So long, farewell.

GBV just played their second and last ever live tv performance on Conan. Unlike the weak May 9th, 2000 performance of "Hold on Hope" complete with a string quartet, tonight they totally ruled with "Everbody Thinks I'm a Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking)." Gillard was ablaze and Bob even struck a convincing, non-wavering half crane, electrifying conclusion pose not to mention taking the mic out of the stand in mid song for a quick but majestically high helicopter. In another month we get to see what alll the fuss was about the Austin City Limits performance. 'Til then "Long live Rockathon!"

The future's so bright (i gotta wear shades).

I just can't get The Futureheads self-titled debut CD out of my head. They may be a one trick pony; but boy what a trick. Think Rockapella (the Brown University guys who used to do wierd live versions of the Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego theme song) but a bit younger and with very thick Northern English accents. Meld this to some sort of art school inspired futurist manifesto-like lyrics and then wed to scorching guitars a la The Gang of Four. No surprise the band is 4 Scousers from Sunderland, and their debut single was produced by Andy Gill. Yea, Mr. Glass shard guitar slinging god who brought you "Damaged Goods," "Anthrax," and "At Home She's A Tourist" amongst other Go4 faves. Another reference: think an even hipper, younger, British version of Devo and you're nearly there.

These songs especially "Robot" just make me wanna pogo a gogo until I can't go go no more. My favorite lyric: "The best thing is our lifespan I don't mind . . . I don't mind. I have no mind"." And then there's the most brilliantly bent Kate Bush cover ever, especally since it sounds like "The Huuuuunnds of Looooovee."

In other music news, a short piece on "Sympathy for the Mekons" will be forthcoming on stylusmagazine.com soon.

Kick out the jams.

The Jackson 12/01/04 cd mix

Billy Bragg-Greetings to the New Brunette
Billy Bragg-Levi Stubbs' Tears
The Chills-Pink Frost
Cocteau Twins-Sugar Hiccup
The dBs-Bad Reputation
The dBs-Amplifier
The Fall-The Classical
The Fall-Victoria
Jon Langford-Trouble in Mind
Martha & The Muffins-Echo Beach
Matthew Sweet-Girlfriend
Mekons-Where Were You
Mekons-Millionaire
Mekons-Sympathy for the Mekons
The Mountain Goats-Oceanographer's Choice
New Order-Ceremony
Nirvana-Rape Me
The Replacements-Alex Chilton
Robert Ellis Orrall & Carlene Carter-I Couldn't Say No
Screaming Trees-Flashes Sub Pop #0048 (Dre-Bulb edit)
The Soft Boys-I Wanna Destroy You