Tech blog Ars Technica has updated an earlier story that claimed the new iTunes LP digital format would be closed to select major labels and carry a $10,000 production fee. Apple has corrected the claim, stating:

We’re releasing the open specs for iTunes LP soon, allowing both major and indie labels to create their own. There is no production fee charged by Apple.

iTunes LPs are enhanced digital albums sold in the company’s iTunes store. They are built with standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and can contain graphics and video in addition to the music. Given the technologies involved, an experienced web developer should have the skill set to to produce an iTunes LP package. No time table has been announced for the release of the spec.

AFI‘s recent record Crash Love and Paramore‘s new album Brand New Eyes were among the first albums released in this format.
Source Continue reading Apple to open iTunes LP format →

Star Fucking Hipsters visited the Beeb to record a session with Radio 1’s Punk Show with Mike Davies. Along with an interview, they performed “911 An Inside Joke,” “3000 Miles Away” and “Immigrants and Hypocrites.”

Check out the details and set list here.
Source Continue reading Star F’ing Hipsters visit Radio 1’s Punk Show →

The people behind Exclaim! magazine and Toronto blog/zine/label JUICEBOXdotcom have launched a new half-hour TV series titled Talk Show Night At Juicebox Manor, set to run on the AUX network. The show will feature interviews, fiel segments, and live performances from bands like Andrew WK, the The Thermals, Fucked Up, A Wilhelm Scream, Fugazi‘s Joe Lally, Alexisonfire and many others. In the press release the show described their vision:

Talk Show Night At Juicebox Manor aims to bring bands into a comfortable environment to talk about a bunch of stuff that isn’t their latest record or recent European tour. It’s a show about hanging out with your friends and eating a lot of pizza. Buzz words and phrases that have been tossed around to describe it include “intelligent debauchery,” “dangerously close to journalism,” and “all the bands you love doing the stuff you love.”

More information including photos and crew bios can be found in an EPK.
Source Continue reading A Wilhelm Scream, Joe Lally, the Thermals and more on Talk Show Night At Juicebox Manor →

We’ve posted some new reviews. You can check them out below:

• Every Time I Die – New Junk Aesthetic
• The Psychedelic Furs / Happy Mondays – live in Philadelphia
• Sherwood – QU
• Polar Bear Club / Crime in Stereo / Ruiner – live in Cleveland
• Andrew Jackson Jihad – Can’t Maintain
• Doomriders – Darkness Come Alive
• JEFF the Brotherhood – Heavy Days
• The Subhumans (Canada) – live in Vancouver
• Yesterday’s Ring – Diamonds in the Ditch
• When Icarus Falls – Over the Frozen Seas

You can check out any of our 8730 reviews right here
Source Continue reading Tuesday, October 13 2009 →

Old Canes, the new project from Chris Crisci of Appleseed Cast, Kelly Hangauer (4th Of July), Lucas Oswald (Minus Story), Taylor Holenbeck, Joey Henry (Calamity Cubes), Jordan Geiger (Minus Story) and John Anderson (Boy’s Life / White Whale) have announced a tour of the US in support of their Saddle Creek Records album, Feral Harmonic, due out October 20, 2009.

Source Continue reading Old Canes →

1997 have posted the video for “A Fearless Heart.”

Source Continue reading 1997: “A Fearless Heart” →

Junius have booked a run of dates beginning this month. They are supporting their freshly released (and freely downloadable) album, The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist.

Source Continue reading Junius / Tombs / Irepress →

Oregon’s own Broadway Calls have proven themselves to be more than your typical run of the mill punk band. With their extensive tour schedule planned for their new record Good Views, Bad News on SideOneDummy Records,one thing for certain is that Broadway Calls does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Noah W.K. spoke with singer Ty Vaughn about a handful of current topics, including, the new album, Green Day and the influence of being from the state of Oregon.

Source Continue reading Ty Vaughn (Broadway Calls) →

Season Two of Vinyl Vlog is underway, with the boys two episodes in already (and all of it happening right under our noses, admittedly). The initial two episodes feature interviews with Ringers and The Riot Before, respectively.

In addition to that, all past episodes of Vinyl Vlog can be viewed at their Vimeo page.
Source Continue reading New-ish episodes of Vinyl Vlog featuring Ringers and The Riot Before →

Dirty Laundry have posted their newest episode, with this one featuring Vivian Girls. Host Malia James spoke with the Brooklyn-based trio, covering their infamous “normal people” interview, and helped expose their inner geek.

Source Continue reading Dirty Laundry talks to Vivian Girls →

Frank Portman has launched the video for his song, “Andromeda Klein,” which is inspired by and focuses on the eponymous star of the novel, Andromeda Klein. The video itself brings to life many of the images and themes of the The Mr. T Experience singer’s novel.

Source Continue reading Dr. Frank: “Andromeda Klein” →

Weezer has launched a new iTunes pass, which provides a subscription-style release of content from now and beyond the proper release of their new album, Raditude on November 3, 2009. The series kicks off with Weezer’s cover of The Clash hit, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” and new content in weekly instalments until November 24th.

All in, the iTunes Pass includes a deluxe version of the band’s new album Raditude plus exclusive additional tracks, live recordings, remixes, behind-the-scenes video footage and the music video for single “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.”

Check it out (including a 30 second preview of the live Clash cover) here.
Source Continue reading Weezer releases iTunes pass with Clash cover, more →

Jon Cougar Concentration Camp has recorded a cover album featuring the entirety of Screeching Wease’s My Brain Hurts

The album is limited to 500 vinyl LPs only but you can stream the record via their Bandcamp site or buy it at interpunk.com.
Source Continue reading Jon Cougar Concentration Camp covers Screeching Weasel on new LP →