He’s Bob Dylan. He can do whatever he wants. The greatest folksinger that ever lived is currently holed up in Jackson Browne’s recording studio putting together what’s sure to be the most bizarre Christmas album ever. Four songs are already done: “Must Be Santa,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Now … not that we don’t think this news is awesome (we do), but who would’ve expected this from Bob Dylan? Definitely not us. source
This is still a concession to homophobia, but one that enables a less rigid definition of the hip-hop self than we’ve seen before. It’s far from a coup, but, in a way, it’s progress.
Slate columnist Jonah Weiner • Who’s obviously thought way too hard about the role of homophobia in hip-hop. While it’s always been there, the latest mutation, the use of the phrase “no homo,” seems to at least offer a degree of wiggle room. “No homo tweaks this dynamic because it allows, implicitly,” he says, “that rap is a place where gayness can in fact be expressed by the guy on the mic, not just scorned in others.” Cam’ron, Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West (who has made statements denouncing homophobia) have all spouted the phrase on record. Is it really a turning point? • source
I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have to keep that garden alive. I see myself as a microcosm – that’s the word – as one example of humanity and of the brokenness of humanity. I’m interested in exploring that on a very personal level in that it might be useful for my own attempt to evolve.
Antony Hegarty, the transgendered mastermind of Antony and the Johnsons • Discussing what he feels he does with his music. As you might imagine from a large-framed transgendered man with a voice akin to Nina Simone, he has an interesting life story, most of it taking place in New York. But a few lucky shakes, particularly from Lou Reed and Devendra Banhart, gave Antony eventual breakout success. Recently, his subject matter has turned from gender identity to pure optimism, optimism which peppers his most recent album, “The Crying Light.” This Pitchfork feature on the singer is a pretty killer read. • source
In our continuing effort to try new things, here’s our latest: Band coverage! This time, indie-pop stalwarts Wheat
(fresh off a solid 7.4 on Pitchfork) discuss their love of music, coffee … and coffee. Want to see your band here? E-mail us or bug us on Twitter!
Listen to them
Q1: In 15 words or less, describe your sound:
Syrup with cream. Maybe some caffeine, maybe some alcohol. Many mistakes kept.
Q2: Name three influences that inspire you, with three words each on why they’re awesome: Family: I try harder Music: I feel lighter Coffee: I keep going
Q3: What’s a recent song you’ve been digging? Write ten words explaining why: Bon Iver: “Woods” Amazing smash of lullaby and bad hip-hop vocoder awesomeness!
Q4: In 140 characters or less, how do you use social networking to get the word out: We use Myspace, Facebook, the regular wheat website, and e-mail. (Is that social networking?) And we still use postcards. I know that might seem old school, but we love the tangible object.
Q5: In 15 words or less, what’s next for you?
Bring our new songs and love to the people. Another song, another record, another coffee.source
Ooh, spooky. Modest Mouse has had a pretty interesting career thus far – from small-time indie icons to chart-topping stars who can call the unspeakably awesome Johnny Marr a member. Now they hold the legacy of having a video directed by gone-too-soon Oscar winner Heath Ledger. Ledger’s unfinished video for “King Rat,” later finished by THE MASSES (a production group Ledger was a partner in), comes out tomorrow on MySpace. So that’s right: Tomorrow, you have a reason to go to MySpace. source
The guy who made the biggest a capella hit ever messes with the minds of people at a science conference, getting them to use the Pentatonic Scale without realizing it. He just hacked their minds, yo.source
Activism needs a direction. As music fans, we've noticed a severe decline in politically-inclined tunes in recent months. Barack Obama's election drew huge support from the indie rock community, but with him in office, it's in need of a reboot. We have some thoughts, in mixtape form.
1. Looking outward: A few years ago, Ted Leo pulled off a neat trick with “The Ballad of the Sin Eater,” turning in solid commentary of America’s place in the world during the height of the Bush era. With the Iranian election still fresh, it’s a line of thought in need of reevaluation. 3. Questioning the spiritual: Fucked Up’s “The Chemistry Of Common Life
” was an amazing, vitriolic statement on spirituality, with “Twice Born” playing centerpiece. From Sufjan Stevens to The Thermals, religion plays a huge role on both sides of this debate. 3. From the outside in: M.I.A.’s done more to bring radical politics to the mainstream than any other modern musician – especially the Sri Lanka conflict. Songs like “Sunshowers” excel at exposing audiences to political opinions outside of guy-with-a-guitar rhetoric. 4. Indifference: Not having an opinion is still an opinion. Cass McCombs analyzes the nature of indifference with “Don’t Vote,” which plays like a modern “Okie from Muskogee.” 5. Going conservative: If you look around the internet for the phrase “republican indie rock,” you’ll be surprised at how little shows up. Cold War Kids may be the best example of a well-known indie band whose lyrical politics lean towards conservatism. As Obama’s poll numbers decline, could we see more of this? source
In our continuing effort to try new things, here’s our latest: Band coverage! This time, a good friend of ours, Skye Zentz puts down her ukulele and throws us some love! Want to see your band here? E-mail us or bug us on Twitter!
Listen to her
Q1: In 15 words or less, describe your sound:
Tropical entree smothered in bluesy overtones on picnic blanket next to Joni Mitchell’s dulcimer.
Q2: Name three influences that inspire you, with three words each on why they’re awesome: Chris Merritt: Brilliant Melodic Bodywash Ani DiFranco: Feminine Guts Galore Rufus Wainwright Second generation folky
Q3: What’s a recent song you’ve been digging? Write ten words explaining why: Beyonce – “Ego”: It plays with your head. Love those early Motown nods.
Q4: In 140 characters or less, how do you use social networking to get the word out: I do what I can with what little digital prowess I have. In short, I connect. Tweet tweet, ya’al. From myspace to your face.
Q5: In 15 words or less, what’s next for you?
Bowling Alley Tour (Praying!), Nursing home and library gigs (Seriously.), Jello Slip-n-slide?source
.” This Pitchfork feature on the singer is a pretty killer read. • 
(fresh off 
pulled off a neat trick with “The Ballad of the Sin Eater,” turning in solid commentary of America’s place in the world during the height of the Bush era. With the Iranian election still fresh, it’s a line of thought in need of reevaluation.
” was an amazing, vitriolic statement on spirituality, with “Twice Born” playing centerpiece. From Sufjan Stevens to The Thermals, religion plays a huge role on both sides of this debate.
analyzes the nature of indifference with “Don’t Vote,” which plays like a modern “Okie from Muskogee.”