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A ton more on the way.. STAY TUNED!!

Meet the 5th Beatle

Beatles fans are being given the chance the stay at a former home of the 'Fifth Beatle ', manager Brian Epstein. The new owners of the house in Anfield, Liverpool, have turned the property into a bed and breakfast, after discovering who it had previously belonged to. According to electoral records, Epstein 's father lived in the home until 1933 and his grandparents were there from 1927 to 1946. The current owners of the house, Darren McLennan and Ian Quigg , bought the property for £36,000, and were stunned to find out that Epstein had lived their. Mr McLennan said: "We are both builders and we were doing a bit of work on the property when a neighbour came over and told us who used to live in it. I couldn't believe it so I went to Liverpool Museum and looked it all up on the archives." The pair opened the themed property - called 'Epsteins' - for business at the beginning of December. So far, they have received 20 bookings. "There are thousands of visitors from all over the world to Beatles attractions in Liverpool every year," said Mr McLennan . "We are hoping to tap into that market." Brian Epstein died in August 1967, aged 32, after taking an overdose of sleeping pills.

Records and goodies to look forward to in 2004

The $100.00 iPod from Apple
The US release of “Cast of Thousands” by Elbow (V2) 1/13/04
Dub Narcotic Sound System: t.b.a. (K Records) 1/20/04
Air: Talkie Walkie (Astralwerks) 1/27/04
Helmet: Helmet Unsung: The Very Best of Helmet (Interscope/UME) 1/27/04
Stereolab - Margarine Eclipse 1/27/04
Microphones/Mount Eerie: Live in Japan CD (K Records) 2/3/04
Lambchop - Aw C'mon\No You C'mon (2/9/04)
The Von Bondies - Pawn Shoppe Heart (Sire)(2/9/04)
Probot: [title TBA] (Southern Lord) (2/10/04)
Monster Magnet - Monolithic Babes (2/16/04)
Liars: They Were So Wrong We Drowned (Mute) (2/28/04)

Sir Ray Davies? Sir Eric Clapton?

LONDON, England (AP) -- Could Queen Elizabeth II be a rock 'n roll fan? Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton and Kinks founder Ray Davies received royal honors Wednesday, becoming Commanders of the Order of the British Empire just weeks after Rolling Stone Mick Jagger picked up his knighthood at Buckingham Palace. Also among the luminaries singled out for awards in the annual New Year's Honors list were World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, who became a knight, and tennis star Tim Henman, made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE. A total of 981 people received honors including 37 players and coaches from England's national rugby team, which won this year's Rugby World Cup.

Larry David to Star in The Producers?

Mel Brooks invites Larry to star with Ben Stiller in The Producers, only to see Larry refuse to shake his new co-star's hand after Stiller sneezes into it.
CLICK HERE FOR THE WHOLE STORY
(from off on a tangent)

American Analog Set- "The Postman (Just Like the 90's Never Happened Mix)" (Legal MP3 Download)

Another pop masterpiece from The Austin, Texas-based drone-pop quartet the American Analog Set
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Interscope Celebrates 'Unsung' Helmet

Interscope has penciled in a Jan. 27 release for "Unsung: The Best of Helmet (1991-1997)," a 21-track retrospective of the seminal New York hardcore act. Group leader Page Hamilton was involved in the selection of the songs, which include the 1997 Modern Rock Tracks chart hit "Exactly What You Wanted" and such staples as "Unsung," "Milquetoast" and "Give It." "Unsung" also sports the House Of Pain collaboration "Just Another Victim," from 1993's "Judgement Night" soundtrack, plus the "Feeling Minnesota" soundtrack contribution "Disagreeable." Helmet split in 1999 after five studio albums. And while a published report in August claimed the group was eyeing a reunion, a management spokesperson for Hamilton refuted the claim. Instead, Hamilton has signed a deal with Interscope for a new project, which includes late period Helmet guitarist Chris Traynor. As previously reported , the pair has also collaborated on tracks intended for Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale's solo debut. The group is targeting a May or June release for its Interscope debut, which will be supported by Hamilton's most extensive set of live dates in some time. "Page is serious about working and returning to the live scene," the spokesperson says.
Here is the track list for "Unsung":
"Repetition"
"FBLA"
"Bad Mood"
"Sinatra"
"In the Meantime"
"Better"
"Unsung"
"Give It"
"Iron Head"
"Just Another Victim"
"Milquetoast"
"I Know"
"Rollo"
"Wilma's Rainbow"
"Overrated"
"Like I Care"
"Disagreeable"
"Pure"
"Renovation"
"Driving Nowhere"
"Exactly What You Wanted"

Mission of Burma Reunite Under Matador

Thirty-something music snobs who haven’t bought a new album since Repeater , rejoice! Boston ‘80s indie giants Mission of Burma have recently signed with Matador Records and are currently working on a new album, their first since the groundbreaking Vs. released in 1982. One of the most influential (and loudest) bands in the last few decades was forced to end its run early when guitarist Roger Miller was diagnosed with Tinnitis, a syndrome causing a loss of hearing. Think indie Mozart with better hair. Understandably, the legendary guitar noise and blaring tape loops of the Burma boys aren't really the best thing for a man going deaf, so the band called it quits in 1983 to the disappointment of early indie kids everywhere. Since the amicable break up, the Mission of Burma members have played in several other bands and pursued different projects. It wasn’t until 2002 that they came together again for a pair of sold out reunion shows (Either Miller got a snazzy pair of earmuffs or he decided that whole “long term hearing” thing is overrated). After the success of these concerts, they have been performing regularly including a spot at the 2002 All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in England. Rumors of an official reunion were denied by the band, who said they had no intention of being a full-time band again, but damnit if sometimes the grape vine doesn’t know what’s up. Miller, bassist Clint Conley and drummer Pete Prescott are, indeed, all together (original noise-man Martin Swope has not been a part of the Burma rebirth, and Shellac’s Bob Weston has been twisting the knobs instead) in the studio working on a new full length for Matador with a tentative May release date.

Top of the charts around the world

USA
single: Outkast : Hey Ya
album: Alicia Keys : The Diary of Alicia Keys

U.K.
single: Mike Andrews ft Gary Jules : Mad World
album: Dido : Life For Rent

NEW ZEALAND
single: Guy Sebastian : Angels Brought Me Here
album: Hayley Westenra : Pure

CANADA
single: Ryan Malcolm : Something More
album: Sarah McLachlan : Afterglow

IRELAND
single: Will Young : Leave Right Now
album: Dido : Life For Rent

AUSTRALIA
single : Black Eyed Peas : Shut Up
album : Guy Sebastian : Just As I Am

Rollins to Embark on Spoken Word Tour

Ah Henry Rollins . That man can always be counted on to keep himself in the news. Whether it’s a VH1 special on Beyonce or a PBS documentary on the Civil War, Mr. Rollins can always be found putting his two cents in about something. It’s unclear who declared Rollins to be an expert on anything besides neck-thickening, but anytime there’s an opportunity to express an opinion, and there’s an opening for a guy with tattoos, Henry is there, prepared with an idea. But there are a finite number of retrospective television programs that can be made. The networks can only do so many versions of We Love the ‘80s Strikes Back before the presence of a 45-year-old Boy George just starts to make people change the channel. But where does this leave our Black Flag waving friend? Just because MTV doesn’t want to hire him to talk doesn’t mean he could possibly shut the fuck up, does it? No way. And this is why Rollins always has a back up plan. Often called the “rap for white people who can’t find a DJ,” the genre of spoken word has always been a happy home for Henry. Here he is free to run his mouth about anything at all, no matter how boring, weird or just plain wrong, and it is considered art. Henry can just talk and talk and talk, neck veins bulging, flattop glistening, record his monologue, and consumers buy it up. Come on people, he wasn’t even the ORIGINAL singer for Black Flag! Have some discrimination for God’s sake. Well, apparently the Holidays have brought a lull in the TV spots available for Rollins, and has responded by announcing his “Shock and Awe My Ass” speaking tour. You, yes you, can pay more than 15 dollars to sit and listen to more of the wisdom of Henry Rollins, in person! You can’t afford NOT to go! This cleverly named tour is going along with his recently released spoken word album, Nights Behind the Tree Line , and whimsical book entitled Broken Summers . Don’t be disappointed, there’s more! In addition to the tour and the book and the CD, there are several reissues of other great Rollins classics scheduled for release in 2004. It’s like a Henrypalooza ! And we’re invited! The man who has the MetRx dietary supplement website linked from his home page has much insight to spread to the people of the world. Henry Rollins is a man with a message. What it is, nobody’s quite sure. But it may have something to do with the ‘80s. Or the Civil War. Or working out. It’s unclear really. But there is a lot of it, and it’s coming our way whether we like it or not.

The Kingblind Famous 5 Top 10 of 2003

Well, We told you what we thought was the best of ’03 back in November now it’s time for the movers and shakers to tell you there’s.. Every week for the next 5 weeks Kingblind will bring another “Famous 5 Top 10” Ok enough talk.. Please welcome #1.
Theresa Kereakes lives in Brooklyn, NY. she likes single bean dark bittersweet chocolate, vodka, Detroit, Paris and hats. Not necessarily in that order. She is an employee of a vast industrial complex that generates cultural products, one of which is a nationally syndicated radio show. she hears just about every record released. Trust us.. TK knows everyone.. TK is the queen of rock.
1. Dirtbombs / Dangerous Magical Noise.
Mick Collins is one of the best vocalists around today, bar none. "Get it While You Can" is a great track and quite possibly boasts the best use of the word "apocalyptic" in a rock song. Also, this track invokes an amazing visceral memory every time I hear it --- I can SEE the mighty 'bombs, with their two drummers pounding this out in a fantastic rhythmic synergy with their two bassists.... though if you saw them last time around, you saw NEITHER of the bass guys on the record..... it was still AMAZING. This is a band that can capture its live energy on vinyl, thanks to the way they make the records over there in the Ghetto.

2. Outrageous Cherry / Supernatural Equinox
Matt Smith is kissed by genius and possessed with the virtuosity of Paganini and Page (who may be the same person, really, when you think about it) with a fuzz box. Outrageous Cherry define the genre I call Velvet psycho bubblegum Underground. There really should be more of that sound, ya know.
"Saturday Afternoon" and "Girl You Have the Magic..." are classics.

3. Nick Cave / Nocturama
Nick Cave can do no wrong in my book. He's vying for the Leonard Cohen/John Cale crown and is a worthy knight in waiting. He does in fact, write the songs that Leonard Cohen or John Cale didn't write. Nocturama is a good sibling/book end for "The Boatman Calls" which may be one of my favorite records OF ALL TIME.

4. John Cale / Hobosapiens
I can only agree with Uncut's review that this "music whose scope, erudition and vitriol makes everything else....seem puny." Another sentimental favorite BUT Cale earned his spot on this list.

5. Warren Zevon / The Wind
There is no lyricist as wry or as smart as Warren Zevon and there never will be. This album had a lot riding on it and did not disappoint, except that there will be no more Zevon albums.

6. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Take Them On, On Your Own
I like fuzzy guitars. I like almost-goth fuzzy guitars. Hey I still listen to Jesus and Mary Chain.

7. The Shazam / Tomorrow The World
I also like glam/Badfinger-homage-paying arena-wannabe. This is just FUN stuff.

8. The Beatles / Let It Be...Naked
Always liked the rock part of this record and now it actually does ROCK.
"Dig a Pony," "Get Back," "One After 909," "Ive Got a Geeling," "Don't Let Me Down," AND "The Two of Us" sound good in the nude.

9. Led Zeppelin / How The West Was One
Two words: Jimmy Page.

10. Libertines / Up the Bracket
They're a train wreck. They love the Clash and the Kinks and you can tell. That's the kind of wear-it-on- your-sleeve thing I can handle. For every list that includes the Strokes.... The Libertines are my vote that tries to counteract it... Besides, Carl Barat thinks I think he is a girl and it keeps him on edge. I LIKE having the upper hand and it is SO RARE when I do. I revel in it.

but wait...... it goes to 11.

11. Paul Westerberg / Come Feel Me Tremble
He released a record. Isn't that enough?

And in case you were wondering, this is my Top Ten of All Time..Heavy on records released in the 60's.

1. Bob Dylan / "Blonde on Blonde"
"the ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face." With a lyric like that in a song that also has lyrics like "jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule," this record gets my vote for the best thing ever recorded... but it doesn't stop there. It is a life-changing aural experience all the way through. Performances sound spontaneous and raw.... I know they're not.... I know they are rehearsed and crafted, but they achieved the ultimate groove of seeming to threaten to completely fall apart at any moment -- so loose, so uninhibited.

2. The Beach Boys / "Pet Sounds"
Mind blowing pop music. Perfection. "Caroline No," heart wrenching, moving....

3. The Beatles / "Revolver"
"Tomorrow Never Knows" and "She Said She Said." 'nuff said.

4. Bob Dylan / "Highway 61 Revisited"
"When you want someone you don't have to speak to....." The speaker of "Queen Jane Approximately" became the type of guy I deemed perfection and still seek. I was a child when I heard that, too. Talk about INFLUENCE. So many great stories and characters here. The Devil is everywhere and the wild women, Dylan's cavalcade of tricksters are their most colorful here.

5. The Beatles / "Rubber Soul"
One of the great turning point records for me. The British version that is. Musically, the performances, the introspective lyrics, the album cover.... you name it.

6. The Rolling Stones / "Exile on Main Street"
Sprawling, drunken, uninhibited, loose.... see everything about "Blonde on Blonde" and apply it to rock and blues. A little Slim Harpo here, a little soul influence there. "Shine a Light," you know -- I seek out room 1009 in hotels.... a sentimental hangover from this record.

7. Led Zeppelin / "II" (the second album)
Rock, phase 2. Driven, decadent, blues-fueled, hedonistic virtuousity. Two words: Jimmy Page.

8. The Clash / "London Calling"
Punk bravado at its finest and that essential dub n reggae sneaking in... This may be the best record of the genre we like to call punk. It is the smartest and most musical of the lot.... but has heart and passion and mean guitars. Even the pop tart, Mick Jones's stuff has emotion even if lacking cajones. Yes, I'm referring to "Train in Vain." I like this one so much, I have 4 copies (vinyl; CD for California; CD for NY bedroom; CD for walkman - always in my bag)

9. Nick Cave / "The Boatman Calls"
Mature, elegant, poetic, elegiac. Stately. The finest Leonard Cohen record made.... by someone else.

10. The Dirtbombs / "UltraGlide in Black"
* token soul record? no.... what a bunch of stellar, genre bending AND defining performances. I have dreams that include "Chains of Love" as the soundtrack.... this version. There are plenty of AMAZING soul records out there..... Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" being at the top of my list. But this mixed bag of ghetto ethnicities known as the Dirtbombs just have that special edge that speaks to my generation. I guess that's postmodernism for you.... me, being a bit older than them, I really dig the way they interpret the music of the generation previous to me.... two generations previous to them. Why can one never explain postmodernism?

Making New Year's Eve plans? The choices this year are pretty amazing: UPDATED
*******************************************
The Dirtbombs in Detriot
Patti Smith in New York City
The White Stripes and Flaming Lips in Chicago
Guided By Voices in San Diego
Josh Rouse in Nashville
Mastodon in Atlanta
Drive by Truckers in Atlanta
The Strokes and Kings of Leon in Las Vegas
The Boss Martians in Las Vegas
Grandaddy and Polyphonic Spree in Los Angeles

Meat Puppets bassist shot by security guard

Phoenix-based Meat Puppets bassist Cris Kirkwood was shot December 26 by a security guard outside a post office. Kirkwood apparently got into an argument with a woman over a parking spot, gestured as if to hit her when he confronted her outside their cars, and she reported his odd behavior to the security guard. When the guard confronted Kirkwood, he grabbed the guard's baton and hit him in the head, at which point the guard drew his gun and shot Kirkwood in the abdomen. The guard "took out the baton and held it out in front of him and said, 'You need to leave,' " Killigrew said. "The guy took the baton from him and struck him at least one time in the forehead at which time the guard felt fear for his life. He said, 'I thought the guy was going to kill me.' He already displayed that he would hurt him, and the guard shot him one time in the abdomen." Shortly after the incident, the guard was sitting dazed on the steps of the post office. Kirkwood's clothing sat in a pool of blood on the sidewalk. Kirkwood is recovering in a local hospital.

KINGBLIND RECOMMENDS

Here's what's on the kingblind stereo this week
(The Shins: Chutes too narrow)--(Van Halen: II)--(Rolling Stones: Aftermath)--(John Coltrane: Blue Train)--(British Sea Power: The Decline of British Sea Power)

The Kids are Alright

Here are some super rare live concerts from The Who. Enjoy !
London, 1964 (Marquee Club), including a rocking cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me"
Monterrey Pop Festival, 1967-06-18
Stockholm, 1966-06-02 & 1966-10-25
Amsterdam, 1969-09-29
Woodstock, 1969-08-17
And a LOT more

Making New Year's Eve plans? The choices this year are pretty amazing:
*******************************************
The White Stripes and Flaming Lips in Chicago
Guided By Voices in San Diego
Josh Rouse in Nashville
Mastodon in Atlanta
Drive by Truckers in Atlanta
The Strokes and Kings of Leon in Las Vegas
Grandaddy and Polyphonic Spree in Los Angeles

Live Yo La Tengo (Legal MP3 Downloads)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The $100 iPod?

My prayers have been answered.. It looks like we will have $100.00 (USD) iPod from Apple in January.. AWESOME..
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS

Sonic Youth at Live the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee. (Legal MP3 Download)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
(found at largehearted boy)

The Shins Live at Austin City Limits, September 21, 2003. (Legal MP3 Download)

Good sound and a great show, it's highly recommended. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Movie Review)

It might be the cinema's most astonishing holy war film. The Lord of the Rings took seven years and an army of gifted artists to execute, and the striving of its makers is in every splendid frame. It's more than a movie--it's a gift. As good as each individual movie is, the third film vaults the work into the stratosphere of classic movies. Key characters are enhanced, new civilizations visited and battles fought more intensely, while feelings and motivations are plumbed more deeply and movingly. From the acting to the special effects to the landscapes to the cinematography, editing and music, to the details of decor, wardrobe and armaments, we never once feel that we are in anything but the hands of an absolute master of the medium. Truly astonishing work, Well worth the wait.

Father Christmas

In the spirit of Christmas, here is a wonderful, if slightly unsettling telling of the Santa Claus story, via the imaginative mind of Finnish director Jalmari Helander.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW (Quicktime)
(via the rocking largehearted boy)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

HOW CHRISTMAS WORKS.. CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE ANSWERS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM KINGBLIND.COM

Holiday MP3 offer has expired.. Gotta be fast for the free stuff..
(Art by R.Land)

It's December 24th... HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEMMY

That's right the Hawkwind / Motorhead legend lives one more year!! Excellent!! Oh by the way.. He is 58..

The Roy Owens Jr.- "Far Away Friends" (Legal MP3 Download)

Rare B-Side from The Roy Owens Jr. fall tour single. A great Lo-Fi beauty CLICK HERE TO LISTEN---- For more info on The Roy Owens Jr. CLICK HERE

MORE: (DVD / MOVIE PREVIEW)

The Academy-Award® nominated animated short-film tells the story of a lonely inventor, whose colorless existence is brightened only by dreams of the carefree bliss of his youth. By day, he is trapped in a dehumanizing job in a joyless world. But by night, he tinkers away on a visionary invention, desperate to translate his inspiration into something meaningful. When his invention is complete, it will change the way people see the world. But he will find that success comes at a high price, as it changes himself, as well. CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT Requires Quicktime

Cobra Verde Video Spoofs Reality TV

A surreal universe featuring punk icon Mike Watt, actor George Wendt ("Cheers") and Rudy May Moore's "Dolemite" character is exactly what John Petkovic had in mind for Cobra Verde's outrageous "Riot Industry" video. "Videos are just so didactic and it is usually some band that is very whiney," the band's frontman said. "They sort of posit this kind of real emotion. They have a band playing who is usually very serious and very chest thumping. We just wanted to have a lot of fun and try something different with a video, with just a bunch of vignettes pasted together." The result is pure mayhem, aping low-budget videos from the 1980s dawn of the music video while commenting on the reality television trend. Watt, Wendt and Moore were all eager to contribute to the band's inaugural venture into the visual medium, according to Petkovic, with Wendt offering his Lake Michigan summer home (and paddle boat) as a backdrop for his scenes. While "Riot Industry," from Cobra Verde's late-summer MuscleTone release "Easy Listening," was the set's lead single some time ago, the video won't be serviced to MTV2 and other outlets until early January. In the meantime, Cobra Verde is making 2004 touring plans that will begin with a coast-to-coast headlining club jaunt in February. In addition, the band plans a spring release for an album of covers, "Kill the Singer; Save the Song." Featuring remakes of Pink's "Get the Party Started," New Order's "Temptation" and Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," among other tracks, the set gave the Cleveland-based band a chance to experiment a little before starting a new studio album. "We wanted to do a covers record because we wanted to try different recording techniques for the next album of originals," says Pektovic. "And the idea was to record a bunch of covers using a bunch of different techniques and different arrangements. [But] These are not jokey versions." With the majority of new tracks already written for a new album, Cobra Verde is aiming for a late 2004 release for its sixth release. Although "Easy Listening" has been acclaimed as one of the year's best garage-rock discs, Petkovic hints the band is exploring new ground for its next release. "It's going to be like more open-ended, more of a cross between power pop and kind of post-punk," tells Petkovic. "It's going to be all over the map”.

RIAA: Shot Through the Heart?

The top brass at the Recording Industry Association of America probably have "I Don't Like Mondays" on heavy rotation this morning, especially after a weekend where every story about their legal campaign against music piracy started off with words like "setback," "sharp blow," "struck down" and "stinging rebuke." That's because a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled on Friday that the RIAA can't force Internet service providers to drop the dime on their customers who are suspected of illegally trading songs online. The Washington Post took the "sharp blow" approach in its front-page story, while the Associated Press reported that "The ruling does not legalize distributing copyrighted songs over the Internet, but it will greatly increase the cost and effort for the Washington-based Recording Industry Association of America to track such activity and sue those who are swapping music online." "Stinging rebuke" honors went to the the San Jose Mercury News editorial board, which opined today that the ruling "is also an invitation to Congress to fix copyright law not only to protect the entertainment industry but also consumers whose rights have been trampled." In a separate article on Saturday, the Mercury News said the ruling "means the secret identities of thousands of file swappers are safe for now." (from The Washington Post)

JACK WHITE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

White Stripes lead singer Jack White (real name: John Anthony Gillis) was charged today in Detroit with aggravated assault after a fight with the lead singer of another band. White, 28, faces anywhere from no jail time to a maximum of one year in prison if convicted. Wayne Co. Prosecuter Mike Duggan spoke about how he is tired of seeing celebrities get away with breaking laws that normal citizens are bound to.

MAD CHRISTMAS

‘MAD WORLD’ by MICHAEL ANDREWS and GARY JULES scooped the Christmas number one spot in the UK singles chart today (December 21) despite strong competition from THE DARKNESS ’’CHRISTMAS TIME (DON’T LET THE BELLS END)’ and OZZY and KELLY OSBOURNE’s ’CHANGES’. The track ‘Mad World’, originally recorded by Tears For Fears on their 1982 album ‘The Hurting’, reached new audiences when it was re-recorded by the relatively unknown Andrews and Jules and included in the cult film ‘Donnie Darko’. The race for the coveted Christmas number one was close throughout the week, though it was The Darkness that led the way in the mid-week charts - causing bookies to tip them as favourites. However Lowestoft ’s spandex-rockers had to settle for second place in today’s run-down. Ozzy and Kelly’s ‘Changes’ fell from the top of the charts to number three this week, whilst a handful of new entries hit the Top Ten. Bo Selecta ’s ‘Proper Chrimbo’ entered the charts at four, The Idols ’‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' at five, Atomic Kitten’s ‘Ladies Night’ at eight and Sugababes ’’Too Lost In You’ crept in at 10. Other new entries included Blue’s cover of ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours’ featuring Stevie Wonder and Angie Stone narrowly missing out on a Top Ten hit at 11 and G-Unit ’s ‘Stunt 101’ entering in at 29. Elsewhere in the charts, Fast Food Rocker’s attempt at a Christmas number one fell very short with ‘I Love Christmas’ debuting at 25, while OutKast’s ‘Hey Ya’ re-entered the Top Twenty at 16. In the album charts, the top three LPs remained the same as last week, with Dido’s ‘Life For Rent’ holding onto number one, Will Young’s ‘Friday’s Child’ at two and ’Number Ones’ by Michael Jackson at three.

Elliott Smith: “From a Basement on a Hill” (bootleg-- Record Review)

George Harrison was stabbed by an intruder near the heart about a year before he died. Elliott Smith was stabbed in the heart by a woman I presume he allowed into his house, into his home. This is a sad record, this “From a Basement on the Hill” which he was working on before his untimely death. George Harrison is the first simple thought that radiates-from the guitar lines to the faltering vocal inflections, Smith was making a masterpiece of splintering proportions that makes the listener feel guilty to enjoy. When a fan told Bobby D (aka: Dylan) how s/he liked “Blood on the Tracks”, the album chronicling his divorce from Sara, he snapped: “How can you enjoy that?” It starts off electric, and he wistfully sings “so bad, so far, you’ll make him sad-shooting star-when it was me I was momentarily proud-you said you’d be for real but I don’t believe that you are, you make me sad, shooting star-“ a surprising infusion of a piano couplet-“you don’t feel bad when you lie…” It’s so sad. And that’s just the first song. There are more acoustic songs on this theme. Two instrumentals, one sounding like “exile” era Stones and the other sounding like Dark Horse era George, combinations of piano and guitar-“I’m stuck here waiting for a passing feeling” the guitar solos are long and mournful. Allegedly Dreamworks is going to release this in early 2004. All I got is eight songs. 8 of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. (By Jim Hayes.... GENIUS..)

Neutral Milk Hotel: Live and Rare (Legal MP3 Download)

A Neutral Milk Hotel show, a Jeff Mangum acoustic show, some other Mangum collaborations and NMH rarities. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Replace the battery in your iPod

Two easy ways to replace the battery in your iPod. Either from Apple..
Or a 3rd Party Now isn't that nice.

Yoko's Revenge - Yoko Edits Herself Into John Lennon's History

Yoko Ono is not making fans of John Lennon very happy right now. She's been busy editing Lennon's videos and changing songwriting credits. Call it her revenge on old enemies like Paul McCartney and May Pang. Ono's weirdest piece of video trickery comes on the recently released DVD "Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon." On one film, for the classic song "#9 Dream," Ono has edited herself into the original video. There you will find her mouthing the backup vocals that were sung on the original hit recording by Lennon's girlfriend at that time, May Pang. Pang, of course, was not thrilled to hear this had happened. "She is trying to erase everyone who had anything to do with John with her alone," says Pang, who is a popular figure in the New York music scene. "I am definitely upset at her misleading everyone into thinking she is on '#9 Dream.' She had nothing to do with this particular album and it was John's only No.1 album and No. 1 single during his lifetime. Boy, do I understand how Paul feels." And how does Paul feel? Well, no one's been able to ask him yet, but apparently Ono has dropped his name from the songwriting credit on "Give Peace a Chance." The song was written by Lennon only, but at the time the songwriting duo was still putting their two names on everything. Last year, in his own bid for more immortality, McCartney wanted Ono to let him drop Lennon's name from the Beatle songs he didn't write. When that didn't work, McCartney reversed the traditional order so they read "McCartney-Lennon." Now it seems Ono - who took umbrage at McCartney - has gotten her revenge. As for the DVD, another source points out that Ono also edited herself in the video for "Stand By Me." "It should now be called 'Sit By Me,'" quips the insider. None of this comes as any surprise to those who saw the TNT tribute to Lennon in the fall of 2001. Ono edited all the footage of Lennon from his Beatle days so that none of the other Fab Four appeared. And no reference to the Beatles was ever made, as if Lennon had simply arrived on the scene singing "Imagine." Imagine that.

KINGBLIND RECOMMENDS

Here is what kingblind is listening to this week
(The Shins: Chutes too narrow)--(The Darkness: Permisson to Land)--(Van Halen: Van Halen)--(Ledbelly: Sings to Children)--(The Beach Boys: Smile)

Shake it like a Polaroid Picture !

Now that OutKast has put the phrase "shake it like a Polaroid picture" into the pop culture vernacular, the instant photography company's ad agency has used it as an opportunity launch a guerrilla "buzz trend" campaign. With the line from the hip-hop duo's infectious hit "Hey Ya!," putting Polaroid on the lips of a new generation of picture takers, New York-based MVBMS has put cameras into the hands of Andre 3000 and Big Boi, among others. "Our intrepid group got in touch with OutKast's manager before their [November] appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' and gave them and some of the dancers Polaroid cameras for their performance of the song," a MVBMS spokesperson said. "As things have gone on, they've made sure that OutKast and others have Polaroids on hand to capture the moment on stage, at parties and other events." The agency is putting cameras into the hands of so-called "Polarazzi," celebrities and other trendsetters. They plan to hit high-profile events on New Year's Eve as part of "The Polaroid Ambush."

The Who Confirmed For Isle Of Wight Festival

Legendary 60's rock group The Who are returning to their roots, confirmed for a headline performance at this summer's Isle Of Wight Festival. The Who played a classic set at The Isle Of Wight Festival back in 1970. From 2am until 5am they played continuously, churning out their classic hits plus 13 songs from their rock opera Tommy. Pete Townshend then decided to smash up his electric guitar and Keith Moon trashed his drum kit. They were subsequently banned from playing there again. The band are now set to return to the festival stage on Saturday 12th June and will perform alongside other headline acts The Stereophonics (Friday 11th) and David Bowie (Sunday 13th). The 2004 Festival is the third Isle Of Wight Festival since it has been revived. The Isle of Wight Festivals at the end of the 1960's were a series of legendary events featuring Bob Dylan, The Who, Free, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Jefferson Airplane culminating in 1970 with 600,000 hippies descending on the island to see Jimi Hendrix perform his penultimate concert. As documented in the film 'Message to Love' and celebrated in songs such as Oasis' 'F***ing in the Bushes', the event has played a major part in shaping the music festivals we know today and was the European answer to Woodstock. The historic festival returned in 2002 after a 32 year absence and featured The Charlatans, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Ash, Starsailor, The Coral and local heroes The Bees. In 2003 Paul Weller, Starsailor, Iggy Pop, Counting Crows, Bryan Adams and Cooper Temple Clause, John Squire, The Thrills, The Darkness, Hell is for Heroes and The Raveonettes rocked the island. Due to the continued success of this festival, next year's event has been extended to three days and will run from Friday 11th June to Sunday 13th. The festival will take place in Seaclose Park, Newport.

LONDON WELCOMES THE DARKNESS!

THE DARKNESS amazed fans with a breakfast signing session in LONDON today (December 19). The band turned up at 9.30am at the HMV Oxford Street store to sign copies of their single ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)’, which is leading the battle to be this year’s festive Number One. The band announced they would arrive at the store on a horse-drawn carriage, and would be welcomed by The Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College Choir. Hundreds of fans managed to get to the store in time to meet their heroes. The 2004 Christmas Number One will be announced this Sunday (December 21).
(from nme)

The Shins on the road and TV

Indie-pop darlings the Shins have set a short U.S. tour for February in support of the group's most recent album, "Chutes Too Narrow" (Sub Pop). The dates will follow a three-show London stand in late January, where the band will play the Arts Cafe, Garage/Scala and Monarch Barfly venues on consecutive nights. The Portland, Ore.- and Alberquerque, N.M.-based band is also booked for two late-night TV appearances in the U.S. in the new year -- a Jan. 13 engagement on CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" and a Feb. 17 booking for NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." The group also plans to play NBC's "Last Call With Carson Daly" later in February, but the date has not yet been set. "Chutes Too Narrow" debuted in November at No. 86 on The Billboard 200 and No. 6 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart. The set has sold 63,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Here are the Shins' tour dates:
Jan. 13: New York (Late Show With David Letterman)
Jan. 20: London (Arts Cafe)
Jan. 21: London (Garage/ Scala)
Jan. 22: London (Monarch Barfly)
Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Seattle (Showbox)
Feb. 2: Portland, Ore. (Roseland Theater)
Feb. 4: San Francisco (Fillmore)
Feb. 5-6: Los Angeles (Henry Fonda Theater)
Feb. 8: Mission Beach, Calif. (Canes Ballroom)
Feb. 10-11: Washington, D.C. (Black Cat)
Feb. 13: Boston (the Roxy)
Feb. 14-15: New York (Irving Plaza)
Feb. 17: New York (Late Night With Conan O'Brien)

WATCH THE NEW PEACHES / IGGY POP VIDEO! (Music Video)

The Iggster and queen-strap-on get it together for new grunge-punk-rocker 'Kick It'. The single is out now, and features a bizarre 'Night Of The Living Dead' stylee video to boot. It's quite a showdown:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW REQUIRES REAL

TSOL: “Serious” (Legal MP3 Download)

New single from TSOL. Wow.. The best stuff in YEARS.
CLICK HERE LISTEN

GUIDED BY VOICES: OF MITES AND MEN (Legal MP3 Dowload)

MP3 FROM THE NATE FARLEY SESSIONS, TRACKS THAT WERE EXCLUSIVELY RECORDED FOR AIR ON RADIO STATIONS IN THE UK
CLICK HERE TO DOWLOAD

IN THE CAN

A DVD chronicling the seminal career of German experimental rock kingpins Can has been made available in the UK (a US release date has yet to be set). 'Can DVD' brings together for the first time a raft of exclusive footage of the band, who are considered one of the most influential and experimental groups to emerge in the 1970s. Released to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the band's formation in Cologne, Germany, 'Can DVD' features two CDs of film and a separate audio CD. Amongst the material is a documentary shot by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher, covering the entire history of the group. Also included is the 'Can Free Concert', which took place in Cologne in 1972 and filmed by Robbie Muller and directed by Peter Przygodda before a crowd of 10,000. A selection of the solo work from the band is also included, as is a short film by Brian Eno, consisting of footage of the band winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Echo Awards, which was presented by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 'Can DVD' is out now.

How to become a rock star without leaving the house: By David Berman of the Silver Jews

CLICK HERE FOR THE WHOLE STORY

The Frames release live record

"Set List," a live album recorded across four November 2002 shows at Dublin's Vicar St., will be the first Anti- Records release for Irish rock band the Frames. Long renowned for its live show, but underexposed outside of its homeland, the band hopes to show its might to America with the 13-track set, released over the summer in Ireland via Plateau Records. Like all of the band's previous releases, "Set List" can be streamed via the band's official Web site. Fronted by Glen Hansard (known to many for his role in "The Commitments"), the Frames are working on a new studio album due sometime in 2004. The band will close out 2003 with a pair of Dublin shows Dec. 30-31 at the Olympia Theatre

Another Queen musical is on the way

"Mercury: The Afterlife and Times of a Rock God," a one-man show about late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, will open a three-month Off Broadway run Jan. 11 at New York's Triad Theatre. Starring Amir Darvish ("Two Men In Shoulder Stand", "Aida"), the show has received strong reviews during two previous limited engagements. For more information visit theatermania.com or call 212-352-3101. "Mercury" is not to be confused with "We Will Rock You," a musical by Queen and Ben Elton currently playing in London, Spain and Australia. The show's official Web site reports that plans are ongoing for 2004 openings in the U.S., Germany, and Russia, and Mexico, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Italy are on the map for 2005-2006.

David Sedaris Christmas story from the New Yorker

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY
(found at every so rockin fimoculous)

The Darkness- Christmas Video (Music Video)

In the UK every year there is a VERY big deal made about what the #1 Christmas single will be.. There is nationwide betting and debates everywhere, So anyways, this year’s frontrunner is The Darkness. And here is their new video for their new Christmas single. And the following story is a short blurb from the UK press about the song / video. (Here is UK story) There’s a debate circumventing the elfish, snow snorting grottos of the North Pole as to whether The Darkness ’ bid to suck Christmas no.1 cock is a the work of an idealistic rock n roll genius or the devil himself. Some believe they may be related. For our sakes… ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)’ is every rock kid’s fantasy; an opportunity to steal pop thunder and turn xmas into something to be proud of. While the cool kids vacated the Hawkins mobile long ago, Whitesnake cherishing youths all across the country have been content to watch the Chessex girls and desk bound sales brats buy into their product to help procure the airwaves once and for all. Rumours have it that the song was originally written for Cliff Richard , but PR bosses felt the children’s choir may have caused problems with his ‘image’ . No longer will Slade drown your local spit & sawdust on xmas eve; the Pogues have been permanently sent to rehab and Wizzard got cancelled. This is our chance…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW Requires REAL

Tis the season for some bling-bling

It’s Christmas.. get some bling for ya favorite playa.. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE

David Sedaris: "The Santaland Diaries"

NPR features a performance by humorist and NPR commentator David Sedaris. He charms us with the complete "Santaland Diaries." This piece first ran on NPR's Morning Edition a few days before Christmas 1992. Even though Sedaris has achieved national fame and movie contracts for his humor writing, he still cleans apartments during the day, because, he says, he can only write at night.. (forward to 4:42 hear david .. But the entire NPR show is streaming.. It's an excellent Christmas special. Check it out)
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Require Real

iTunes Music Downloads Pass 25 million

Apple have passed another milestone for their hugely popular legal music download service, topping 25 million in downloads. The 25 millionth song, purchased last Friday afternoon, was "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank Sinatra. Apple also announced that over $1 million of iTunes online gift certificates and allowances have been purchased since the features were added to the iTunes Music Store on October 16, 2003. "With over 25 million songs purchased and downloaded to date, the iTunes Music Store is hands-down the most successful online music store," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Music fans are buying and downloading almost 1.5 million songs per week from the iTunes Music Store, which is a rate of 75 million songs per year."

Singer claims photos show aftermath of fight

These are photos of Von Bondies lead singer Jason Stollsteimer after the alleged brawl between him and White Stripes lead singer Jack White (real name: John Anthony Gillis). Stollsteimer's manager, Rick Canny, supplied the photos in an effort to support his claim that White attacked him Saturday night at the Magic Stick club on Woodward. Cops investigate singers' fight at Detroit nightclub The photos were taken after Stollsteimer was released Sunday morning from Detroit Receiving Hospital, Canny said. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Marcus Connor said the allegations are still being reviewed and a decision on whether anyone will face criminal charges should be made later this week.

Chemical Brothers: “Get yourself high” (Music Video)

Excellent new video from the bros. Kung Fu action is go!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW Requires Quicktime

Super Furry Animals hit the road

Forward-thinking Welsh pop quintet Super Furry Animals has confirmed a large slate of tour dates for the first four months of 2004, covering European and U.K. dates as well as a month of North American concerts. The bulk of dates starts Jan. 21 in Madrid and winds up April 8 in London. The North American dates stretch throughout the month of February, kicking off Feb. 2 in Minneapolis and hitting 21 major U.S. and Canadian markets through a Feb. 28 gig in Los Angeles. The band has nearly a month after that with no scheduled activity, followed by a run of 10 dates in its native U.K. at the end of March and beginning of April. All dates are in support of the band's most recent album, "Phantom Power" (XL/Beggars Group). Its sixth studio album overall, has sold 22,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

'Carnivale' Rolls Up for 2nd Season on HBO

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - "Carnivale" will reopen its tent next year on HBO. Sources said the premium cable network has ordered 13 episodes for a second season of the primetime drama about a troupe of Depression-era circus performers. Production is expected to begin in the spring, with the show set to start airing again in late 2004. Its ensemble cast includes Nick Stahl, Clea Duvall, Amy Mafigan, Adrienne Barbeau and Ralph Waite. "Carnivale" completed its rookie season earlier this month with the final episode drawing 3.5 million total viewers, just under its season average. While HBO's more established series such as "The Sopranos" and "Sex and the City" attract much bigger audiences, "Carnivale" earned a respectable viewership on par with another of its critically acclaimed dramas, "The Wire." The series appeared to hit a ratings trough early against stiff competition on the broadcast networks but surged in the latter half of its run even as its lead-out, the faux-reality series "K Street," faltered. Launched simultaneously with "Carnivale," "Street" will not return for a second season.

Sony and BMG Merge

Sony Records acquired BMG Records in a deal signed Friday (Dec. 12), making the new company the second largest music corporation in the world. The company, Sony BMG, will be co-owned in a 50-50 split of ownership between the parent companies. If regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe approve the merger -- which will take several months -- Sony BMG will command 25 percent of worldwide music sales, putting it slightly behind Universal Music which controls about 29 percent of the world's music market. The merger only applies to music holdings. Each company retains its individual publishing, manufacturing and distribution arms.

KINGBLIND UPDATE: JACK WHITE, JASON VON BONDIES FIGHT..

As reported yesterday.. Here are all the details of the fight..
While Brendan Benson was opening a record release show for Blanche, a brawl broke out between Jack White and Jason Von Bondie. Jason, along with bandmates Marcie Bolen and Carrie Smith, was watching the show in the front row. Jack was also at the front of the stage, near the Von Bondies clan and Saturday Looks Good To Me singer, Fred Thomas. Jack left after a few songs, then came storming back to the front of the stage - back to Jason Von Bondie. Those standing close enough could feel Jack's spit - aimed at Jason - hit their faces. Jack then proceeded to yell something, very loudly, into Jason's ear. Seconds later, Jack landed a solid punch on Jason - most likely breaking his nose. Blood splattered over the floor and covered the back of Carrie Smith's shirt. The fight carried on for a few minutes - Jack pinning Jason to the floor in front of the speakers. It took several men to pull them apart, and Jason, who was having difficultly getting up, was helped backstage by Marcie and Carrie. Brendan Benson left the stage after only four songs, and the show reached a halt. Meanwhile Meg White sat on a speaker sipping a cocktail throughout the incident, and its aftermath. To view the police report GO HERE
(story from E.R., police report from smoking gun)

Polyphonic Spree Announce Xmas Benefit

The Polyphonic Spree will play a couple shows in Los Angeles to benefit Toys for Tots. The sprawling 23-member band announced a pair of fund-raising shows at Los Angeles' Lakewood Theater on Dec. 19 and 20 to benefit the toy-drive charity. The Christmas spirit will pervade the shows, with Santa and Mrs. Claus scheduled to entertain families outside the venue, and a screening of the animated Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer after both shows. Patrons are encouraged to bring an unwrapped, new toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

The Desaparecidos not going anywhere fast

The Desaparecidos aren't going to finish many projects in the near future. The band announced that, because of conflicting tour schedules for its other members -- it features members of Bright Eyes and Statistics -- the act wouldn't be able to finish writing its album scheduled for a spring release. No revised release date was issued by the band or its label, Saddle Creek Records. The conflict of scheduled also forces the band to renege on its commitment to headline the upcoming Plea for Peace tour. Saddle Creek's Cursive are still scheduled to play the benefit series, though no replacement for Desaparecidos has been announced.

The Darkness: Concerts, radio shows and interviews (Legal MP3 Download)

Loads of live concerts, radio shows and interviews from The Darkness!! RIGHT ON (Oh yeah there are photos too !!)
CLICK HERE TO DOWLOAD

The Mistreaters: “I won’t like you” (Legal MP3 Download)

Fuzzed out punk garage noise from Milwaukee, WI.. Totally awesome
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Amon Tobin: “4-Ton Mantis” (Music Video)

Mistress of visual funk Floria Sigismondi directed this eerily beautiful video for British/Brazilian beat junkie Amon Tobin (please note this version highlights an alternate ending different from the originally broadcast version).
Click here to view Requires Quicktime

Soul Junk: “Hogging all the islands” (Legal MP3 Download)

When the seminal indie noise band Truman's Water moved out of San Diego, Glen Galloway stayed behind and became Glen Galaxy . He soon began recording as Soul-Junk and celebrating his love for Jesus Christ by referencing lyrics directly from the Bible. Soul-Junk is all about spirituality through musical invention and reinvention. Galloway started by creating sounds rooted in free jazz and noise. He then brought in guitars and composed actual songs while remaining rooted in the experimental. With his album 1956 , he started to move into rapping, while also sticking to its original foundation of avant-garde, indie rock, and conventional singing. This eclectic commingling of styles propelled Soul-Junk toward the territory of Beck . A fun little track.. Enjoy
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Separated at Birth?

Saddam Hussein Captured!!! After months of eluding Coalition forces, Saddam Hussein was captured last night in a "spider hole" in Tikrit . Authorities said he was talkative, but "tired and haggard, unrepentant, even defiant." I think he's just pissed off that they found him looking like Nick Nolte. ;-)

KINGBLIND EXCLUSIVE: Jack White and Jason from The Von Bondies in fist fight

At the Garden Bowl / Magic Stick in Detroit, MI last night Blanche/Brendan Benson were playing at the venue. In attendance were White Stripes frontman Jack White and Jason from the Von Bondies. A quick argument started and Jack White hauled off and cracked Jason from the Von Bondies and broke his nose and swelled his eye shut. The reason for the fight is unknown.. But I guess the former goodwill between the two bands is now over. Kingblind will update you on any further information as we get it.. In related news, Jack was the observer of another fight on Thursday ..The New York Post reports at Thursday's White Stripes show at Roseland, Jack White stopped in the middle of 'Look Me Over Closely,' to yell at two guys in the crowd. "Take it outside! For God's sake - this is a Marlene Dietrich song and you guys are punching each other," he yelled. "I can taste the testosterone from here."

The Thrills: “One horse town” (Music Video)

The Thrills are from Dublin, Ireland, but they've recorded songs called "Big Sur," "Your Love Is Like Las Vegas," "Santa Cruz," and "Hollywood Kids." Inspired by the likes of Neil Young, the Byrds, and the Beach Boys, the group appeared twice on the U.K.'s Top of the Pops program in support of their 2003 debut album, So Much for the City. (Requires Quicktime) CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Satellite Radio Gives Lyrics Free Rein

Seeking every edge they can get over terrestrial radio, the satellite radio programers XM and Sirius are touting the uncensored nature of several of their rap/hip-hop channels. "The popularity is not hard to imagine with the way hip-hop is part of the culture, not only in terms of music but fashion, style and verbiage," says Steve Harris, vice president of programing for Washington, D.C.-based XM. XM programer Leo G says, "XM's Raw channel emulates the lifestyle by programing with a mix-tape mentality. For those living the hip-hop lifestyle, mix tapes have become a form of promotion and marketing for record labels and new projects," he explains. "Raw exudes this, from the music to the on-air personalities to the production in between. There hasn't been anything yet that's crossed my desk that's too raunchy." That same philosophy is in play at New York-based Sirius, whose uncut rap is featured on the Hip-Hop Nation channel. "A lot of DJs around the country submit mixes," says Geronimo, Sirius program manager for rhythmic formats. "Everything you hear on-air is anything you would hear off the air in a normal conversation. That's all part of the idea of being uncompromised. We don't have to worry about angering sponsors; I don't have to look at any other station to see what it's doing. If it fits, we'll put it in, no matter what the lyrical content." The channels primarily target male listeners 18-35 and offer a variety of special segments. Raw operates with six on-air personalities, including Leo G. In addition to a countdown show, Raw devotes an hour daily (9-10 p.m.) to playing hip-hop from a specific region. Its "On Blast" segment highlights newly released albums. More live broadcasts of hip-hop concerts and other events are on Raw's agenda after its success in airing the D.C. stopover on the Def Jam Vendetta tour. Besides Hip-Hop Nation, Sirius' genre-related channels include Street Beat (rap hits), BackSpin (old-school hip-hop) and Wax (mixes, remixes and freestyle). XM has eight urban channels, two of which are devoted strictly to hip-hop: Raw, which plays contemporary/new music, and The Rhyme, which focuses on classic hip-hop from the '80s. Sirius recently hosted Hip-Hop Appreciation Week, capped by a seven-hour broadcast sporting some of the biggest legends in the genre: DJ Red Alert, Grand Wizard Theodore, Mister Cee and Kurtis Blow. egarding subscribers, XM will say only that it has more than 1 million subscribers; it does not give out individual channel numbers. And in a press release, Sirius said it has surpassed 200,000 subscribers on its nationwide service of 60 commercial-free music streams and 40-plus streams o