourth album, it seems as though she had more than just one hit in her home country. The new Robyn is a little more electronic that the 90s version, not really sure how well this album is going to do. Something tells me if she had broke into the US just a few years ago when Kylie was on her way up the charts she'd have a better chance. It's all about the band wagon!

Now that's only one surprise of many.

Just a few days ago while listening to Shimizu Shota (our bartenders favorite Japanese artist) I was reminded of the smooth stylings of none other than Usher and wondered where the hell he had gone. It seems I spoke too soon because lil' Usher has matured and is releasing his new found manhood onto the world in May.

As if these weren't enough the popular music scene is about to take a real trip back in time where even Nelly is releasing an album. What is the world coming to? What ever happened to one hit wonders? I liked it better when they disappeared all together after their big hit.

Check out the full article here.

Record Store Day - April 19th

On April 19th, 2008 indie record stores all over North America will be celebrating RECORD STORE DAY through various promotions.

For more information on Record Store Day and a list of participating stores click here.

Also joining in on the festivities is CBC Radio 3 who, for one week starting March 19th, will be taking nominations for the best indie record stores in Canada. After receiving all nominations CBC Radio 3 will compile a list of stores for the public to vote on and on April 19th one winner will be chosen as Searchlight's #1 Independent Record Store in Canada.

"CBC Radio 3 will broadcast live from the winning store, which will also receive a winning trophy and plaque, will get rigged with Sirius satellite radio stereo system, and will have a special in-store appearance from their favorite local artist that we will also broadcast live." cbcradio3.com

So you know what that means kids? Get online nominate and vote! (cough* Backstreet *cough). I've checked the nominations so far and the east coast is hardly represented at all, a few noms for Backstreet Records in Saint John and a few more for Taz Records in Halifax. This is a great opportunity for Fredericton's lil' indie record shop that could.

Fall Out Boy vs Michael Jackson

I'm a sucker for Fall Out Boy AND a sucker for covers. They just released a cover of Michael Jacksons "Beat It" and there's nothing bad to be said about it. It's awesome! Check it out here

You'll love it, trust me.

Banana

What Matters? PULLEY!

A new DVD about the first 10 years of Pulley is being released by the band early in March it will be available to purchase from their website. View the trailer here

For the first time since 2004's Matters the band has also finished a bit of recording. Keep an eye on their website and myspace for new songs.

Banana

Crunky Punk

New addition to the Fearless records "Punk Goes" series. Punk Goes Crunk, it was only a matter of time. I so want this!!

See the track listing here

Good and Ready

Kay, so AP.com is streaming a track off of the new Anti-flag due to be released April 1st and I just had a few listens. I have never grinned and giggled like a little girl so much listening to a song than I did listening to "Good and Ready". I read various interviews with members of the band divulging that on this album they were going to try some new things (orchestras, choirs and various instruments). To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect because all Anti-flag albums are pretty much the same with the exception of a few songs here and there ("Cities Burn" from the album For Blood and Empire). If the rest of the album is anything like this one track I will fall in love with Anti-flag all over again and it will be wonderful. ;)

Anti-flag have also enlisted the help of producer Tony Visconti (T. Rex, David Bowie) on this album.