Today in Music: It’s Called Sacrifice, People!

Just how far are KEXP supporters willing to go to get the word out? Chicago listener Jason Rohde thought the folks at City Hall might like to hear about us, so he displayed his KEXP bumper sticker prominently as he turned through a red light (”an anomaly,” he claims). While the infraction may keep Jason from attending a show or two this summer, he assures us the $90 fine won’t interfere with his membership renewal. We’d like to hope that Jason’s sacrifice is a lesson for others (though please do not run any red lights or do anything illegal) so that they might help spread gospel of KEXP and keep us “listener supported.”

So, our Summer Pledge Drive is full under way. So far, as of 10 am, we’ve raised $121,881.32, which puts us at nearly 25% of our goal. You can check up on our progress for this Hit-It-and-Quit-It drive at kexp.org, where you can also view the map for…

The 2007 Hood-to-Hood Challenge! My own neighborhood, Ballard, is kicking butt, everyone’s that is except West Seattle. Dang you, West Seattle! You’ll be the first to go when the polar caps melt. But until then, we’ll just have to pull through — I’m sure we can do it again. And what the heck are you other neighborhoods doing? C’mon, any one of you should be able to beat West Seattle. I mean, it’s not even in Seattle, right? And I heard that Kevin Cole lives over there!

Wherever you’re from — and keep in mind that you don’t have to be a Seattle resident to represent a Seattle neighborhood (Ballard) — we’d like to thank all of you who have pledged and ask those of you who haven’t to please do so. In addition to our broadcast, the other services we provide, like our podcasting and this blog, require your support. Help us get you the music and music news you require.

Thanks to member support, we’ve been able to offer a diverse range of podcasts, like the latest Music That Matters podcast, Vol. 49, hosted by new kid on the block DJ El Toro, who, in his own words, provides “a crash course in the skewed musical world of one of the newest members of the KEXP on-air family, featuring some classic funk & soul grooves, atmospheric rock, a dash of roots, and lots of scenery chewing.” Where else are you going to hear a set of music that includes Mark Pickerel, Betty Davis, Ursula 1000, Imperial Teen, Little Annie and Nick Lowe? Well, you can hear it right here, for free:

Music That Matters, Vol. 49: “Meet DJ El Toro” (MP3)

We also try to keep you up-to-date with music news and weekend suggestions (thanks, Three Imaginary Girls!). If you value these resources, please become a KEXP supporter.

Speaking of music news, here’s what’s been going on:

Ra Ra Riot - Each Year (MP3)

Zach Condon - Venice (MP3)

I’ll leave you with a couple of videos to watch while you’re considering how much to pledge and which neighborhood (Ballard) you want to represent. Here’s a live clip of Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls covering Radiohead’s “Creep” while standing ontop of a bar. As BrooklynVegan says, you have to keep watching, as the performance picks up after a few minutes — it’s well worth your time!

Franz Ferdinand’s version of LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” ranks with the best the lads from Glasgow have ever recorded. Here’s a silly video for it flipping around the internet:

If you’d like to send any news my way, send it over to blog@kexp.org. And when you pledge your support, don’t forget to tell ‘em that the KEXP Blog sent ya.