Radiohead - The King of Limbs is available RIGHT NOW!

Well, those Oxford scalliwags have gone and pulled another stunner. After only a few mere hours after posting a small handful of tidbits to sate the fevered anticipation for The King Of Limbs, I quickly log online to find that they've released the damn thing! With a video and everything ready to go - the cheeky buggers!

So, what else to do, but download away. I'd suggest three options at this point

Al's Music Rant at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2011

Ok, we've got a lil' bit o' this and a lil' bit o' that today. But first things first IMMA EAT YOUR BRAINS, THEN I START ROCKIN' GOLD TEETH AND FANGS, Argggh, curse you Nicki Minaj!

Sorry about that, so, first things first, Al's Music Rant - the hour-long comedy show based on this very blog which debuted as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, will be playing as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2011. Which means that come March 30th, you'll be able to see the show that critics called "a brilliant masterclass in music appreciation" (thanking you kindly, Mr. Flaherty, or should that be Mr. Flattery!); it also means you'll start seeing little Leunig logos all over my mug. But let's cut to the chase.

They're Still Alive

Pearl Jam - Live On Ten Legs (Monkeywrench)

Let’s be clear, the grunge survivors aren’t so much a band in the traditional sense anymore as a live institution. Like The Grateful Dead before them, Pearl Jam have established their persona through a ceaseless schedule to rival that of even Dylan’s Never Ending Tour. They don’t so much tour extensively as they do live on the road. As such, their studio output is now a more rare occurrence than the long swathe of bootlegs between them. 

With the wide array of recordings on offer, both official and otherwise, one has to wonder as to the point of yet another live collection. There are already more interesting (the acoustic Live At Benaroya Hall) or extensive documents available (the seven disc Live At The Gorge set). So what does Live On Ten Legs have to offer?

STOP THE WORLD'S AXIS! NEW RADIOHEAD ALBUM IMMINENT!

Just when I'd finished rattling off about Valentine's Day and some love for music metaphor, then along comes the greatest news of all, that of a new Radiohead album. Yep, it's official, make your way to The King of Limbs website for full details, but essentially we'll have brand new music from the Oxford quintet this Sat 19th Feb.

I don't want to downplay the significance of this event, but we all sort of knew that this was coming, so it doesn't have the same kind of shock and awe that the the release of In Rainbows did. That, and the pay-what-you-want model has been ditched, not a big problem for those who plan to buy the super deluxe set (details below) but it's interesting that after being lauded for popularising such a revolutionary model the band would opt for a fixed price scheme for this release.

Anyway, what does it matter - say it out aloud, nay, shout it across the rooftops "New music from Radiohead!"

So here's the facts:

Love is in the something, something

Yes, yes that witty title will reveal all. But first *bulletin music*

I Heard The News Today, Oh Boy

• Alright, some big news from AMR favourites and Melbourne's best band©, Big Scary, who with a shiny new website, have announced a national tour in support of their Big Scary Four Seasons compilation (which was the third best album of 2010 in this humble writer's opinion). They'll be playing dates across the east coast through March and April. Check the website for details, and i'll see you at the East Brunswick Club show. (via Big Scary.net)
• British rock-cosmonauts Amplifier have released a companion EP to their mighty album, The Octopus (another 2010 highlight). The five-track release, entitled Fractal, is available as a free download from the their bandcamp page. The band's frontman, the wonderfully named Sel Balimir, has called it "an insight into exactly how we write." (via Amplifier)
• and finally, a big ol' *SPOILER ALERT* cause the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards were held today and though like most popular votes masquerading as imporant ceremenoies, there was a lot of awards that missed the mark (Lady Antebellum sweeped several categories, Who? Yeah, exactly); but hope abides. Muse's The Resistance won Best Rock Record, with Matt Bellamy awkwardly thanking his "beautiful preganant girlfriend" (that's Kate Huson trainspotters) - which inspired this Kanye West tweet. The Black Keys took out the award for Best Alternative Album, with Brothers, which probably also means they swayed Stephen Colbert's vote at one point. But the big news, which you probably already know if you clicked on any music site today - is The Suburbs winning The Arcade Fire Record of the Year. Viva la Art Rock! (via the internet in general really).

So yes, today is indeed the hallowed day of Cupid, Valentine's Day. Now Al's Music Rant has a bit of a potted history with ol' V Day. There's was the inaugral Valentine's Grinch playlist, it's grumpy sequel, and then another list for the softies celebrating that perennial song topic: the kiss. But this year is different...

I Heard The News Today, Oh Boy

• Lady Gaga's new single is called Scheiße. That's a self-fulfilling prophecy if ever I heard one. (via GagaDaily)
• Turns out that the new Strokes single is pretty darn good, harkening back to their Is This It days of duelling lead guitars and strong, soaring choruses. But the best news is that Under Cover Of Darkness is available to download for free - right now! - from the band's website. Off you trot (via Pitchfork)
• Now that new single was great and all, but what really brought a smile to my face was this:the good stuff happens about a minute in, where the Purple One tells Kim Kardashian to "get off stage". Why? Cause only one thing matters in a Prince concert, and that thing is Prince. So if you ain't moving, get moving. Brilliant (via Too Fab)
• Games publisher Activision have pulled the plug on their Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises, closing down their guitar hero business unit and any future productions. Being an avid gamer, this was an issue I needed to express myslef on - so I did, with the lovely Irene Scott for triple j's Hack. Even my messagebank got an airing on national radio. (via Gamespot and triple j)
• Speaking of triple j, Music Director Richard Kingsmill posted the results of the 101-200 rankings of triple j's recent Hottest 100 poll on his blog. Highlights include appearances from AMR faves Sleigh Bells, Janelle Monaé and a whole lot of Yeezy. Particular kudos to both Kimbra and Big Scary who, though they should have been much higher in the list in my opinion, charted with Settle Down at 125  and Falling Away at 167 respectively. (via Richard Kingsmill's twitter)
• Finally, new music from Icelandic goddess Björk has surfaced, Biophilia is - depending on who you believe - the title of her forthcoming album, the background music for a iPad app, a science fiction film with director Michel Gondry; or all of the above. Regardless, it's a rousing instrumental. (via Pretty Much Amazing) 

Oh, and just a reminder from last post about the lil' ol' competition that's running.

All you have to do is come up with a witty musical-themed name for the new segment that is basically "Things I've Been Listening To Lately." email your idea, along with your name, mailing address and the subject line: AMR COMPETITION to alister.newstead@gmail.com to be in the running for these lil' guys:

That's right you could be the proud owner of The Jezabels' Dark Storm and Big Scary's At The Mercy Elements, as well as the proud owner of the name you come up with for my new blog segment. Dig in. Entries close Sunday Feb 20th.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

So the immortal chorus from one David Bowie should make things clear, there's gonna be a few tweaks and differences around here. Since Al's Music Rant is the production of just the one man, the titular Al, time is not always of the essence when it comes to consistent and lively blog posting.

While I've always tried my very best to present articles, reviews, lists and the like with the most passionate, informative and entertaining content possible - it often leads to just one big article a month with lots of dead air between. The simple result, and solution, is the introduciton of two shimmering new regular segments to the Al's Music Rant armoury. The intention is to not skimp on the quality of the bigger posts that you've all come to know and love, they'll still be happening. Hopefully though, these new segments will mean I can deliver more consistent, contemporary and relevant content.

Q: The bottom line?

A: More Ranty goodness in yr internetz. Capiche?

'So what are these new segments?' I hear you say quizzically, but with arched brow. Well, dear music lover, the first new segment is a news section. Which does exactly what it says on the tin, it's a music news report. Now I know that there are more resourceful, bigger and better news sites out there - but the aim is just to provide a music news round-up. Just to keep you informed of the more interesting goings on. Or maybe just some links to interesting things that have caught my ears and eyes around the web.

That, and who can resist a Beatles reference.

It'll go a little something like this:

I Heard The News Today, Oh Boy 

• Local soul-pop sensation Kimbra is performing a free gig as part of the annual St. Kilda Festival. She'll be on the O'Donnell Gardens stage at 6.45pm. Not only that, but she tweeted some news about single number two from her forthcoming debut Vows. (via Kimbra Music Twitter)
• Breaking up is hard to do, especially if you're one of the industry's leading pop mavericks. Following in the wake of The White Stripes and LCD Soundsystem calling it quts, Gorillaz have decided to call it a day. (via Consquence of Sound)
• Speaking of splits, the wonderful Perth outfit Snowman have also dissolved. That's the bad news, the consolation good news is that their third LP will be released 'posthumously.' (via FasterLouder)
• Speaking of anticipated albums, TV On The Radio have been secretly working away on their latest album, titled Nine Types of Light (ooooh arty). It's due in Spring (ooooh vague). (via Drowned In Sound)
• It's been a long time between drinks for The Strokes, but the influential New Yorkers have finally released a short teaser for their long-overdue fourth album Angles. Hear a 30-second clip of the lead single here, and be sure to tune into Triple J's Tom & Alex for brekkie to hear the full thing on air! (via Pretty Much Amazing & Triple J Twitter)
• Lovers of vinyl and dwellers of the northeastern suburbs unite! Thornbury Records is a brand-spanking new independent record store and according to these guys, it's pretty damn good. So get on down there and support your locals (via Something Sweet To Throw Away)
• Here's a great little piece of music journalism analysing the Top 5 from Triple J's recent Hottest 100 poll. It doesn't pull its punches, but neither does it coast on research and insight either. (via The Vine)
• Hey, did you know that clever, polished sketch comedy still exists? Well, it does and it's called Portlandia. Here's just a taste of the hilarity. (via Anna)
• And finally, check back Monday for some actual breaking news. I dunno if I'll be the first to break it, but I'll be the most proud. Too cryptic? Need a clue? Well you're all just at the mercy of the elements aren't you?

News. Cool. Facts. Information. 'But what is the second brand new section?' I hear you croon. Well, it's a similar round-up, only this time it's a quick look at what Al's Music Rant has been digging latley, what's been tickling the ear drums so to speak. It won't amount to fully-fledged album reviews, but quicker sketches or portraits of some great music. hink of it as a virtual flick through the large stack of CDs that inevitably pile up next to my listening station (re: computer). Please ignore the horrible title, more on that later but it'll be a little something like this:

What I Have Been Listening To Lately

Ghoul - Dunks

The second EP/mini-album from Sydney four-piece Ghoul is the very picture of fresh, exciting music. Triple J's Dom Alessio already nailed it when he called it "like Antony Hegarty meets Radiohead." Particularly on a track like Dreambeat which channels Hail To The Theif-era. Then there's the dark dub atmosphere of 3Mark. Elsewhere The Slip balances experimentalism and engagement with its captivating refrain of "after an honest break". It's all so well-constructed too. Cannot wait to here more from this bunch.

Ghoul - 3Mark

Alpine - Zürich EP

The Melbourne-based group clearly have a fascination with Switzerland, but since the band changed their name from Swiss, they've been scaling even greater heights (see what I did there?). The six-piece, led by twin chanteuses Lou and Phoebe, have delivered a collection of five incredibly well-honed songs. Mining atmosphere and chilling pop economy as much as their savvy production and guitar arrangements. If they can come up with equally dashing material for an entire album, they'll be laughing.

Alpine - Villages

British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall

One of those bands I've always intended to check out, but didn't get around to doing so. Partially due to inexplicably confusing them with Ocean Colour Scene (don't ask...), but their latest album piked my interest proper. Not least due to that evocative title, the resultant contents of which - much like its namesake - is a record of contrasts. For the most part it's a straight-up rock record, with an eye to stadium-filling boasters in the 'Alternative' vein. In other areas though it's a full-blown Pulp revival, particualrly on Luna and Living Is So Easy which feature a similar Jarvis Cocker-esque delivery. Between them is nestled the lilting, atmospheric Baby and penultimate track Once More Now is eleven plus minutes of wafting loveliness.

British Sea Power - Living Is So Easy

James Blake - James Blake

Although he's been associated with an electronica and dubstep background, what drew me to Blake was that his weightless, auto-tuned voice - crystalline and haunting over warbled bass and fragmented keys - is that it took the template of Bon Iver's Woods and ran with it. His debut album is filled with equally mantric repetition, it's spare minimalism is addictive in a strange way. Tracks like Unluck, Wilhelms Scream and soulful Limit To Your Love build and sway with a cathartic hypnosis rare of someone so young. Trust me, you're going to be hearing a lot more of James Blake in 2011.

James Blake - Limit To Your Love

The Hidden Venture - Live At St. Andrews

"Inspired in equal parts by the stoner riffs of Californian desert rock, the guitar wizardry of Hendrix and also every soul singer who had a story to tell" so goes the Bio for the local four-piece. Emerging from the dissolution of the genre-bending A Planet In Space (previously featured on the rant), they've emerged into a much leaner, tougher beast. Channeling Faith No More's lothario-rock on Certified Diamond and Josh Homme histrionics on Worlds Collide. This live EP is available for free from their website for the meagre price of an email, it's such an energetic set you can almost feel the sweat splashing about as the group lash their instruments into submission.

The Hidden Venture - Worlds Collide

so there you have it "Things I've Been Listening To Lately" a rather crap title wouldn't you agree? And not one I'm going to stick with, which brings me to my final and most exciting point. For the first time ever on this humble blog we have....

COMPETITION! WIN STUFF!

You read that right, but first, what you could win. Well aside from the bragging rights of having a section on this very blog named for your talents and wit, I have two of 2010's best Australian EPs up for grabs. Namely, Big Scary's excellent At The Mercy Of The Elements (which you can read up a bit on here) and  The Jezabels' Dark Storm (winner of the coveted Best EP award as part of the 2010 The Good, The Bad & The James Blunt).

To the victors, the spoils

All you have to do to win this wonderful prize is come up with a title for my new segment. That's right just think of a better title than "What I Have Been Listening To Lately" and the accolades as well as those CDs above are all yours. Ideally, the title should be a musical reference, maybe a song title or lyric - get creative! 

All entries must be emailed to me at alister.newstead@gmail.com. All entries close on Sunday 20th Feb. Please include your name, mailing address and of course, your awesome suggestion. Tell your family, tell your friends, this is an honest-to-goodness comp.