While in line to get into the show last evening, some nice folks kindly informed us that we were all going to hell. I wonder if they do that at all shows at the Civic Coliseum or just for things like Nine Inch Nails. I was handed an informative pamphlet before I knew what was going on. All I can say is that I am happy I have AmEx and MasterCard and not Visa!

Whoa! This clip from NIN’s Toronto show tells me that tonight is gonna kick so much ass!!!

Way back in 1987, MTV was showing the Top 20 Video Countdown in syndication. It was the only way I could watch music videos as we live too far away from a main road for cable. So, I was a religious watcher until one night the show came on and annoucer said it was their last in syndication. That night they played a weird mix of videos and The Cure‘s “Why Can’t I Be You” was right smack in the middle.

I had heard of The Cure for a while but had never heard them. I remember Jim Barton would run around school in his The Cure T-Shirt (“Head on the Door” logo version). I was always curious as the cool art kids seemed to know who they were. Well, after seeing the video, I knew who they for sure and was out purchasing my first Cure album (“Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me“) the next week.

And here I am, over 20 years later and there’s a new Cure album coming out in about two months. I can tell you I am gonna be just as excited about purchasing it as I was purchasing my first one.

In exactly one week I will be jetting over into Tennessee to see Nine Inch Nails live in Knoxville. I can’t wait!!!

The new Nine Inch Nails album “The Slip” is now out in a physical format. Be sure and grab it quick ’cause the pressing is limited to 250,000 copies, each individually numbered, with a DVD of NIN performing live tracks from The Slip at rehearsals, a 24-page booklet, and an exclusive sticker pack.

It’s only three weeks until I see Mr. Reznor and Co. live in Knoxville. I can’t wait!!!

The new Cure single “Sleep When I’m Dead” (Mix 13) and companion track “Down Under” are now available. This is the third of four singles will hit stores over the next few months leading up to the September release of the new Cure album. Get thee to your favorite traditional or online retailer and get them … now!!!

“Sleep When I’m Dead” (Mix 13)
“Down Under”

Lordy. This three day holiday weekend couldn’t come any sooner. This seems to have been one of those weeks with anxiety issues and feelings of total inadequacies at work. But, tomorrow there will be lots of friends to distract me and over the weekend meetings with folks I haven’t seen in a long, long time.

In celebration of the holiday, here’s some loud and raucous British music …

Does It Offend You, Yeah? – With A Heavy Heart (I Regret To Inform You) [3.8 MB]

How can you not love Flight of the Conchords?

Saturday, Jeff and I trekked to Atlanta to see R.E.M. in Atlanta.

Wow! They put on one hell of a show.

The National and Modest Mouse opened. The National was okay … their songs were pretty repetitive (in my opinion). Modest Mouse, on the other hand, really rocked. I had not ever heard them before but (based on the strength of that set they played) I am gonna have to get some of their albums.

The R.E.M. set was two hours of pure fantastic! I really like the video screen set up they had for their stage which was lots of live feeds from the stage. They played a good mix of old and new songs. Highlights for me were “Man-Sized Wreath,” “I’m Gonna DJ,” “The One I Love,” “Nightswimming” and “Elcotrolite” (with the sea of cellphone lights music break … it was cool).

#rematl

The new Cure single “Freakshow” (Mix 13) and companion track “All Kinds of Stuff” are now available. This is the second of four singles will hit stores over the next few months leading up to the September release of the new Cure album. Get thee to your favorite traditional or online retailer and get them … now!!!

“Freakshow” (Mix 13)
“All Kinds of Stuff”

The new Aimee Mann album “@#%&*! Smilers” came out yesterday. This release somehow snuck up on me. So, do like I am doing and get your ass out there and pick up a copy … ’cause Aimee Mann is the coolest.

Don’t forget that the new Cure single “The Only One” (Mix 13) and companion track “NY Trip” are now available. Get thee to your favorite traditional or online retailer and get them … now!!! That is all.

“The Only One” (Mix 13)
“NY Trip”

Whenever I here Miss Kittin‘s spectacular tune “Frank Sinatra” all I can think about is sleeping on BJ‘s kitchen floor and hanging out at his apartment. Good Memories!