I see that I have a few new followers, so firstly I would like to say “Welcome to my blog!” Although this blog is heavier on personal style and fashion, I definitely have a keen interest in music. Be forewarned that my musical interests are mainly tied to 80’s alternative, especially Depeche Mode, Recoil, Joy Division, OMD, Duran Duran and bands in the same genre. This means that most of the music news that I report on will be centered around these groups and this type of music. If you want to get to know more on my musical taste and interest, the “Musically Inclined” category is a great start. In the meantime, here are some musical tidbits that I’ve either received an email about, found on Facebook or have received a Tweet about. Have a great weekend everyone!
Independence (Record Store) Day – With the release of Depeche Mode’s Remixes: 81-11 on June 7th came several exclusives. One I nearly had in my hands, had I gotten myself together earlier in the day. On Depeche Mode’s official site, they posted several independent record stores that would have a very rare and exclusive 12″ single as a gift when purchasing the 3 CD or 6 LP Remixes release. Pictured on the left, it was a four song, promo only 12″ single of “Personal Jesus”. This is how I discovered “Record Store Day“.
The gist of what I understand this to be is that artists create special and exclusive products for their new record/album releases, and distribute these items to only independently owned record stores. These stores cannot be corporate chain stores and truly celebrates the indie record business.
I think this is a great endeavor because I have almost exclusively patronized independent record stores my entire life and I only go to the bigger chains when I have no alternative. Since I was a teen, I have gone to local stores like Licorice Pizza before they were sold to a large chain, and Blue Meannie before they became exclusively a store for the metal genre. The only “large chain” music store I frequented before their demise in 2006 was Tower Records because of the music they stocked and the awesome people that worked there. Music stores that I shop at now include CSL, Lou’s Records, M-Theory and Amoeba (they all participate in Record Store Day). I firmly believe that all music enthusiasts should do their part and support independently owned music stores and I’m excited to know that artists feel the same way by driving sales towards these types of stores.
(Image courtesy of Record Store Day)
Alan Wilder Auctions His Goods – I’m now on Twitter more and more, and I discovered that this is also a great place to get news as it happens. Through Recoil (@recoilofficial and @Recoilboss), it has been announced that Alan Wilder has decided to sell some of his beloved equipment, vinyl and memorabilia that he has collected over the years. The items range from Depeche Mode rarities, instruments that he’s held on to, and even clothing he has worn to pictorials and videos (although I find it odd to purchase his pants). You can browse through the items at The Alan Wilder/Depeche Mode Collection website. One of my friends stated that he spent 2 hours looking through everything and reading Alan’s comments because it’s like a history lesson Depeche Mode and Recoil. The actual auction takes place on September 3, 2011 in Manchester, England and online. If you are a die-hard fan, you will not want to miss this fantastic opportunity.
(Image courtesy of Shunt)
“Girl Panic” Video Shoot – I follow John Taylor of Duran Duran on Twitter (@ThisIsTheRealJT and @duranduran), and there was Tweets galore regarding the new video for the song “Girl Panic” from their album “All You Need is Now”, filmed earlier this week. Yasmin Le Bon was reunited with her model friends Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, and Helena Christensen for this video. I’m excited to see the new video, but still worried about Simon Le Bon, who is recovering from a throat ailment that has sidelined their tour in the UK and Europe. In the meantime, here are some shots from the video shoot on Fashionologie here.
(Image courtesy of Record Store Day)
It’s Time to DANCE with DJ Lance Rock! If you have kids, you definitely know about the phenomenon that is Yo Gabba Gabba! It’s a show about four crazy characters (Brobee, Toodee, Foofa, Muno and Plex) and their adventures with their ringleader, DJ Lance Rock aka Lance Robinson. What I love about the show is that they feature so many good sing-a-long songs that teach lessons in an incredible fun and catchy way. But the best part of the show are their musical and celebrity guests. Past performers and guests include The Faint, The Shins, Jimmy Eat World, Chromeo, The Ting Tings, The Roots, Jack Black, and Elijah Wood.
I received a Tweet from @amoebamusic that you can see DJ Lance Rock up close and personal because he performs a DJ set on June 25, 2011 at Hollywood Amoeba location (details here). Maybe he’ll do a little “Dancey-Dance” with his Gabbaland pals!
(Photo of Dominic dressed as DJ Lance Rock for Halloween last year)
really cool that you incorporate music too! I love 80’s music!
Thank you! I’m a just as big a fan of music as I am of fashion, so along with family, that’s what makes my blog 🙂
And I LOVE yours. One of my new faves!
xoxo