Let the Touring Commence!

As summer approaches, just about everyone's going on tour. Today, a ton of tours were announced.

First, over at Tiny Mix Tapes, we have Mates of State touring the US and the UK starting today and going through the middle of June. The closest they will be getting to us is Colorado, so it's a no-go there.

Pitchfork Magazine announced a ton more tours, too:

The Shins began their tour today in support of their album, Chutes Too Narrow. Of course, the closest they'll be getting to here is Chicago. It's always Chicago. Once again, no show for us.

Maybe we'll have better luck with Eels. Oh, no... wait... no. No luck. They're touring the UK this summer. Columbus, we're 0 for 3. What the heck is wrong with this picture?

Finally, we get one! The Black Keys will kick off their tour on Friday and are playing at Promowest Pavilion on Saturday at the supposedly sold-out 101st day celebration sponsored by CD101. So, good news I suppose if you got tickets... and if you actually like them. As for me, I'm still unfulfilled.

One last chance, and it's... a no. Starflyer 59 are hitting the road at the end of the month, but still no shows for us.

In conclusion, Columbus gets shafted.

In other news...

Brit rockers Franz Ferdinand recently played their first show of 2005 at the London Royal Albert Hall, and there they debuted a few new songs that will likely make it to their new album, slated for release later this year. Meanwhile, band member Alex Kapranos spoke to Xfm about the album and where they're headed. Kapranos cited Bob Dylan and David Bowie as two of their inspirations for the new album. Still no track listing, especially since it is probably still in production, and no release date.

MTV recently interviewed Danger Mouse and Damon Albarn, frontman of Gorillaz, about the band's new album, Demon Days. I particularly like the fact that the subtitle to the article is, "Each deflects interview questions, deferring to the animated musicians."

Prefix Magazine posted part one of their two-part interview with The Decemberists. Topics up for discussion incude John McEnroe, touring Europe, and writing children's books.

And now, news from the not so indie.

Well... I take that back. I guess this is indie. Paris Hilton has been cast opposite Jason Mewes in a new indie film, Bottoms Up, produced by Paul Walker. Sounds like just one more movie to add to my "never ever see" list.

The rumours are true? MTV's Kurt Loder took it upon himself to find out whether Tool member Maynard James Keenan actually accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour. His response: Yes.

Ah, the memories of my adolescence when I had no taste in music are flooding back to me. Travis Barker has reportedly stated that Blink 182 is no more. No official word, but if it's true, expect it soon.

Upcoming Columbus Shows

4.07 - Copeland w/ Lovedrug and Acceptance - The Basement
4.09 - Aesop Rock w/ Hangar 18 and Metro of S.A. Smash - Little Brothers
4.19 - M. Ward w/ Norfolk & Western and DeVotchKa - Little Brothers
4.20 - m83 w/ Ulrich Schlauss (feat. the Moog documentary prior to performance) - The Mershon Black Box
4.21 - Clem Snide w/ Langhorne and Marbles - Little Brothers
4.26 - House of Heroes w/ New Republic - Little Brothers
5.07 - The Decemberists w/ Willy Mason - Little Brothers
5.08 - The Books - Wexner Center

Daily Downloads

The Beatles - 1960s Home Demos (link)
Beck - Guero Bonus Tracks (link)