Okay, Okay, Bert, I'll Clean It Up So Clean You Wouldn't Recognize It

Ah. There you are. Here lies the first installment of an occasional series no one likes to call, Hey This Stuff Ain't Bad When You Really Think About It And If You Disagree With Me I'll Pants You (H.T.S.A.B.W.Y.R.T.A.I.A.I.Y.D.W.M.I.P.Y.). Rejoice. Or at least name your first child after me.

Regardless, the first subject to be victim to this new exercise should be clear by the column title. I'm talking about Schubert Dip. Yes, the EMF album. Yes, the rock/dance/indie/TAKE THAT hybrid. Yes, the CD that will cause eyes to roll when you yank it out to stop your friend from playing his RADIOHEAD singles. Yes, the one with "Sesame Street" samples. Yes, the album that will. not. get. you. laid.

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Manics Cancel US Tour

Not happy news to report, but we HAVE had it confirmed to be true: The upcoming US tour from the MANIC STREET PREACHERS has been cancelled. The official word is "due to a serious illness in the family." Hopefully, the dates will be rescheduled as soon as possible, but for now, it's all off.

Blur Split Rumors

Could it be the end of the road for the band that could perhaps be called the epitome of the UK-Indie music scene? BLUR were certainly throwing hints this weekend in Scotland that it could happen. The band, making a rare live appearance to headline the annual T in the Park Festival, played almost entirely from their latest album, "13," and then encored with a stable of classics: "Girls and Boys," "Parklife," and "Song 2." BUT...

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Tricky's Pop Muzik

Odd remake alert: NME is reporting today that the new single from TRICKY, due July 26, will include an unlikely cover version of M's classic electro/disco track, "Pop Muzik" on the flipside. The single, "For Real," is the first release from Tricky's forthcoming album, "Juxtapose."

Morphine Frontman Dies

Not UK-indie related at all, but worth commenting on: The editors and staff at Excellent Online send their condolences and love to the family and friends of MARK SANDMAN, frontman of the seminal Boston band MORPHINE, who died of an apparant heart attack while performing Saturday night. The band were two numbers into their set at a music fest in Rome when Sandman collapsed to the stage floor. Doctors in the crowd attempted to revive the stricken singer, but Sandman was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital.

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Mushroom Leaves Massive Attack

Yet another band split to report on: MTV Europe is confirming the recent rumours that Mushroom has left MASSIVE ATTACK due to creative differences with co-founders 3D and Daddy G. From what we can ascertain, the group will continue as a duo and retain the Massive Attack name (the shrunken line-up has already played some festival dates this month in Europe.)

Georgia Asphalt

So I was driving around the other day, checking out the latest FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE effort, minding my own business. Then two things suddenly hit me: 1.) the rather hot sun baking one side of my poor face, and 2.) an old idea. Which is, stupidly simply, that sometimes it gets really hot. And sometimes music sounds different when it gets this way. Yep. Stop looking at me like that.

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Kula Shaker Mobbed By Fans

Crispian Mills of KULA SHAKER suffered minor injuries when he was mobbed by fans in Japan, NME is reporting. There's little danger of that happening again here in the states where Kula Shaker will be touring in July. Click on 'Tours' for full details.

Suede's 1-date US Tour

CDnow is reporting that SUEDE are currently planning only one U.S. show in support of their new album, "Head Music", with that show expected to take place on the east coast. The location and other details have yet to be announced.

Getting Nu-Psyched About It: The Ultimate C-110 for the New Cause

Well, they've done it. And it certainly didn't take long.

The British weeklies have created a new genre. Britpop has officially breathed its last, Shed Seven are putting out greatest hits albums, you knew it was time for a change. The hype-hungry media couldn't wait to put a new scene together the old-fashioned way: make one up.

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