There's a reason why I donate money to NPR every year. KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" is one of the greatest things in the world... and their website is even better, as it's got TONS of archived live performances that you can check out via streaming video. Name the band and if they're cool, they've played on the show (and likely have the whole set archived!) OF MONTREAL, THE GO! TEAM, and MARK GARDENER are among the recent acts to be featured. Check out their website - if you've got a few hours to kill.

MARK GARDENER, he of Ride fame and friend/musical hero of this site, has finally revealed plans for his upcoming solo record. The record is now in its final stages of recording and should be out in the fall. Gardener, however, is asking for a little bit of support. Mark is attempting to fund the recording of the album on his own and then its release will be licensed and distributed through an array of global labels that he's already arranged. However, he's looking for some more funding to complete the record's recording... that's where we come in. Gardener is offering a pre-sale on the CD through Oxfordmusic.net. Those of you who pre-order the record will not only be helping a very worthy cause, you'll also get something special for your trouble: a limited edition DVD documentary of Mark's past couple of years on the road and in the studio. There will only be 2500 copies of the pre-order available, so don't miss out on the bonus disc. We have also inquired with Oxfordmusic.net as to the format of the DVD. At this time, their plan is to release the DVD on a region-free format, compatible with all DVD players.

Also, we can attest to the prompt and reliable service of Oxfordmusic.net, as we have ordered from their site frequently ourselves and give it glowing reviews.

Ride are continuing their post-breakup releases with a collection of BBC Sessions, titled Waves. Already out in the UK, it will see a US release October 7 on The First Time Records. The seventeen song session features tracks recorded with Peel, Goodier and Radcliffe from 1990-1994. Included on the collection are Ride favorite's 'Like A Daydream', 'Dreams Burn Down' and covers of Dead Can Dance's 'Severance' and the Pale Saints 'Sight Of You'.

Mark Gardener will be touring the US this September in support of the release with British band Goldrush. As opposed to Mark's tour this past spring, audiences can expect a full electric showcase with Mark's new solo material and perhaps a few Ride diddys.

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How I Hung Out With My Idol and Didn't Come Across Like an Ass (Hopefully)

In my world, having Mark Gardener tour the States and play acoustic gigs in intimate settings is a bit like having Jesus round for a spot of tea. Finding out on 3 hours notice that you've got an interview with Mark Gardener is a bit like finding out that you, in fact, ARE Jesus. No pressure there.

And despite my fears, it went swimmingly. So swimmingly, in fact, that I'm not even sure where the interview stops and hanging out with a new friend starts. Liz and I got a chance to sit around for a few hours(!) with the former Ride frontman before his recent acoustic gig at Chicago's Abbey Pub. Turns out the voice of my favorite band of all time is actually a pretty down-to-Earth guy with some fantastic insight on Ride, Creation, shoegazing, and his brilliant return to form this year.

Want to hear how Ride "fucking rocked the house"? Want to learn what it's like to have an indie rock icon for a landlord? How Mark considers this his "Neil Young phase"? Then click more to read on!

Mark Gardener (ex-Ride, ex-Animalhouse) is about to embark on a solo career. He's currently recording material at a studio in West London that delves into his travels and experiences over the past few years. It's been rumored for awhile now that a few lucky Americans might be fortunate enough to hear some of this new solo material first hand when Mark comes over here for a tour. While dates won't be announced until next week, we can assure you that he is indeed planning an acoustic tour where he will be playing both old Ride material and his new solo songs. Expect a few instore appearances, a few radio shows and perhaps a festival date.

Ride's unofficial website Ticket To Ride is asking for your questions for an upcoming interview with Mark. You can email them directly to Piero Piutti and please, no more questions about if Ride will be reforming. ;-)