By Hans Fink
In a moment of either great altruism or financial irresponsibility, the innovative Canadian indie rock band ARCADE FIRE proclaimed that they would match donations made to the newly founded KANPE (an organization founded to help rebuild Haiti) up to $1 million. This is a wonderful story and a truly a heart-felt gesture by an amazing band, but um . . . what indie musicians have one million dollars? Most bands can barely afford to tour. Nonetheless, Arcade Fire apparently has $1 million somehow, and as singer Win Butler told fans, “Please take our money from us!”
Because no music career is complete without at least a minimal foray into other mediums, legendary BAUHAUS singer PETER MURPHY recently made an appearance in the most recent Twilight sequel, Eclipse. He of course has the role of a vampire known only as “The Cold One.” How appropriately gothic.
Following suit, the considerably less gothic WILL OLDHAM made his transition to the screen in the considerably less popular Squidbilly series, in which he will apparently portray a beaver.
Going back to Peter Murphy, as of press time, Murphy is getting set to launch his Dirty Dirt Tour, and has a new album set to be released this fall entitled Ninth. Peter Murphy’s last film appearance was in 1983 when he appeared in The Hunger, starring DAVID BOWIE.
Speaking of David Bowie, it would appear that a two-disc tribute album is set for release in September. Well in excess of 30 songs and artists, the track listing contains classic Bowie covers from groups such as DURAN DURAN, VOICESVOICES, LEWIS & CLARKE, AFGHAN RAIDERS, GENUFLEX, POLYAMOROUS AFFAIR and more.
Metalcore band EVERY TIME I DIE has decided to launch a web series called Shit Happens: The Series? Which is not to be confused with their so-so DVD of live footage entitled Shit Happens. The concept behind the web-based reality series has little to do with the typical reality show arc, and instead focuses on the band’s goofy personalities and the things that drive them to continue touring and performing. As vocalist Keith Buckley states, “We have license to be assholes.”
Well played, my hessian friends. Well played.
And closing out this month’s liner notes, how could I not comment on P!NK injuring herself at a live show? Apparently, doing that whole onstage aerial circle thing has an element of danger. While injuries of this sort are oft tragic and I am glad P!nk recovered, I have to say, if she would focus more on, I don’t know, making music, and being a musician, and making amazing songs that people want to hear, then perhaps she wouldn’t have to resort to large, extravagant and generally meaningless stage shows filled with more style than substance. I thought you were a musician, not a member of Cirque du Soleil. Of all my favorite concert memories, all of them involve music, and none of them involve acrobatics. Just saying.
