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A shift towards free, full-length streams has boosted Last.fm traffic considerably, according to information released by parent... - Source

Blur's Dave Rowntree is to stand for the Labour Party in the next general election. - Source

For our friends in the San Francisco area, you are in for one hell of a treat. This year's Noise Pop Festival is looking mighty amazing, especially now that the full schedule is ready to go. Taking place from February 26 through March 2, if you're planning on attending this extravaganza - Source

Previously unheard bootleg recorded right after "The Velvet Underground and Nico". Includes 'new' song "I'm Not a Young Man Anymore".
Tracklist:
1. I'm Not A Young Man Anymore
2. Guess I'm Falling In Love
3. I'm Waiting For The Man
4. Run Run Run
5. Sister Ray (debut live performance) - Source

Last night marked my fourth time seeing the National since the release of their enthralling junior LP, Alligator. Surprisingly and/or thankfully their debut at the 2100-capacity Brooklyn Academy Of Music did not vary greatly from their standard riveting gigs over the course of the last three years. The show focused primarily on 2007's Boxer & the aforementioned, Alligator, as per usual. However, one key difference was the backing string and horn sections which added a much-adored texture and fullness to The National's aggregated sound. Another unexpected treat was a guest appearance by Sufjan Stevens whom tickled the ivories during 'Ada'. Along with a beautiful backdrop, perfect acoustics and a certain magic in the air, The National undoubtedly soared throughout the 90-minute gig. Visit the band at their official site. Enjoy some photos, the setlist & an MP3 below.Setlist: Start A War. Brainy. Baby We'll Be Fine. Slow Show. Secret Meeting. Mistaken For Strangers. Squalor Victoria. Abel. Wasp Nest. Racing Like A Pro. Ada. Apartment Story. Untitled New Song. Karen. Fake Empire... City Middle. Mr November. About Today. Gospel. - Source

Enjoy 'Time To Pretend' below. Download the extraordinary track at bottom of post. - Source

So many festivals, but only one can be Bestival. The UK event was curated by BBC Radio 1's Rob da Bank and takes place on the Isle of Wight from September 5-7. So far the lineup includes the above-mentioned MBV and Aphex Twin, along with the Breeders, George Clinton, Gary Numan, the Human League, Lee Scratch Perry, the Wedding Present, 808 State ... wow, this is getting very nostalgic, Rob da Bank. As far as the youngsters, BTW Fuck Buttons, Foals, the Count & Sinden, These New Purtians, and St. Vincent, among others, will be there. May not be the best lineup across the board, but it's a good one, and they definitely have the trippiest website. - Source

First APW, now this! At Ease reports: *An industry source confirmed the headliners for what will be called the "Outside Lands Festival"

On the new site ShredOrDie -- a member of the OrDie Network -- skating legend Tony Hawk (did he ever find Animal Chin, btw?) interviews Isaac Brock and Johnny Marr before the start of one of Modest Mouse's shows. Yes, we're serious ... even about the site's name. Hawk does a pretty good job, getting Brock to talk about how MM landed Marr and asking the ex-Smith about his workout regimen back in the day (A: smoke a lot). Best moments: Brock subtly schooling Hawk on Treepeople and Hawk explaining that when you break your pelvis it hurts like hell to laugh, sneeze. Brock: "Which I imagine comes up."

"This dude is much hipper than me." Except when you're bugging him with your loud stereo, young Isaac! For his part, Johnny seems much more adjusted than Morrissey. Which, admittedly, doesn't seem too hard. - Source

SXSW decided not to host a torrent of their 2008 showcasing artists this year. For those of you that are missing it, Egregious Thoughts decided to create one himself. You can download it here.  764 artists, 3.5GB, for free. - Source