Modest Mouse Will Debut Video Directed by Ledger

According to Q101.com, indie alternative band Modest Mouse, famous for hits such as "Float On" and "Dashboard" is set to finally release the video for "King Rat" more than a year after its completion. The reason for the delay? The video was directed by actor Heath Ledger before his sudden death in January 2008.

Although the band is keeping quiet on the content of the video itself, the lyrics seem to suggest a highly metaphorical social and personal commentary; a theme expressed throughout the band's discography. As one of Ledger's last works, the release of this video will undoubtedly be even more powerful and resonant. I'm looking forward to it.

Trent Reznor Agrees With Me...Chris Cornell's New Album Is BAD

Rock-star feuds are being facilitated by Twitter, and the results are kind of hillarious. According to Spinner.com Trent Reznor, the man behind Nine Inch Nails, has publicly voiced his disappointment with Chris Cornell's new musical direction through Twitter. As mentioned in an earlier post, Cornell, ex-singer for both Soundgarden and Audioslave, has released a new R&B-inspired solo album called Scream. Reznor, and a large portion of fans, are none too happy with Cornell's musical experimentation. Reznor's twitter post reads:
"You know that feeling you get when somebody embarrasses themselves so badly YOU feel uncomfortable? Heard Chris Cornell's record? Jesus."

Cornell has responded to Reznor's comment through Twitter as well. His post from two days ago reads "what do you think Jesus would twitter? 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone' or 'Has anyone seen Judas? He was here a minute ago.'" Judging by his use of biblical allusions to hypocrisy and betrayal as a response to Reznor's mention of Jesus, Cornell does not seem to be taking the criticism lightly. It will be interesting to see how this dispute plays out, and if it will bear any consequences for these two musical giants.

Lolla Headliners Are Here!

Its official. The headliners for the three nights of Lollapalooza 2009 have been announced. In my humble estimation, they're all quite impressive. Kings of Leon, Jane's Addiction, The Beastie Boys, and Depeche Mode have are set to go on stage this August. The rest of the lineup will arrive in April, but these acts alone are enough to drive anyone into an anxiety attack from the anticipation.

The festival takes place August 7-9 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Tickets for all three days usually cost around $160-200 range, while one day tickets sold for $80 last year. Speaking from personal experience, Lollapalooza is a great experience, especially for music lovers. The sheer amount and variety of bands at the festival make every dollar worth it.

My Chemical Romance Return On "Watchmen" Soundtrack

Last night, while I was sitting in the theater during the ending credits of Watchmen, I realised that the song sounded an awful lot like My Chemical Romance. Turns out I was right. My Chem have released their first new material since 2006's The Black Parade, a cover of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" for the soundtrack to the new movie Watchmen. The song finds the band returning to a rollicking, punkier sound, more reminiscent of earlier work such as "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" and "Vampires Will Never Hurt You."

The difference between the two versions is pretty noticeable. Dylan's 11-minute reflection has been changed into a 3 minute rock anthem. But according to an article at MSN fan reaction has been positive considering the drastic changes. Of course, most My Chem fans have probably never heard the other version, and vice versa.

It will be interesting to see if the song helps sell the soundtrack (which I'm sure is just one of the goals behind its inclusion)...but as the only modern (and in my opinion, unannoying song) of the whole bunch it will have an awful lot to make up for. Even though MCR has put a good song on a bad soundtrack I'm very excited to see what they have in store for us with their new release later this year.

Close...But No Green Day

According to Q101 and FMQB, a a music news website, the first single off Green Day's upcoming LP, 21st Century Breakdown will be released to radio on April 20th. The album which is set to be released in May will be Green Day's first in almost 5 years. It will follow in the vein of American Idiot's style, forming a concept album divided into 3 acts. Rolling Stone sampled 6 tracks and the results were good.

But, as you would expect, there is some controversy as well. The title track was leaked online last week, but has at this point been pulled from youtube and other sites. Apparently, q101 planned to play the song, but was threatened with legal action. It appears that we will have to wait a bit longer to hear to hear the perennial punks rocking out again...or until someone else on the internet manages to leak something else ;-)

Everyone (And Their Mothers) Are Reuniting This Summer

Guess what? In case you haven't noticed, there are an awful lot of bands reuniting for a tour this summer, and no, I'm not talking about Fleetwood Mac. Many of the reunions are quite surprising considering the way these bands disintegrated in the first place...but somehow, either for the love of music, the love of money, or the love of both these groups have managed to overcome their differences.

Here is a list of the most noteworthy:
The aforementioned Blink-182 will be back (with new music) thanks in a large part perhaps to Travis Barker's near-death experience.
Jane's Addiction will be touring with Nine Inch Nails with the original lineup, not seen since 1991.
Faith No More are making an "epic" comeback, despite frontman Mike Patton's earlier statements saying it would never happen.
British rockers Blur have announced a few local shows, and speaking of England-
Gavin Rossdale has stated that british rockers Bush will be reuniting, but nothing is official yet.
However, Gavin's wife, Gwen Stefani, WILL be back with No Doubt (causing this blogger to jump for joy) They will be making a stop at both Summerfest and the First Midwest Bank Ampitheater. Although the band had never "officially: broken up, an 8 year absense is a little hard to justify. That's why I can't wait to see what they've got in store for us.

Upcoming at Chicago's House of Blues...An Interesting (And Diverse) List

In March and April, Chicago's House of Blues venue will be hosting an impressive array of artists, ranging from some great Alternative acts to pure Pop and Rap artists. The full list of upcoming artists can be found here. The most noteworthy include:

On March 1 is Escape the Fate, a screamo act presented by Hot Topic. March 5 is Busta Rhymes. Kottonmouth Kings (rap-rockers that have a niche fanbase due to their, um, certain lifestyle) are in town the 11th. On the 17th, Q101 sponsors Hollywood Undead and Senses Fail.

Although you would never find me at a Kottonmouth Kings or a Hollywood Undead show (no offense) you will find me at the House of Blues on March 20 when I'll be rocking out with Mindless Self Indulgence. These punk rockers blend electronic beats, rap influences, and over the top antics to deliver an awesome live show. I can hardly wait!

In the following week, the House of Blues will also host Less Than Jake, Lady GaGa, and Katy Perry. In April also comes The Devil Wears Prada, 3oh!3, Forever the Sickest Kids, We the Kings, and Static-X. Tickets for the House of Blues normally cost between $20 and $30. Be advised that some shows are only 17+ and 21+, and the venue is standing room only. However, with such an impressive list, who can resist?