The new Arctic Monkeys album, 'Suck It And See,' won't be out until next week, but you can stream the whole enchilada at the band's Web site right now. You can preorder the album at Amazon for the incredibly affordable low price of $7.99. That's one way to get the kids buying again.
This is my first Memorial Day in the Pacific Northwest. It's one of those typically cool and cloudy days that define Seattle. Back at my old stomping grounds of Chicago, it was a sunny 88 degrees at first pitch of the Cubs game. So, while family and friends back in the Midwest are grilling weenies and catching rays, I'm inside, in front of the tube, watching my team get slaughtered. I bleed Cubbie blue, but today I'm green with envy. On second thought, I am blue. I...I...I... just want to be warm.
Liam Finn hasn't had a full-length LP since 'I'll Be Lightning' in 2007. That record was a pop masterpiece on par with some of his father's best work. One song, "Second Chance," even made my list of the best songs from the past decade. His new album, 'FOMO,' means "fear of missing out." I certainly won't fall into that camp. I plan to preorder the June 21 release via Yep Roc.
With the revenue-racking Pavement reunion tour behind him, Stephen Malkmus has returned to his solo work with the Jicks. According to Matador Records' blog, Malkmus' new album, called 'Mirror Traffic,' will be released Aug. 23. The Beck Hansen-produced record will mark the last appearance of Jicks' drummer Janet Weiss. She will be missed. Matador hasn't released too much other information on this one. In fact, we haven't even seen a tracklist yet, but the label promises a mp3 soon. I, for one, can't wait. It's been too long.
First off, big thanks to Marshall Crenshaw for finally having a respectable Web presence. Getting up-to-date info on you -- such as when that series of 7" singles you promised will start being released -- has been a challenge for quite a while. At least now I'll know where to look. Also, congratulations on 30 years since you put out your first single, "Something's Gonna Happen." It's your anniversary, but we are receiving the gift. Folks, you can download "Maryanne," recorded live in the summer of 1987 at First Avenue in Minneapolis, from Crenshaw's site or the widget below. It's a great song that appeared on his self-titled debut back in 1982. 
About a month ago, with relatively little fanfare, Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub and Euros Childs, formerly of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, released an underappreciated album under the name Jonny. As it has been about five weeks since it came out (and I haven't mentioned a thing about it), I guess I'm part of the problem. Let's rectify that.
Two of my three all-time favorite artists (David Bowie should probably be in the conversation) made a little music news this week you may have missed.
In other news, Paul McCartney has told Rolling Stone he will be releasing a covers album in early 2012. These will be pre-rock compositions he calls his "dad's style of music." The untitled album is already in the can, and he had planned on recording it a long time ago "but then Rod [Stewart] went mad on it. I thought, 'I have to wait so it doesn't look like I'm trying to do a Rod.'" So, I guess I have another reason to dislike Stewart's work. Diana Krall will appear on some of the songs that Sir Paul describes as "get-home-from-work music. You put it on and get a glass of wine."
As I mentioned the other day, there's an intriguing salute to Buddy Holly coming out on June 28 called 'Rave On Buddy Holly' and, with just a cursory search, you can already hear a few songs from it. So far, the best one comes from Strokes' front man Julian Casablancas. His take on the title track pays homage to the classic while making it all his own. That's the definition of a a great cover. Give it a listen below, and preorder the album right here. Please, somebody with connections, get a hold of the Paul McCartney or She & Him contributions. Thanks to "indieistanbul" for this one.
If, like me, you're a fan of chamber-pop outfit the Clientele, you will want to give Alasdair MacLean's new project, Amor de Días, a listen. The duo (Lupe Núñez-Fernández of Pipas is MacLean's partner in crime) worked on the the debut album off and on for three years during breaks from their main bands, and many of their pals sat in on sessions to produce another beautiful piece of chamber pop. Don't expect a carbon copy of the Clientele, however. There is a heavy Spanish influence, with hints of bossa nova, jazz and night music that makes for a lush but mellow listening experience. 'Street of the Love of Days' will be out this Tuesday on CD or LP with download coupon. You can preorder from Merge now. In the meantime, there are lots of ways to hear Amor de Días right now. Check it all out below.
I'll always have a soft spot for Those Darlins. Two years ago this week they were the subject of my very first post on this blog. After some hot appearances at SXSW in 2009, there was a smatter of chatter on the blogosphere, and I got swept up in the hype. Why wouldn't I? They had a couple of fantastic songs floating around, and their first album was just about to hit the shelves. I completely bought into their trailer-park sensibilities. Songs like the twangy "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" and "Snaggletooth Mama" had my toes tappin' for a month of Sundays. "Wild One" even made my list of the best songs that year. Lately, though, I felt like I was hoodwinked.
R.E.M.'s fourth and last vital album (I'm gonna catch some flak for that) is getting the deluxe treatment. The 25th anniversary edition of 'Lifes Rich Pageant,' out July 12, is a double-disc remastered version with 19 'Pageant'-era demos recorded March 1986 at John Keane’s Studio in Athens, Ga. This is a huge step up from the bonus tracks that appeared on the I.R.S. Vintage Years reissue back in 1993. Having said that, some of those songs should have appeared on the 25th anniversary edition. Preorder here.
Two mentions of Cheap Trick in one week... I could get used to this. There are few covers of Cheap Trick songs that have thrilled me, but this is one big exception. If you don't know Jon Brion, at least get acquainted with him from these three moments of genius:
Both versions of this song have been in my regular rotation for years, and I didn't think there was much more I could learn about them. Then, a few years ago, I got curious about the female background vocals on the Brion version. I was shocked to find out it's the pipes of actress Mary Lynn Rajskub. Turns out the '24' star and Brion were a couple for several years around the time 'Meaningless' was made. I had no idea, which is just ridiculous since I'm a huge fan of hers as well. Admittedly, I have never seen '24.' You may be asking yourself how I could be a fan, then. Well, she was on a couple of the smartest programs ever to hit the small screen, 'Mr. Show' and 'The Larry Sanders Show.' Her best television moments by far, however, come when she takes a seat as a guest on any late-night talk show. She really knows how to spin a hilarious yarn. Wow, that was kind a left turn. Let's get to the tunes.
O, Canada! If you have ever been curious about one the Great White North's greatest exports, here is your best chance to get acquainted with Sloan. You should already know these guys. They have been releasing consistently great records for 20 years now, and their next LP comes out on Tuesday. In honor of this achievement, CBC Radio 3 has the band's entire discography available for streaming right here. This includes the soon-to-be-released 'The Double Cross.' Let me tell you, they sound better than ever. Give it a listen, and then preorder the new album.
Inspired by Ann Logue's post last week on Popdose, here's a look at part of a mix I'm constantly tinkering with for Mrs. LTL!'s workouts. Right now it consists of about 75 songs. The idea is for her to to be able to start exercising at any point in the mix and hear several songs to keep her inspired. The tunes are either short, loud, hard, jumpy, poppy, thematic or, occasionally, all of these things. Sometimes they are just a smile. Speaking of smiles, check out these far-out lyrics below from the great Brian Wilson (with some help from Dr. Landy, I'm sure). When a rock star sings about someone's thighs, it's not usually about fat. These words of wisdom are bound to get you on the exercise bike. What are some of the songs that get your blood pumpin'? 
As regular readers know, I'm pretty psyched for the upcoming release by the Cars. Although 'Move Like This' doesn't get a proper release until next Tuesday, you can stream the entire album today at Rolling Stone. I knew from the two music-video releases and the 7" single I picked up on Record Store Day that I wasn't going to be disappointed. Based on what I have been listening to all morning, the fellas haven't missed a beat... even after 24 years. Give it a listen, then preorder right here.
NME's headline reads "Julian Casablancas, Florence Welch and Patti Smith for Buddy Holly tribute album." Pitchfork proclaims "Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Julian Casablancas, Black Keys on Buddy Holly Tribute." Personally, I think it should be "She & Him, Nick Lowe, Jon Brion and Paul McCartney to Cover Buddy Holly." The fact remains, Kid Rock's inclusion not withstanding, Concord Music has assembled an impressive lineup for 'Rave On Buddy Holly,' due to hit the shelves on June 28. One name I'm surprised didn't show up on this record is super-fan Marshall Crenshaw. Along with the tracklist below, enjoy Crenshaw as Holly ripped from my vinyl version of the 'La Bamba' soundtrack. No offense, but this will, no doubt, put a little pressure on Karen Elson.
