Wednesday Music News

Local Music, Daily Roundups

03/12/2014

Janice Headley

Album, schmalbum. Modest Mouse fans have been waiting for news on a follow-up to the band's 2007 breakout, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, and instead the humble rodents have announced a cross-country tour! Sure, why not. Chances are, attendees will hear some new material in the set list; the band debuted three new songs live last year. No Seattle date, but two shows have been announced in Portland at the Crystal Ballroom. [Under the Radar]

Modest Mouse aren't the only ones hitting the road and forsaking Seattle: Beck has announced his 2014 tour dates, including an appearance at Coachella, but no dates north of that on the west coast. You can watch him from the comfort of home, performing tonight on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at least. [Spin]

Back in 2010, before his untimely passing, Jay Reatard recorded a cover of Nirvana's “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle” for an In Utero tribute album. That tribute album is now scheduled for release on Record Store Day, April 19th. Stream his faithful rendition below: [Under the Radar]

On the subject of Nirvana... Yesterday, we reported on Scottish synth band Chvrches covering a song by New Zealand twitch-teen Lorde. Today, we share footage of hometown boy Krist Novoselic covering the track "Royals"... on accordion. Apparently, the set was part of a “Fair Vote Campaign” benefit in Takoma Park, Maryland, and we hope they brought in a lot of money as a result. [Stereogum]

Speaking of unexpected live performances in the name of charity, last night, Iggy Pop jumped on stage with New Order at Carnegie Hall to perform the Joy Division classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart." The event was the 24th annual Tibet House Benefit, which also featured Philip Glass, Patti Smith, members of the National, Joe Walsh, and Nico Muhly. Watch below: [Under the Radar]

He already tackled 69 Love Songs, and now Magnetic Fields' frontman Stephin Merritt will release 101 Two-Letter Words, a book of poetry inspired by all of Scrabble's permissible two-letter words. New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast will illustrate the book, which will be out in October through W.W. Norton. [Pitchfork]

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Glasgow synthpop band Chvrches delivered a brilliant cover of Lorde's newest hit "Team" on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. Lauren Mayberry's bright vocals turn the song into a more blithe and airy version than the original. Below, you can watch their entire radio session. Jump to 3:44 for their "Team" …