Excellent Online

Let's not beat around the bush here. Out of the multitudes of electronic acts out there, out of the countless dance acts out there, out of the prime few "say you don't love them and you get stares of pity" groups of musicians out there, ORBITAL are easily one of the most amusing. It's not often that there has been such a difference between Reputation and Actual Quality. There are reasons for this. Come on, take a gander

Stop the friggin' presses... BONEHEAD has quit OASIS. In a statement released today on Oasisinet.com, rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs officially exited the band: "After a lot of consideration, I have decided to call it a day with Oasis.

Help, it's the attack of the Reproducing Pop Stars! Never to be outdone by Liam and Patsy, DAMON ALBARN of BLUR is now the proud papa of a baby girl. British tabloids say this morning that Albarn and girlfriend Suzy Winstanley have yet to decide on a name for the wee one. Hrm... Liam named his son Lennon... we suppose "Ray" or "Dave" or perhaps "Malkmus" arent quite girly-name material...

The first new material from MARTIN CARR since the demise of the Boo Radleys is now set to emerge on August 30th. The track, "The Monk Jumps Over the Wall," is to be included on a new compilation, "The Carve-Up," created by NME's Keith Cameron. Though reported elsewhere as being the debut performance of Martin's new project, Brave Captain, the track is actually a home recording of a demo cut by Carr around the time of the last Boo Radleys album, "Kingsize." We'll have ALL the details on Carr's new band as details become more and more available.

The Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival was announced today. It's being described as a mini-Woodstock for the west coast except it actually has a good lineup of diverse artists. The headliners alone are totally mismatched: Beck, Chemical Brothers, Rage Against The Machine... and the oddest of all, Morrissey. Several sources close to the Morrissey camp, however, tell us that the show is NOT yet set in stone, though they are confirming that Morrissey is planning a world tour in the fall to promote a triple-DVD compilation of Smiths/Moz footage.

GAY DAD have been signed in the U.S. to Sire Records. The debut album that's been making HUGE waves across Europe is due to hit American shelves August 31st (according to some sources) or September 21st (according to other sources.) Check back within the next few days for an updated RELEASES list, spotlighting confirmed U.S. dates for Stereolab, The Cure, Death in Vegas, Stereophonics, and more!

The coveted 1999 MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE for Album of the Year shortlist of nominees was announced this week in London. Many critics were shocked by the omission of recent albums from Fatboy Slim, Travis, and particularly, the Super Furry Animals, whose "Guerrilla" was hotly tipped to take home the Prize this year. Click the "Read More" link to see the list of nominees. Here are the 1999 nominees, as decided by the judges:

Beth Orton, "Central Reservation"
Black Star Liner, "Bengali Bantam..."
Blur, "13"
Chemical Brothers, "Surrender"

The U.S. release of CATATONIA's "Equally Cursed and Blessed" album is in doubt, as the band have been dropped by Warners for apparently being too "pop". Sigh. The band hope to have a new label lined up shortly and are also hoping to tour the states early next year.

CHARLATANS forever! NME is reporting that the Charlatans new album, "Us and us only" will be released in the UK on October 18. Contrary to prior reports, the first single, due October 4, is "Forever", rather than "The Blonde Waltz". A full UK tour is planned for October. No word yet on U.S. dates.

What a fucking waste.

As I type this, MTV is concluding their coverage of the good ol' Woodstock '99 festival. And I'm appalled. Simply, truly appalled. This, kids, is the reason I listen to the music I listen to. Because American culture... American rock... is so hopelessly fucked up that my only choice for decent entertainment is to IMPORT it.

WHAT'S SO FUNNY 'BOUT
PEACE, LOVE, AND UNDERSTANDING?

As I'm typing, massive fires are breaking out all about the festival grounds.  With any luck, maybe they'll successfully injure some people.  I can't believe I just said that, but this is just plain pathetic.  I know that YOU already know what I'm gonna say here, but I think it needs to be spelled out in black and white.