As previously reported, Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International is the name of Amnesty International’s 75-track, 4-disc Bob Dylan tribute album, comprised of new or previously unreleased Dylan covers from Adele, My Morning Jacket, Queens of the Stone Age, Silversun Pickups, The Gaslight Anthem, Patti Smith, Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Joan Baez, Bryan Ferry, The Who’s Pete Townshend, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello, Pete Seeger, Fistful of Mercy, Bad Religion, Mark Knopfler, Cage the Elephant, and, of course, Miley Cyrus and Ke$ha.

The collection will be released in North America on January 24th via Fontana Distribution and elsewhere on January 30th via Fontana International. Right now, however, you can stream all 75 tracks on Amnesty International’s Facebook page.

All profits from the sale of the album will benefit Amnesty International. Check out the tracklist below.

Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International Tracklist:
Disc 1
01. Raphael Saadiq – Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
02. Patti Smith – Drifter’s Escape
03. Rise Against – Ballad of Hollis Brown
04. Tom Morello The Nightwatchman – Blind Willie McTell
05. Pete Townshend – Corrina, Corrina
06. Bettye LaVette – Most of the Time
07. Charlie Winston – This Wheel’s On Fire
08. Diana Krall – Simple Twist of Fate
09. Brett Dennen – You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
10. Mariachi El Bronx – Love Sick
11. Ziggy Marley – Blowin’ in the Wind
12. The Gaslight Anthem – Changing of the Guards
13. Silversun Pickups – Not Dark Yet
14. My Morning Jacket – You’re A Big Girl Now
15. The Airborne Toxic Event – Boots of Spanish Leather
16. Sting – Girl from the North Country
17. Mark Knopfler – Restless Farewell

Disc 2
01. Queens Of The Stone Age – Outlaw Blues
02. Lenny Kravitz – Rainy Day Woman # 12 & 35
03. Steve Earle & Lucia Micarelli – One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)
04. Blake Mills – Heart Of Mine
05. Miley Cyrus – You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
06. Billy Bragg – Lay Down Your Weary Tune
07. Elvis Costello – License to Kill
08. Angelique Kidjo – Lay, Lady, Lay
09. Natasha Bedingfield – Ring Them Bells
10. Jackson Browne – Love Minus Zero/No Limit
11. Joan Baez – Seven Curses (Live)
12. The Belle Brigade – No Time To Think
13. Sugarland – Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You (Live)
14. Jack’s Mannequin – Mr. Tambourine Man
15. Oren Lavie – 4th Time Around
16. Sussan Deyhim – All I Really Want To Do
17. Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Recorded Live at WXPN)

Disc 3
01. K’NAAN – With God On Our Side
02. Ximena Sariñana – I Want You
03. Neil Finn with Pajama Club – She Belongs to Me
04. Bryan Ferry – Bob Dylan’s Dream
05. Zee Avi – Tomorrow Is A Long Time
06. Carly Simon – Just Like a Woman
07. Flogging Molly – The Times They Are A-Changin’
08. Fistful Of Mercy – Buckets Of Rain
09. Joe Perry – Man Of Peace
10. Bad Religion – It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
11. My Chemical Romance – Desolation Row (Live)
12. RedOne featuring Nabil Khayat – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
13. Paul Rodgers & Nils Lofgren – Abandoned Love
14. Darren Criss featuring Chuck Criss and Freelance Whales – New Morning
15. Cage the Elephant – The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
16. Band of Skulls – It Ain’t Me, Babe
17. Sinéad O’Connor – Property of Jesus
18. Ed Roland and The Sweet Tea Project – Shelter From The Storm
19. Ke$ha – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
20. Kronos Quartet – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

Disc 4
01. Maroon 5 – I Shall Be Released
02. Carolina Chocolate Drops – Political World
03. Seal & Jeff Beck – Like A Rolling Stone
04. Taj Mahal – Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream
05. Dierks Bentley – Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) (Live)
06. Mick Hucknall – One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)
07. Thea Gilmore – I’ll Remember You
08. State Radio – John Brown
09. Dave Matthews Band – All Along the Watchtower (Live)
10. Michael Franti – Subterranean Homesick Blues
11. We Are Augustines – Mama, You Been On My Mind
12. Lucinda Williams – Tryin’ To Get To Heaven
13. Kris Kristofferson – Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
14. Eric Burdon – Gotta Serve Somebody
15. Evan Rachel Wood – I’d Have You Anytime
16. Marianne Faithfull – Baby Let Me Follow You Down (Live)
17. Pete Seeger – Forever Young
18. Bob Dylan – Chimes Of Freedom

One second. Sometimes that’s all a photographer gets – and hardly in ideal conditions. At worst (and most likely), a photographer may be squeezed between 15 others in the pit, mere feet away from pyrotechnics, finding support from stress-rattled knees, while focusing on a spastic frontman and sheltering oneself from a downpour, which may or may not involve a hailstorm. Truth: A great photographer handles the unenviable task of capturing that one moment everyone goes home thinking about. Half-truth: There’s probably a statistic somewhere that discusses what the job does to the heart. If not, there should be a study. Double-truth: It’s just a sweaty, life-threatening task.

Hi, I’m Michael Roffman, President and Editor-in-Chief of Consequence of Sound. You may know me from such stories as “Look Out! The Gaslight Anthem is Coming!” or “Scratch that… Brian Wilson is not returning to The Beach Boys.” This year, I sent out dozens of writers and photographers to hundreds of shows and just about every major music festival this side of the Atlantic (some even overseas). Without a doubt, our eyes were everywhere.

More specifically, our photographers’ multiple weighty lenses. In the past 12 months, we’ve published countless, fully-stocked galleries, featuring some of the most awe-inspiring shots on the ‘net, all thanks to our brave and inordinately talented photographers. Actually, that’s an understatement. These artists bleed talent – to get somewhat histrionic. Look, we value words, but as Fred R. Barnard so famously wrote, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Cliche, but you spend over four years putting these live and festival reviews together. You’ll quickly see how true that statement is. To date, I still feel like I’ve attended Bonnaroo.*

For our annual report, we put together our 100 favorite photos of the year. Lots of colors, lots of locales, and plenty of popular mugs to savor. So, throw on some tunes, grab a bag of chips, and enjoy the trip. You’ll go places, kiddo.

-Michael Roffman
President/Editor-in-Chief

* Would never happen. This guy in mud? Nah.

Weezer

Event: Weezer at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom
Date: 1/7/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

The Walkmen

Event: The Walkmen at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse
Date: 1/13/2011
Photographer: Max Blau

Girl Talk

Event: Girl Talk at Atlanta’s Tabernacle
Date: 1/21/2011
Photographer: Max Blau

Sad Brad Smith

Event: Sad Brad Smith at Chicago’s Schubas Tavern
Date: 1/23/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

The Church

Event: The Church at Chicago’s Park West
Date: 2/11/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Robyn

Event: Robyn at Chicago’s The Riviera Theatre
Date: 2/14/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

The Dismemberment Plan

Event: The Dismemberment Plan at Chicago’s Metro
Date: 2/19/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Ben Kweller

Event: Ben Kweller at Chicago’s Vic Theatre
Date: 2/23/2011
Photographer: Joshua Mellin

Bright Eyes

Event: Bright Eyes at Miami’s The Fillmore
Date: 3/2/2011
Photographer: Lauren Guagno

Raphael Saadiq

Event: Raphael Saadiq at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Baby Headphones

Event: SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Owen Pallett

Event: Owen Pallett at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

The Strokes

Event: The Strokes at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

The Kills

Event: The Kills at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

TV on the Radio w/ Yo Gabba Gabba!

Event: TV on the Radio w/ Yo Gabba Gabba! at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Matt & Kim

Event: Matt & Kim at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Odd Future

Event: Odd Future at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Odd Future

Event: Odd Future at SXSW 2011
Date: 3/16-20/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Hollerado

Event: Hollerado at Axis of Audio Showcase: SXSW 2011
Date: 3/19/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Astronautalis

Event: Astronautalis (& Four Fists) at Axis of Audio Showcase: SXSW 2011
Date: 3/19/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

P.O.S.

Event: P.O.S. at Paid Dues Festival 2011
Date: 4/2/2011
Photographer: Winston Robbins

The Mountain Goats

Event: The Mountain Goats at Chicago’s Vic Theatre
Date: 4/5/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Queens of the Stone Age

Event: Queens of the Stone Age at Oakland’s Fox Theatre
Date: 4/11/2011
Photographer: Karina Halle

The Strokes

Event: The Strokes at Coachella 2011
Date: 4/15-17/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Kanye West

Event: Kanye West at Coachella 2011
Date: 4/15-17/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

The National

Event: The National, Arcade Fire at Chicago’s UIC Pavillion
Date: 4/24/2011
Photographer: Lauren Guagno

Arcade Fire

Event: The National, Arcade Fire at Chicago’s UIC Pavillion
Date: 4/24/2011
Photographer: Lauren Guagno

Battles

Event: Battles at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall
Date: 4/30/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

tUnE-yArDs

Event: tUnE-yArDs at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall
Date: 5/10/2011
Photographer: Wallo Villacorta

Lykke Li

Event: Lykke Li at Chicago’s Metro
Date: 5/23/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

The Gorge

Event: Sasquatch! 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Death From Above 1979

Event: Death From Above 1979 at Sasquatch! 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Robyn

Event: Robyn at Sasquatch 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Fitz and the Tantrums

Event: Fitz and the Tantrums at Sasquatch! 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

The Flaming Lips

Event: The Flaming Lips at Sasquatch! 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

The Decemberists

Event: Sasquatch! 2011
Date: 5/27-30/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Melvins

Event: Melvins at Chicago’s Double Door
Date: 5/31/2011
Photographer: Katie Schuering

Bonnaroo Fan

Event: Bonnaroo 2011
Date: 6/9-12/2011
Photographer: Ben Kaye

Buffalo Springfield

Event: Buffalo Springfield at Bonnaroo 2011
Date: 6/9-12/2011
Photographer: Max Blau

Eminem

Event: Eminem at Bonnaroo 2011
Date: 6/9-12/2011
Photographer: Max Blau

Future Islands

Event: Future Islands at Chicago’s Subterranean
Date: 6/15/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Florence + the Machine

Event: Florence + the Machine at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom
Date: 6/18/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Glastonbury

Event: Glastonbury 2011
Date: 6/22-26/2011
Photographer: Laura Page

Eddie Vedder w/ Glen Hansard

Event: Eddie Vedder at The Chicago Theatre
Date: 6/28/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Phish Heads

Event: Phish Super Ball IX
Date: 7/1-3/2011
Photographer: Jake Cohen

Fucked Up

Event: Fucked Up at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall
Date: 7/2/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

Cold Cave

Event: Cold Cave at Pitchfork 2011
Date: 7/15-17/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

OFF!

Event: OFF! at Pitchfork 2011
Date: 7/15-17/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti

Event: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti at Pitchfork 2011
Date: 7/15-17/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

tUnE-yArDs

Event: tUnE-yArDs at Pitchfork 2011
Date: 7/15-17/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Fleet Foxes

Event: Fleet Foxes at Pitchfork 2011
Date: 7/15-17/2011
Photographer: Meghan Brosnan

Soundgarden

Event: Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon at Washington’s Gorge Amphitheater
Date: 7/30/2011
Photographer: Karina Halle

Paul McCartney

Event: Paul McCartney at Chicago’s Wrigley Field
Date: 7/31/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Lolla Chicago

Event: Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Le Butcherettes

Event: Le Butcherettes at Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Crystal Castles

Event: Crystal Castles at Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Coldplay

Event: Coldplay at Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

The Chain Gang of 1974

Event: The Chain Gang of 1974 at Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Ellie Goulding

Event: Ellie Goulding at Lollapalooza 2011
Date: 8/5-7/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Foo Fighters

Event: Foo Fighters at Chicago’s Metro
Date: 8/6/2011
Photographer: Heather Kaplan

Foster the People

Event: Foster the People at Outside Lands 2011
Date: 8/12-14/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Muse

Event: Muse at Outside Lands 2011
Date: 8/12-14/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Arcade Fire

Event: Arcade Fire at Outside Lands 2011
Date: 8/12-14/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Bush

Event: Bush at Chicago’s Congress Theatre
Date: 8/18/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Rubblebucket

Event: Rubblebucket at North Coast 2011
Date: 9/2-4/2011
Photographer: Lillian Cai

Pearl Jam

Event: Pearl Jam at PJ20 at Alpine Valley
Date: 9/3-4/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

Erykah Badu

Event: Erykah Badu at New York’s Rock the Bells 2011
Date: 9/3/2011
Photographer: Jake Cohen

Lauryn Hill

Event: Lauryn Hill at New York’s Rock the Bells 2011
Date: 9/3/2011
Photographer: Jake Cohen

The Kills

Event: The Kills at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom
Date: 9/5/2011
Photographer: Karina Halle

James Vincent McMorrow

Event: James Vincent McMorrow at Chicago’s Hideout
Date: 9/15/2011
Photographer: Matt Hyland

Delta Spirit

Event: Delta Spirit at Austin City Limits 2011
Date: 9/16-18/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

My Morning Jacket

Event: My Morning Jacket at Austin City Limits 2011
Date: 9/16-18/2011
Photographer: Nate Slevin

Kanye West

Event: Kanye West at Austin City Limits 2011
Date: 9/16-18/2011
Photographer: Nate Slevin

Randy Newman

Event: Randy Newman at Austin City Limits 2011
Date: 9/16-18/2011
Photographer: Nate Slevin

Incubus

Event: Incubus at Miami’s Bayfront Park
Date: 9/20/2011
Photographer: Lauren Guagno

Blink-182

Event: Blink-182 at West Palm Beach’s Cruzan Amphitheatre
Date: 9/23/2011
Photographer: Lauren Guagno

Deerhoof

Event: Deerhoof at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge
Date: 9/25/2011
Photographer: Katie Schuering

Radiohead

Event: Radiohead at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom
Date: 9/28/2011
Photographer: Nate Slevin

St. Vincent

Event: St. Vincent at Chicago’s Metro
Date: 10/5/2011
Photographer: Katie Schuering

Portishead

Event: Portishead at Chicago’s Aragon Theater
Date: 10/12/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

Sims

Event: Doomtree at Minneapolis’ Fine Line Music Cafe
Date: 10/15/2011
Photographer: Harley Brown

The Stepkids

Event: The Stepkids at CMJ 2011
Date: 10/18-22/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

Duran Duran

Event: Duran Duran at The Chicago Theatre
Date: 10/21/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Deadmau5

Event: deadmau5 at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom
Date: 10/22/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

Moby

Event: Moby at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Moby

Event: Moby at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Childish Gambino

Event: Childish Gambino at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Catherine Watkins

Suicide

Event: Suicide at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

The Flaming Lips

Event: The Flaming Lips at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Catherine Watkins

Mayer Hawthorne & County

Event: Mayer Hawthorne & County at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

M83

Event: M83 at Moogfest 2011
Date: 10/28-30/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Zola Jesus

Event: Zola Jesus at San Francisco’s The Independent
Date: 11/1/2011
Photographer: Summer Dunsmore

Feist

Event: Feist at Chicago’s The Riviera Theatre
Date: 11/4/2011
Photographer: Brad Bretz

The Raconteurs

Event: The Raconteurs at Orlando Calling 2011
Date: 11/12-13/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

Pixies

Event: Pixies at Orlando Calling 2011
Date: 11/12-13/2011
Photographer: Cap Blackard

YACHT

Event: YACHT at San Francisco’s The Independent
Date: 11/17/2011
Photographer: Summer Dunsmore

M83

Event: M83 at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall
Date: 11/17/2011
Photographer: Jeremy D. Larson

The Cure

Event: The Cure at Los Angeles’ Pantages Theatre
Date: 11/23/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Tinariwen

Event: Tinariwen at Minneapolis’ Cedar Cultural Center
Date: 11/26/2011
Photographer: Harley Brown

Iggy Pop and the Stooges

Event: Iggy Pop and the Stooges at Hollywood’s Palladium
Date: 12/1/2011
Photographer: Debi Del Grande

Last month we told you of an upcoming Bob Dylan tribute album being put together in celebration of Amnesty International’s 50th anniversary. At the time, My Morning Jacket, Adele, David Matthews Band, and Ke$ha were among the confirmed participants. Now, the set’s entire tracklist has been revealed, and Ke$ha’s cover of ”Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” is just the beginning of the insanity.

Spanning four discs and 75 tracks (!!!), Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International packages together new or previously unreleased Dylan covers from artist of all different genres and generations. Obvious highlights include covers of “You’re A Big Girl Now” by MMJ, “Outlaw Blues” by Queens of the Stone Age, ”Not Dark Yet” by Silversun Pickups, “Drifter’s Escape” by Patti Smith, and “Lay Down Your Weary Tune” by Billy Bragg.

Other notable contributors include The Who’s Pete Townshend (“Corrina, Corrina”), Sting (“Girl from the North Country”), Bryan Ferry (“Bob Dylan’s Dream”), The Gaslight Anthem (“Changing of the Guards”), Elvis Costello (“License to Kill”), Mark Knopfler (“Restless Farewell”), Sinéad O’Connor (“Property of Jesus”), Joan Baez (“Seven Curses (Live)”), Fistful Of Mercy (“Buckets Of Rain”), Bad Religion (“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”), Cage the Elephant (“The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”), and Pete Seeger (“Forever Young”). Dylan himself contributes the album’s namesake.

And just because, Ms. “On Melancholy Hill”  (aka Miley Cyrus) takes on “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” and Maroon 5 tackles “ I Shall Be Released”. Also, Seal and Jeff Beck randomly team up for a reworking of “Like A Rolling Stone” and actress Evan Rachel Wood contributes her cover of “I’d Have You Anytime”.

The collection is scheduled for physical and digital release in North America on January 24th, 2012 via Fontana Distribution. It will then be distributed internationally through Fontana International on January 30th. All profits will go to benefit Amnesty International.

Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International Tracklist:
Disc 1
01. Raphael Saadiq – Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
02. Patti Smith – Drifter’s Escape
03. Rise Against – Ballad of Hollis Brown
04. Tom Morello The Nightwatchman – Blind Willie McTell
05. Pete Townshend – Corrina, Corrina
06. Bettye LaVette – Most of the Time
07. Charlie Winston – This Wheel’s On Fire
08. Diana Krall – Simple Twist of Fate
09. Brett Dennen – You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
10. Mariachi El Bronx – Love Sick
11. Ziggy Marley – Blowin’ in the Wind
12. The Gaslight Anthem – Changing of the Guards
13. Silversun Pickups – Not Dark Yet
14. My Morning Jacket – You’re A Big Girl Now
15. The Airborne Toxic Event – Boots of Spanish Leather
16. Sting – Girl from the North Country
17. Mark Knopfler – Restless Farewell

Disc 2
01. Queens Of The Stone Age – Outlaw Blues
02. Lenny Kravitz – Rainy Day Woman # 12 & 35
03. Steve Earle & Lucia Micarelli – One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)
04. Blake Mills – Heart Of Mine
05. Miley Cyrus – You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
06. Billy Bragg – Lay Down Your Weary Tune
07. Elvis Costello – License to Kill
08. Angelique Kidjo – Lay, Lady, Lay
09. Natasha Bedingfield – Ring Them Bells
10. Jackson Browne – Love Minus Zero/No Limit
11. Joan Baez – Seven Curses (Live)
12. The Belle Brigade – No Time To Think
13. Sugarland – Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You (Live)
14. Jack’s Mannequin – Mr. Tambourine Man
15. Oren Lavie – 4th Time Around
16. Sussan Deyhim – All I Really Want To Do
17. Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Recorded Live at WXPN)

Disc 3
01. K’NAAN – With God On Our Side
02. Ximena Sariñana – I Want You
03. Neil Finn with Pajama Club – She Belongs to Me
04. Bryan Ferry – Bob Dylan’s Dream
05. Zee Avi – Tomorrow Is A Long Time
06. Carly Simon – Just Like a Woman
07. Flogging Molly – The Times They Are A-Changin’
08. Fistful Of Mercy – Buckets Of Rain
09. Joe Perry – Man Of Peace
10. Bad Religion – It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
11. My Chemical Romance – Desolation Row (Live)
12. RedOne featuring Nabil Khayat – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
13. Paul Rodgers & Nils Lofgren – Abandoned Love
14. Darren Criss featuring Chuck Criss and Freelance Whales – New Morning
15. Cage the Elephant – The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
16. Band of Skulls – It Ain’t Me, Babe
17. Sinéad O’Connor – Property of Jesus
18. Ed Roland and The Sweet Tea Project – Shelter From The Storm
19. Ke$ha – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
20. Kronos Quartet – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

Disc 4
01. Maroon 5 – I Shall Be Released
02. Carolina Chocolate Drops – Political World
03. Seal & Jeff Beck – Like A Rolling Stone
04. Taj Mahal – Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream
05. Dierks Bentley – Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) (Live)
06. Mick Hucknall – One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)
07. Thea Gilmore – I’ll Remember You
08. State Radio – John Brown
09. Dave Matthews Band – All Along the Watchtower (Live)
10. Michael Franti – Subterranean Homesick Blues
11. We Are Augustines – Mama, You Been On My Mind
12. Lucinda Williams – Tryin’ To Get To Heaven
13. Kris Kristofferson – Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
14. Eric Burdon – Gotta Serve Somebody
15. Evan Rachel Wood – I’d Have You Anytime
16. Marianne Faithfull – Baby Let Me Follow You Down (Live)
17. Pete Seeger – Forever Young
18. Bob Dylan – Chimes Of Freedom

As Buy These Records points out, Queens of the Stone Age’s acclaimed fourth album, 2005′s Lullabies to Paralyze, is receiving a vinyl reissue from UK imprint Music on Vinyl. A thousand copies of the set have been pressed in red, while the rest are available in black. Both versions include an etched d-side and come packaged in a gatefold sleeve.

Below, you can find the reissue’s tracklist, along with the video for “Little Sister”. You can order your own copy while supplies last via Music on Vinyl’s website.

Lullabies to Paralyze Reissue Tracklist:
Side A
01. This Lullaby
02. Medication
03. Everybody Know
04. Tangled Up In Plaid
05. Burn The Witch
06. In My Head

Side B
07. Little Sister
08. I Never Came
09. Someone’s In The Wolf
010. The Blood Is Love

Side C
01. Skin On Skin
02. Broken Box
03. You Got A Killer Scene There, Man…
04. Long Slow Good
05. Like A Drug

Etched Side D

This year – in addition to Lollapalooza and Nirvana’s Nevermind – Pearl Jam turns 20. For some, that’s a sort of revelation. For others, like the Seattle quintet’s “battle worn” soldiers, who have scars and stories for each year since… well, not so much. Regardless, everyone arrived Saturday morning at a very muddy Alpine Valley to help Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Matt Cameron blow out the proverbial candles. Rain or shine, these past, present, and future Ten Club members reveled in the festival’s nostalgia-ridden confines, which even included a Pearl Jam Museum showcasing various artifacts (e.g. gig posters, music video props, original artwork, etc.) from yesteryear.

Nobody heeded Jeremy Piven’s 1994 advice (“What’s this? You’re wearing the shirt of the band you’re going to see? Don’t be that guy.”) and instead were “that guy” and more. Grouped together, you would be hard-pressed to find a tour shirt that wasn’t present. But that only added to the fun. As hours passed, so did stories and anecdotes from countless fans, who shared everything from homemade t-shirts to unique tattoos to tales of near-folklore. Cameron Crowe can gather hours upon hours of footage from the band’s vault – which he has for the forthcoming documentary, Pearl Jam Twenty – but he’ll never be able to touch upon this unique (and incredibly telling) facet of the band’s history.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

But it wasn’t just one big fanapalooza. This was a festival, after all. Each day’s activities began with promising sets by newcomers like Star Anna and The Young Evils and continued on with familiar faces Glen Hansard, Liam Finn, and Dhani Harrison’s thenewno2. These performances took place nearby on two alternate stages. They didn’t offer up anything unusual, or attract too much activity, though on Saturday, as gray skies and relentless rain made everything rather grungy (how fitting, right?), Hansard strummed out a fitting rendition of Hal David and Burt Bacharach’s ”Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”. Many poncho-wearing spectators joined along for that one.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

Admittedly, the real festivities started each day around six o’clock on the main stage. Mudhoney unlocked each evening with 45 minutes of straight up fuzz rock, spiraling through oldies like “You Got It”, “Suck You Dry”, and naturally, “Touch Me I’m Sick”. (No, Citizen Dick did not reunite.) Queens of the Stone Age and The Strokes made the best of their respective 45 minutes, too. “If we do this right, I know we can all get laid tonight,” Josh Homme exclaimed before diving deep into his catalogue. He dished out oldies like “I Think I Lost My Heachache” and “Mexicola”, a song despised by Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard, who put out the group’s 1998 debut, as Homme explained. As for Julian Casablancas & Co., the boys appeared visibly excited. The only Strokes member with a voice, Casablancas admitted his love for Pearl Jam, stating that Vedder’s “got the best voice ever.” He attempted to prove that statement twice when the straggly frontman performed “Juicebox” with the band each set.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

These little cameos were highly enjoyable – especially on the second night. In addition to a varied setlist, each band – Queens of the Stone and The Strokes, specifically – turned heads with their onstage collaborations. Casablancas guested on “Sick Sick Sick”, and Homme returned the favor on “New York City Cops”. Vedder decided to also pop out with Queens, adding the now iconic cowbell fills to “Little Sister” and spitting out some flavor on “Make It Wit Chu”. These moments kept everyone on their feet and staved off any mixed feelings of experiencing the same lineup twice.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

Then came the main event each night. To no one’s surprise, Pearl Jam delivered two incredibly unpredictable sets over the weekend. Saturday’s set proved most valuable, however. Lacking many of the band’s hits, which would arrive Sunday instead, the band opted for a rarities-filled gig, dusting off relics like Binaural outtakes “Education” and “In the Moonlight” (which featured Homme, no less), Into the Wild track “Setting Forth”, Riot Act‘s “Help Help”, and Yield‘s hardly performed “Push Me, Pull Me”. It was uncanny seeing thousands of fans singing along to these unlikely tracks. That explains why nobody complained when nary a hit from Ten was performed – well, save for “Once” and “Porch”. That being said, no one griped when “Better Man” or “Do the Evolution” rolled on by, either.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

They also didn’t mind the eye-popping reunion of Temple of the Dog. Throughout the day, fans could be heard everywhere, whispering and chatting about the likelihood of Chris Cornell’s appearance. Given Cornell’s mischievous Friday tweet (“Just landed in Chicago. Now what?”) and that the first set of the weekend featured collaborations with everyone from Liam Finn to Dhani Harrison to Casablancas (who showed up mid-song to sing “Not For You”), it was sort of a given that Cornell would be there. Still, that didn’t stop the thousands of fans from tearing apart their seats (and nearby fans and newfound friends) in utter shock when Cornell strolled on out late Saturday night. Truth: a few even cried. Pretty hard not to, especially when Cornell led a tribute to the late Andrew Wood by performing Mother Love Bone’s “Stardog Champion” in addition to Temple hit “Say Hello 2 Heaven”. The dreamy, slightly surreal set continued with more Temple tracks, including the Soundgarden-esque “Reach Down”  and the ’90s rock radio duet “Hunger Strike”, which saw Vedder take center stage with Cornell – finally. This would happen again Sunday, only this time fans received other Temple favorites “Call Me a Dog” and “All Night Thing”. Unreal.

Photo by Jeremy D. Larson

That’s why on Sunday, when rumors of Neil Young surfaced, some fans took it as truth. Can’t blame them. If there was a Temple set, then why not a short Mirrorball gig? What other place would be fitting for a reunion of the 1995 collaboration? Unfortunately, it never happened, though the band did kick out a cover of “Rockin’ in the Free World”, paying homage to the unofficial grandfather of grunge. It wasn’t the only cover of the weekend, either. Pearl Jam rolled out quite a few of these, honoring their past mentors – and yes, they’re scholars of many. On Saturday, they kicked things off early with Joe Strummer’s “Arms Aloft”, blistered the night skies with their 2007 take on The Who’s “Love, Reign O’er Me”, and ignited a punk rock fiesta with Mudhoney by swinging through MC5′s “Kick Out the Jams”. In hindsight, these sort of grounded a band that’s certainly become their own by now. They also just made for a better party.

And that’s all Pearl Jam’s “Destination Weekend” was in a nutshell. But, given the band’s legacy to date, that’s pretty integral. Over 20 years, they’ve solidified themselves as a pertinent key figure in the touring industry, and no documentary, book, or album would ever suffice. That’s why the band’s six hours onstage this past weekend proved necessary. This was the essential commemoration. On stage… and with the thousands that put them there.

It was a unique experience, and although Alpine is essentially a large valley with a stage, it felt oddly intimate. Vedder recognized this, opening up mid-set with one little reflection about how putting your life into a band is a risky endeavor, one that in all likelihood doesn’t ever work out. But, for him, and for Pearl Jam, it did. It has worked wonders. Knowing this, Vedder thanked everyone again and again and again, but he also patted himself on the back, adding, “I want to thank that kid from back then for never giving up.” Heartfelt and poignant, the moment felt as organic as the band has all this time. And based on the rapturous applause that followed, rattling the beautiful wooden amphitheater for minutes on end, the band should be feeling the same way in 20 more years. We’ll see come 2031.

Photography by Jeremy D. Larson. For complete video coverage, check out our highlights from day one and day two.

Pearl Jam Setlist – Night 1:
Release
Arms Aloft (Joe Strummer cover)
Do the Evolution
Got Some
In My Tree
Faithful
Who You Are
Push Me, Pull Me
Setting Forth
Not for You (w/ Julian Casablancas)
In the Moonlight (w/ Josh Homme)
Deep
Help Help
Breath
Education (w/ Liam Finn)
Once
State of Love and Trust (w/ Dhani Harrison)
Better Man
Wasted Reprise
Life Wasted
Encore 1:
Rearviewmirror
Stardog Champion (Mother Love Bone cover) (w/ Chris Cornell)
Say Hello 2 Heaven (w/ Chris Cornell)
Reach Down (w/ Chris Cornell)
Hunger Strike (w/ Chris Cornell)
Love Reign O’er Me (The Who cover)
Porch
Encore 2:
Kick Out the Jams (MC5 cover) (w/ Mudhoney)

Pearl Jam Setlist – Night 2:
Wash
The Fixer
Severed Hand
All Night
Given to Fly
Pilate
Love Boat Captain
Habit
Even Flow (w/ Liam Finn)
Daughter/It’s Ok
Leatherman
Red Mosquito (w/ Julian Casablancas)
Satan’s Bed
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town (w/ Dhani Harrison)
Unthought Known
New World (w/ John Doe)
Black
Jeremy
Encore 1:
New Song
Just Breathe
Nothingman
No Way
Smile (w/ Glen Hansard)
Spin the Black Circle
Encore 2:
Hunger Strike (w/ Chris Cornell)
Call Me a Dog (w/ Chris Cornell)
All Night Thing (w/ Chris Cornell)
Reach Down (w/ Chris Cornell)
Sonic Reducer (w/ Mudhoney)
Alive
Rockin in the Free World (Neil Young cover)
Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner

Gallery by Jeremy D. Larson

[nggallery id=255]

Kurt Cobain didn’t rise from the dead, but the second and final night of Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary music festival still managed to be as spectacular as the first. Temple of the Dog reunited again, The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas guested on “Red Mosquito”, The Swell Season’s Glen Hansard joined the band for “Smile”, Mudhoney played along to “Sonic Reducer”, Eddie Vedder debuted a new song, and the finale featured a star-studded cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World”. And that was just Pearl Jam’s headlining set.

Earlier in the day, Casablancas joined Queens of the Stone Age for “Sick Sick Sick”, and Vedder played cowbell on “Little Sister”. An hour later, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme returned the favor by teaming up with The Strokes for “New York City Cops”. Damn.

Our complete recap of Pearl Jam 20 is forthcoming, but we culled together videos of the aforementioned highlights below. We’ll add in more clips as they appear.

Eddie Vedder – New Song:

Pearl Jam – “Rockin’ In The Free World” (w/ everyone):

Temple of the Dog – “Hunger Strike”

Temple of the Dog – “Call Me A Dog”:

Temple of the Dog – “All Night Thing”:

Temple of the Dog – “Reach Down”:

Pearl Jam – “Habit” (w/ Liam Finn):

Pearl Jam – “Smile” (w/ Glen Hansard):

The Strokes – “New York City Cops” (w/ Josh Homme):

Queens of the Stone Age – “Make it Wit’ Chu” and “Chu and Little Sister” (w/ Eddie Vedder):

During the first night of Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary music festival in Alpine Valley, WI, Temple of the Dog reunited, Chris Cornell aided in a cover of Mother Love Bone, The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas lent his vocals for “Not For You”, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme guested on “In The Moonlight”, and Liam Finn, The Swell Season’s Glen Hansard, and Mudhoney’s Dan Peters joined the band for “Who You Are”. Night two better feature the resurrection of Kurt Cobain or I’m going to be disappointed.

Our complete recap of Pearl Jam 20 is forthcoming, but we culled together videos of the aforementioned highlights below. We’ll add in more clips as they appear.

Temple of the Dog – “Say Hello 2 Heaven” + “Hunger Strike” + “Reach Down”

The members of Pearl Jam teamed up with their former bandmate, Chris Cornell, for a three-song reunion of grunge band Temple of the Dog. The all-star collective last reunited in 2009.

Pearl Jam – “Stardog Champion” (Mother Love Bone cover)

Cornell also helped Pearl Jam cover Mother Love Bone, the former Seattle grunge band composed of Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard, Bruce Fairweather, Greg Gilmore, and the late Andrew Wood.

Pearl Jam – “Not For You” (w/ Julian Casablancas)

Pearl Jam – “In The Moonlight” (w/ Josh Homme)

Pearl Jam – “Who You Are” (w/ Glen Hansard, Liam Finn & Dan Peters)

Pearl Jam – “State of Love and Trust” (w/ Dhanni Harrison)

Pearl Jam – “Love Reign O’er Me” (The Who cover)

The Strokes – “Juicebox” (w/ Eddie Vedder)

The surprises extended beyond Pearl Jam’s headlining set.

You wouldn’t think it, but Josh Homme is no stranger to the Travel Channel, having appeared on Anthony Bourdain‘s No Reservations back in 2007 with all of Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) in tow. Now, almost four years later, Bourdain has taken his show to the High Desert in Southern California, Homme’s stomping ground. The idea seems as if it were conceived specifically to have Homme make another appearance, though there may have been some coaxing on his part to get punk rock chef to visit.

As Bourdain and Homme traverse the sun-baked, tequila-drenched landscapes, many bits of insight into the life of a musician are offered through mouthfuls of Tex-Mex breakfasts and barbeque. Turns out it’s pretty lonely. “A job,” as Bourdain states bluntly at the end of the episode, which coincides all too perfectly with the desert backdrop. Many QOTSA songs are featured throughout, though they actually take a backseat to musical precedence here as the two friends set up shop at the isolated recording studio Rancho de la Luna. There, we’re taken through the process of Homme, with a little help from QOSTA and Eagles of Death Metal collaborators, writing a haunting, reverb-heavy, Kill Bill Vol. 2-esque theme song for Bourdain’s trip to the area.

Below, you can watch a five-minute teaser trailer for the episode along with b-roll footage featuring original music by Mr. Homme. There are more clips available at travelchannel.com, and the entire episode is available to purchase on iTunes.

Of course, Soundgarden at The Gorge would have been the ultimate selling factor in itself. But they went the extra mile, adding The Meat Puppets, Mastodon, and Queens of the Stone Age on the bill, creating one hell of memorable night that had the throngs of rock fans on the edge of delirium.

The Meat Puppets started off the show by going on stage earlier than scheduled. No time like the present, I suppose, though the jump did mean photographers missed the slot to take photos. So while I can’t show you the seminal Phoenix band doing their thing, I can tell you they put on a good show that had the crowd singing along (at least to “Lake of Fire” and “Plateau”) and was a fitting opener for the evening. Brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood were in jovial spirits, no doubt brought on by the gorgeous scenery and the intense late afternoon sunshine.

If the crowd was sweaty and exhausted when the Meat Puppets were over, Mastodon pushed them over the top. Their set was a tight, energetic assault that blew out your ears and raised your heart rate, the perfect antidote to copious amounts of overpriced beer and heatstroke. Watching bassist Troy Sanders play between guitarists Brent Hindes and Bill Kelliher was exhilarating eye candy, propelled by the intense drumming of Brann Dailor. In short, Mastodon gnawed your face off and got more than a few people pumped up for their upcoming album, The Hunter.

From sludge metal to stoner rock, Queens of the Stone Age was next on the bill. Josh Homme and his immensely talented crew played a quick but varied set that touched on everything from rollicking “Sick, Sick, Sick” to the easy grooves of “Make it Wit Chu” and the booming, freight-train thunder of “Mexicola”. Homme was especially playful with the crowd, oozing flirty banter and flattery between songs. The burly Ginger Elvis looked especially appealing as the sun set behind the stage, sending rays of golden light over the ampitheatre, illuminating the crowd’s hazy smiles and musical stupor. Queens were sending out the good vibes and the audience returned the favor.

By the time it came for Soundgarden to take the stage, you had to wonder how they could top the bands who had already played. But the moment Chris Cornell walked out on stage, all Sexy Jesus-like with his arms raised and big smile on his face, you knew you hadn’t seen anything yet. This was Soundgarden. In their home state. After 14 years away. It hit you at how big of a deal this actually was.

And like every other Soundgarden show on the tour, the band was absolutely flawless. Cornell’s voice was transcendent. Mind-blowing. His wail floored the packed, pulsing crowd. It pushed you flat on your back and floated up into the clear night sky. Kim Thayil looked stoic in his bowler hat and zipped off memorable licks with the purest of ease while Matt Cameron was a bloody propulsion machine on the drums. Ben Shepherd’s pounding bass held down the rythym, while he added in a few rockstar moves of his own (such as tossing his bass across the stage).

The crowd absolutely ate it up. Of course there were some shitheads in the mix (I’m pretty sure Ben Shepherd ordered someone in the crowd to be killed), and security guards were straining against the barricade to hold the boisterous fans back, but overall there was this ridiculous happy atmosphere. Fans singing along to “Pretty Noose”, “Black Hole Sun,” “Outshined”, and “4th of July” would just look at each other and smile. People were hugging and telling each other they were beautiful. It was amazing. Enough so that Cornell borrowed some lucky fan’s flip-cam, got the lights turned up, and filmed everyone. The band was just so incredibly appreciative.

When their two-hour mix of hits and deep cuts finished, people were breathless, speechless and probably a little deaf. They also knew they witnessed a rare show that went beyond your usual concert experience: July 30th the dry, barren gorge was turned into a lush garden of sound.

Soundgarden Setlist:
Searching With My Good Eye Closed
Spoonman
Gun
Jesus Christ Pose
Blow Up the Outside World
The Day I Tried to Live
My Wave
Burden in My Hand
Ugly Truth
Fell on Black Days
Hunted Down
Drawing Flies
Black Hole Sun
Outshined
Rusty Cage
Head Down
Pretty Noose
Superunknown
4th of July
Encore:
Room a Thousand Years Wide
Beyond the Wheel
Slaves & Bulldozers

Photography by Karina Halle.
——

Gallery by Karina Halle

[nggallery id=245]

]]> The Hunter. From sludge metal to stoner rock, Queens of the Stone Age was next on the bill. Josh Homme and his immensely talented crew played a quick but varied set that touched on everything from rollicking "Sick, Sick, Sick" to the easy grooves of "Make it Wit Chu" and the booming, freight-train thunder of "Mexicola". Homme was especially playful with the crowd, oozing flirty banter and flattery between songs. The burly Ginger Elvis looked especially appealing as the sun set behind the stage, sending rays of golden light over the ampitheatre, illuminating the crowd's hazy smiles and musical stupor. Queens were sending out the good vibes and the audience returned the favor. By the time it came for Soundgarden to take the stage, you had to wonder how they could top the bands who had already played. But the moment Chris Cornell walked out on stage, all Sexy Jesus-like with his arms raised and big smile on his face, you knew you hadn't seen anything yet. This was Soundgarden. In their home state. After 14 years away. It hit you at how big of a deal this actually was. And like every other Soundgarden show on the tour, the band was absolutely flawless. Cornell's voice was transcendent. Mind-blowing. His wail floored the packed, pulsing crowd. It pushed you flat on your back and floated up into the clear night sky. Kim Thayil looked stoic in his bowler hat and zipped off memorable licks with the purest of ease while Matt Cameron was a bloody propulsion machine on the drums. Ben Shepherd's pounding bass held down the rythym, while he added in a few rockstar moves of his own (such as tossing his bass across the stage). The crowd absolutely ate it up. Of course there were some shitheads in the mix (I'm pretty sure Ben Shepherd ordered someone in the crowd to be killed), and security guards were straining against the barricade to hold the boisterous fans back, but overall there was this ridiculous happy atmosphere. Fans singing along to "Pretty Noose", "Black Hole Sun," "Outshined", and "4th of July" would just look at each other and smile. People were hugging and telling each other they were beautiful. It was amazing. Enough so that Cornell borrowed some lucky fan's flip-cam, got the lights turned up, and filmed everyone. The band was just so incredibly appreciative. When their two-hour mix of hits and deep cuts finished, people were breathless, speechless and probably a little deaf. They also knew they witnessed a rare show that went beyond your usual concert experience: July 30th the dry, barren gorge was turned into a lush garden of sound. Soundgarden Setlist: Searching With My Good Eye Closed Spoonman Gun Jesus Christ Pose Blow Up the Outside World The Day I Tried to Live My Wave Burden in My Hand Ugly Truth Fell on Black Days Hunted Down Drawing Flies Black Hole Sun Outshined Rusty Cage Head Down Pretty Noose Superunknown 4th of July Encore: Room a Thousand Years Wide Beyond the Wheel Slaves & Bulldozers Photography by Karina Halle. ------ Gallery by Karina Halle [nggallery id=245] ]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/08/live-review-soundgarden-queens-of-the-stone-age-mastodon-at-the-gorge-ampitheatre-730/feed/ 1 http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/06/videos-the-best-of-glastonbury-2011/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/06/videos-the-best-of-glastonbury-2011/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2010_07July_01_Glastonbury2011Reg.jpg Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:14:21 +0000 CoS Staff http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=131722

Glastonbury 41 has come and gone, leaving in its wake a 1,000% sales bump for some, muddy boots for others, and enough memories to hold us over until Glasto’s return in 2013. We compiled some of our favorites highlights in video form below, from U2 and Bey’s epic headlining sets to Radiohead’s surprise shindig and Janelle Monáe’s breakout performance on the West Holts stage. After you watch it all, be sure check back to CoS later this week for our written coverage of this year’s festival.

Oh, and you might want to hit this link up. Just sayin’.

Beyoncé

“Crazy In Love”

“Run The World (Girls)”

Big Boi

“Shutterbug”

Coldplay

“The Scientist“

Fleet Foxes

“Sim Sala Bim”

Janelle Monáe

“Cold War” / “Tightrope” / “Come Alive”

“Come Alive (The War of The Roses)”

Laura Marling

“Rambling Man”

Little Dragon

“Ritual Union”

Morrissey

“Meat Is Murder”

“This Charming Man”

“I Want The One I Can’t Have”

Mumford & Sons

“Roll Away Your Stone”

Paul Simon

“So Beautiful or So What”

Primal Scream

“Movin’ On Up”

Pulp

“Common People”

Queens of the Stone Age

“No One Knows”

“Little Sister”

Radiohead

“The Daily Mail”

“Bloom”

“Street Spirit”

The Vaccines

“All In White”

Warpaint

“Undertow”

White Lies

“Bigger Than Us”

U2

“Elevation”

“Yellow ” / “Moment of Surrender” / “Out of Control”

During a recent interview with the BBC, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme admitted that he was “sick” of performing the band’s debut LP in full as part of their ongoing world tour. So for their upcoming appearance at this summer’s Glastonbury Music Festival, Homme and co. will leave their setlist up to the fans.

Right now, fans can head to BBC.co.uk and select the 10 songs they’d most like to hear the band perform at Glastonbury. Over 50 songs are available to chose from and the 10 with the most number of votes come June 9th will be included on the band’s Glastonbury setlist.

Find all of the band’s confirmed tour dates below.

Queens of the Stone Age 2011 Tour Dates:
06/22-26 – Pilton, UK @ Glastonbury Music Festival
06/24 – Victoria, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/28 – Bournemouth, UK @ O2 Academy
06/30-07/03 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
06/30-07/03 – St. Gallen, CH @ OpenAir
07/01-03 – Belfort, FR @ Les Eurockeenes
07/01-03 – Arras, FR @ Main Square Festival
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV Cosmopolitan
07/25 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater
07/28 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
07/30 – Quincy, WA @ Gorge Amphitheatre #
08/02 – Calgary, AB @ Southern Jubilee
09/03 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20
09/04 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20

* = w/ Soundgarden & Meat Puppets
# = w/ Soundgarden, Mastodon, and Meat Puppets

But if there is one way to regain some of that summertime frivolity and carefree attitude, it’s once again through the power of music. Sure, there are festivals galore, but if you’re not willing to travel, and you live in, say, Omaha, Nebraska, you’re limited to what festival experience you can undertake. Of course, there is one solution to the music-going experience that takes as much effort to attend as the work ethic of a 15-year-old on the Fourth of July: waiting for that big summer tour to roll into town. Every year, with the dawning of swimsuits and as the first hints of BBQs waft through the air, artists big and small hit the road to tout their new album and play for those with a lot of time on their hands. Despite the sheer volume of shows, just what ones will truly make the thermometer go pop?

As we do every other season of the year, CoS has your back. Presented below in easy-to-digest form, kind of like the hot dog itself, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest summer tours going down as we speak. From top 40 superstars like Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj to indie phenoms like Bright Eyes and Mountain Goats and from newcomers like The Vaccines to more established acts like Eddie Vedder and Roger Daltrey, a plethora of artists are heading across the country, vying for your attention and trying to make your summer actually fun again. We’ll tell you where they’ll all be, why you should be there, and how you can get your seat. All you’ve gotta do is show up. So, slap on some sunscreen, call in sick from work if you’ve got to, and enjoy great live music before winter comes back and puts a sleeperhold on this good time we call summer.

-Chris Coplan
News Editor

Feature artwork by Cap Blackard.

A Perfect Circle

There is a core, built-in group of people that need no persuading to see A Perfect Circle this summer, but there’s no reason the band shouldn’t sell out every show. Never mind that Maynard James Keenan is still, on a good day, one of the best rock vocalists around–and not too shabby on a bad day–and that APC released a couple of brilliant albums in the years (mainly between Tool albums) the band was together. APC will be playing the best stuff off those few albums, as well as at least one new song–maybe even more if the band is inspired. Even those unfamiliar with APC will find something to like about seeing the veritable supergroup live. This lineup of APC features the enigmatic frontman Keenan, mercenary drummer Josh Freese, and guitarist James Iha playing real music again. They’ll be at various festivals, including Lollapalooza (and basically everywhere else), from June to August. -Harry Painter

Buy tickets via

When and where:
05/22 – Columbus, OH @ Rock on the Range
06/29 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
06/30 – Kent, WA @ Showare Center
07/02 – Gibbons, AB @ Boonstock
07/04 – Winnipeg, MB @ Centennial Concert Hall
07/06 – St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
07/08 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
07/09 – Toronto, ON @ Edgefest
07/10 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/12 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
07/13 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
07/15 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
07/16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing
07/17 – Washington, DC @ Constitution Hall
07/19 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
07/20 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
07/22 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum
07/23 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
07/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
07/26 – San Diego, CA @ SDSU Open Air Theatre
07/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater
07/29 – Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium
07/30 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/02 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
08/05-06 – Kansas City, KS @ Kanrocksas
08/05-07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/09 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

Animal Collective

Since their 2009 tour in support of the ever-rewarding Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective hasn’t really let us go a week without something new: outstanding solo records from both Panda Bear and Avey Tare, solo tours in support of Panda’s new record, an epileptic Fantasia-style feature-film, an art installation, an incredible EP, and the list goes on. But for fans of the Baltimore Psych titans, it still isn’t enough. The band hasn’t had a full-fledged tour in two years, and when they have, they’ve stuck to Europe or the American West Coast. That’s why when AnCo announced a new string of dates this spring (including the band’s first ever stop at their last album’s namesake, Columbia, MD’s Merriweather Post Pavilion), people got pretty fucking psyched. Videos from the band’s recent California dates, including their stop at Coachella, reveal that there’s a lot to expect. First off, the band will take the form of band again. Noah Lennox will sit behind a full drum set, a returning Deakin will strum some chords and noodle around on an actual guitar, Tare will take the Billy Joel approach behind a keyboard, and Geologist will do whatever inexplicable shit Geologist always does. On top of that, they’ll be debuting a slew of new material, most of which sounds bandy-er than usual. And if Coachella is any indication, the light show might be pretty epic, too. -Drew Litowitz

Buy tickets via

When and where:
05/13-15 – Minhead, UK @ ATP Curated by Animal Collective
05/16 – Eastbourne, UK @ Winter Gardens
05/17 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
05/18 – Brussels, BE @ Cirque Royal
05/19 – Cologne, DE @ Electron
05/20 – Berlin, DE @ Astra
05/21 – Warsaw, PL @ Klub Stodola
05/22 – Krakow, PL @ Studio
05/23 – Vienna, AT @ Arena
05/24 – Zagreb, HR @ Pogon Jedinstvo
05/25 – Milan, IT @ Alcatraz
05/26-28 – Dudingen, CH @ Bad Bonn Festival Kilbi
05/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound
05/27-06-01 – Paris, FR @ Festival Villette Sonique
07/07 – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham Theatre
07/08 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
07/09 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
07/12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn)
07/13 – Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival

Archers of Loaf

The name Archers of Loaf may not spark a lot of discussion in 2011, but it sure did 15 years ago when the “White Trash Heroes” first made the rounds. The North Carolina noise rockers released four albums in the ’90s, scored some hits on college radio, and in 1995 toured with Weezer (the good kind). Their short run came to an end in 1998, but now that they’ve reunited, it’s a valuable opportunity to catch up on a slice of indie goodness on which many missed out. Imagine if TV on the Radio or Deerhunter broke up right now and came back 12 years later. This is that, kind of. -Harry Painter

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When and where:
05/21 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
05/29 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
06/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
06/11 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
06/12 – Dallas, TX @ The Loft
06/25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
06/26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
07/09 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
07/22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
07/23 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
08/05 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
08/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
08/19 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
09/02 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
09/03 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
12/09-11 – Minehead, UK @ ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas

Arctic Monkeys w/ The Vaccines

While Death Cab for Cutie and Frightened Rabbit may have had a lot in common, the case of Arctic Monkeys and newcomers The Vaccines is one of the past meeting the future. Arctic Monkeys started out as newcomers themselves before 2006′s Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not caught on big time across the globe. Subsequent albums have seen the band’s stock rise, and now, as they ready to drop their fourth album, Suck It and See, the rockers find themselves on a precipice of sorts, ready to grab some of that initial fame once again or float off into oblivion if the rest of the album doesn’t meet raving-mad fan expectations. Regardless of where they land, they’re taking their hard work and making a go of recreating their success for The Vaccines. AM’s fellow countrymen dropped their debut LP back in March and find themselves in a place Alex Turner and company once did not so long ago: great songs, beloved by critics everywhere, looking for that one spark to blow their career up and possibly put them in line for some well-deserved attention in the indie rock world. While no result is definitive, one thing is certain: This tour is going to be one crazy-good time, mates. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
05/17 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
05/19 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
05/21 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
05/22 – Montreal, QC @ L’Olympia
05/24 – New York, NY @ Summer Stage
05/26 – Detroit, MI @ Clutch Cargoes
05/27 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
05/28 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
05/30 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
05/31 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
06/02 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre
06/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
08/01 – Dallas, TX @ The Palladium
08/02 – Austin, TX @ Stubbs
08/03 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
08/05-06 – Kansas City, KS @ Kanrocksas
08/05-07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/06 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
08/10 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
08/11 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
08/12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

Bright Eyes w/ everyone

Long has it been rumored that Bright Eyes‘ latest release, The People’s Key, will be their last under the Bright Eyes moniker. Acting accordingly, Conor Oberst and Co. have been/will be taking their show on the road for a massive world tour to finish things off in style. Touring partners for the spring leg include Jenny and Johnny, Dawes, Titus Andronicus, Death Cab for Cutie, and a pair of shows with M. Ward. But come summertime, the real fun starts. After returning from a European tour, not only will Bright Eyes be appearing at Lollapalooza, but they’ll embark on a short tour with fellow indie rock legends The Mountain Goats. Although The Mountain Goats are listed as the opener, this feels more like a joint headlining tour. And for the eight cities lucky enough to witness it, I’m sure both acts will shine like the true veterans they are. -Winston Robbins

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When and where:
05/23 – Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon
05/24 – Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center ^
05/25 – Calgary, AB @ Stampede Corral ^
05/27 – Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheatre ^
05/28 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
05/31 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory +
06/01 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House +
06/03 – Denver, CO @ Filmore Theater +
06/04 – Council Bluffs, IA @ WestFair Amphitheater +
06/06 -  St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant %
06/07 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquois Amphitheater %
06/08 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion @ Indoors %
06/09 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AC @ Indoors %
06/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for Performing Arts %>
06/11 – Vienna, VA @ Filene Center At Wolf Trap %>
06/16 – Zurich, CH @ Kaufleuten
06/17 – Neuhausen ob Eck, DE @ Southside Festival
06/18 – Scheeßel, DE @ Hurricane Festival
06/19 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
06/21 – Colonge, DE @ Royal Albert Hall
06/22 – Paris, FR @ Alhambra
06/23 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall +
06/25 – Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/28 – Gothenburg, SE @ Where The Action Is
06/29 – Arendal, NO @ Hove Festival
07/01 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
07/02 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
07/04 – Hradec Králové, CZ @ Rock For People
07/05 – Vienna, AT @ Arena Wien Open Air +
07/07 – Ultrecht, NL @ Tivoli +
07/08 – Birmingham, UK @ HMV Institute +
07/09 – Kinross, UK @ T in the Park
07/10 – Naas, IE @ Oxegen
07/12 – Gateshead, UK @ Sage +
07/13 – Leeds, UK @ Academy +
07/14 – Manchester, UK @ Academy +
07/15 – Suffolk, UK @ Latitude Festival
07/27 – Lewiston, NY @ Art Park ( Free Show) #
07/28 – Belknap, NH  @ Meadowbrook Pavilion #
07/29 – Shelburne, VT @ Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum #
07/30 – Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
07/31 – Baldwinsville, NY @ Paper Mill Island Amphitheater #
08/03 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park #
08/04 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room #
08/05 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/06 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
08/08 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
08/14 – East Hampton, NY @ Music to Know Festival

! = w/ Titus Andronicus
$ = w/ Farmer Dave Scher
^ = w/ Death Cab For Cutie
+ = w/ Jenny and Johnny
% = w/ Dawes
> = w/ M. Ward
# = w/ The Mountain Goats

Britney Spears w/ Nicki Minaj

The key to a great tour isn’t just about how amazing the shows are or how much pyro they blast during the duration. It’s also about how the lineup works to perpetuate and facilitate a great idea or concept. In the case of Britney Spears hitting the road with Nicki Minaj in a supporting capacity, that notion is the batshit crazy, immovable object that does weird accents meeting the irresistible force of pop music who’s made a few questionable life choices (see: Kevin Federline). Along with being two of pop’s greatest commodities right now, Spears and Minaj are two very different narratives of the same sugarcoated genre. The plucky Minaj is in the boom period of her career, where a dynamic performance aboard this tour could keep her rocket ship to stardom on a path to complete domination. Spears, on the other hand, is on what seems to be her 100th career resurrection, free of all that extra weight (the metaphorical and physical variety) and ready to show the world she is still our pop princess. Sure, they’re working together to put on a great show, but with a tale of the tape like that, not to mention their diva tendencies, they’ll be going at it tooth and nails for our love and attention. And that means we win no matter who nabs the most headlines. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
06/17 – Sacramento, CA @ Power Balance Pavilion
06/18 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
06/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
06/24 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
06/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand
06/28 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
06/29 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
07/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
07/04 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
07/06 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Center
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
07/09 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest
07/12 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
07/13 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
07/15 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena
07/17 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
07/20 – Orlando, FL @ Armway Center
07/22 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
07/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
07/28 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
07/30 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
07/31 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
08/02 – Uniondale, NJ @ Nassau Coliseum
08/05 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center
08/08 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
08/11 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
08/13 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre

Death Cab for Cutie w/ Frightened Rabbit

Here’s a history lesson for the indie rock fans of the world. Back in November 2008, Death Cab for Cutie tapped Frightened Rabbit to open for them during their tour of UK and Ireland. Now, some two and a half years later, the American rockers are bringing back the Scots for another round of touring as they support their new LP, Codes and Keys. In various interviews regarding the record, the band have spoken about how the album is one where they’ve matured due to each band member having endured major life changes. With marriages and kids and new residencies, the band are dealing with issues of home and belonging to the machinations of updated sonics, with the record featuring less guitars and more ambiance than other DCFC records. Undoubtedly, some fans may love the new record, while others may yearn for the indie, guitar-driven noise of previous efforts. Cue Frightened Rabbit and the sound of emotionally wounded and vulnerable young lads dealing with heartache, being forlorn, and trying to be optimistic in a world gone mad. With DCFC expanding their repertoire and Frightened Rabbit making their music tighter, fans are going to get the best of both worlds. Also, they may cry or feel some shit. -Chris Coplan

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When and where:
07/27 – Columbus, OH @ LC Outdoor Amphitheater
07/28 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
07/29 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Ampitheatre
08/01 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
08/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Waterfront
08/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Mann Center
08/06 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
08/07 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
08/08 – Cary, NC @ Koka Booth Ampitheatre
08/10 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
08/11 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
08/12 – New Orleans, LA @ Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena
08/13 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theater
08/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
08/16 – La Jolla, CA @ RIMAC Arena
08/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
08/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Pool
08/22 – West Valley City, UT @ Maverik Center
08/23 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Ampitheatre
08/25 – Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion
08/26 – St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium

The Decemberists

Folk-phenoms The Decemberists are literally at the top of their game, having just scored their first number one record with The King Is Dead. To help celebrate the accomplishment on tour, they’ve enlisted some impressive support: Mexican speed-guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela, surf-pop revivalists Best Coast, and rising Seattle stars The Head and the Heart will all open select dates. Unsurprisingly, the festival circuit regulars will also hit at least five summer events. The real goods may come when they head the Newport Folk Festival in July; Gillian Welch, background vocalist on seven The King Is Dead tracks, is also on the bill, heralding the likely prospect of an onstage collaboration. Sadly, keyboardist/accordionist Jenny Conlee will be kept offstage through June (including Sasquatch! and Bonnaroo) while she battles breast cancer. CoS wishes her a speedy recovery, so she may rejoin her bandmates on what is sure to be a prodigious tour. -Ben Kaye

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When and where:
05/29 – Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheater #
05/30 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
06/11 – Raleigh, NC @ Raleigh Amphitheater &
06/13 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion &
06/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn) &
06/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Academy of Music &
06/16 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre $
06/18 – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival
07/19 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion ^
07/20 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Botanical Gardens ^
07/22 – Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewery ^
07/25 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom !
07/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica !
07/27 – Interlochen, MI @ Interlochen Center for the Arts !
07/29 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center !
07/30 – Newport, RI @ Newport Folk Festival
07/31 – Holyoke, MA @ Mountain Park /
08/01 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark !
08/03 – Charlottesville, VA @ nTelos Wireless Pavilion !
08/04 – Cincinnati OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music !
08/05 – Indianapolis, IN @ White River State Park !
08/08 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s >
08/11 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center $
08/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre *
08/13 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Music Festival

# = w/ Rodrigo Y Gabriela
& = w/ Best Coast
^ = w/ Typhoon
! = w/ The Head and the Heart
> = w/ Caitlin Rose
$ = w/ Sara Watkins
* = w/ Wye Oak
/ = w/ Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

Eddie Vedder

For anyone familiar with Pearl Jam, it should not be news that lead singer Eddie Vedder is a ukulele enthusiast. Vedder has been known to pull out his uke during live shows and do either simplified versions of Pearl Jam songs or songs that he’d specifically written for the ukulele. The first studio recording of a Vedder ukulele song, “Goodbye”, appeared on the soundtrack for the Jack Johnson-produced surf video A Brokedown Melody in 2004. Seven years later, Vedder has compiled an album full of his tropical ditties, including the aforementioned song and lead single “Longing to Belong”, which can be heard here. Vedder’s entrancing baritone sounds right at home over the simple chords of the ukulele. He’ll be touring 17 dates behind the album (with Glen Hansard opening) this summer. One of rock’s greats playing quality ukulele songs for an entire set? A must-see, hands down. -Winston Robbins

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When and where:
06/15 – Providence, RI @ Providence Performing Arts Center (PAC) *
06/16 – Boston, MA @ The Wang Theatre *
06/18 – Hartford, CT @ The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts *
06/21 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre *
06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre *
06/28 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre *
07/01 – St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre *
07/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre *
07/05 – San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall *
07/06 – Long Beach, CA @ Terrace Theater *
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern *
07/09 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
07/11 – Oakland, CA @ The Paramount Theatre *
07/14 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
07/15 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall *

* = w/ Glen Hansard

Foo Fighters

Of all the shows this writer saw while at South by Southwest 2011, and in the first five months of this year for that matter, no one band delivered a more awe-inspiring performance than Foo Fighters. Sure, I’m a sucker for stadium bands, but hell, they’re capable of playing a 70,000-person stadium for a reason. Two-and-a-half hour sets featuring more hooks in the first 15 minutes alone than most dream of in a lifetime? Check. Touring the hell out of the world in support of Wasting Light, which is a strong candidate for album of the year? Double check. And they have Pat Smear back in the fold? Check-a-rooni! Springsteen might not but touring this summer, but at least we have a suitable alternative. So, have yourself a Foo-tastic summer. -Alex Young

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When and where:
05/20 – Memphis, TN @ FedExForum !*
05/21 – Gulf Shores, AL @ The Hangout Festival
05/23 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Mid-America Center !*
05/26 – Missoula, MT @ Adams Center !*
05/27 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/09 – Interlaken, CH @ Greenfield Festival
06/11 – Isle of Wight, UK @ Isle of Wight Festival
06/13 – Landgraaf, NL @ Pinkpop
06/15 – Milan, IT @ IdRHO Festival
06/17 – Neuhausen ob Eck, DE @ Southside Festival
06/18 – Berlin, DE @ Wuhlheide
06/19 – Scheeßel, DE @ Hurricane Festival
06/21 – Copenhagen, DK @ Refshaleoen
06/22 – Stockholm, SE @ Stockholm Stadium
06/24 – Oslo, NO @ Telenor Arena
06/26 – Helsinki, FI @  Kalasatama
07/02 – Milton Keynes, UK @ The National Bowl *^%
07/03 – Milton Keynes, UK @ The National Bowl *$#
07/06 – Madrid, ES @ Palacio de Deportes
07/07 – Lisbon, PT @ Optimus! Alive Festival
07/09 – Naas, IE @ Oxegen
07/10 – Kinross, UK @ T in the Park
08/07 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/09 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Center &~
08/10 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Center &~
08/18 – Kiewet, BE @ Pukkelpop
08/20 – St Polten, AT @ Frequency Festival
08/21 – Erfurt, DE @ Highfield Festival
08/23 – Cologne, DE @ Laxness Arena
08/24 – Ubersee, DE @ Chiemsee Festival
08/26 – Paris, FR @ Rock En Seine
09/14 – St. Paul, MN @ Excel Center +/
09/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center +/
09/17 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center +/
09/19 – Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills +/
09/20 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena +/
09/22 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena +/
09/23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ CONSOL Energy Center +/
09/25 – Buffalo, NY @ HSBC Center *
09/26 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center +/

! = w/ Motorhead
* = w/ Biffy Clyro
^ = w/ Death Cab For Cutie
% = w/ Tame Impala
$ = w/ Jimmy Eat World
# = w/ Hot Rats
& = w/ Fucked Up
~ = w/ Doughboys
+ = w/ Rise Against
/ = w/ Mariachi El Bronx

Katy Perry

If there is one female artist in today’s music industry who seems to really have struck gold, it’s Katy Perry. Her most recent album, Teenage Dream, has garnered her four number one hits along with four Grammy nominations, and now she plans on taking the album on the road. With her European leg of the tour already completed, Perry is heading back to North America in early June for a 58-show run.

Along with her collection of number ones, Perry is bringing along a few friends to open the show for her. Surprisingly, these friends are Robyn, Janelle Monáe, and Marina & the Diamonds, each opening for Perry on selected dates. The tour, appropriately titled the California Dreams Tour, promises all of Perry’s hits and fan favorites, along with a continuation of her California Candyland theme from her “California Girls” video, which for many fans may just be the biggest selling point. The North American portion of the tour begins in early June and continues through September, when Perry heads back to Europe. -Arya Davachi

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When and where:
06/07 – Atlanta, GA @ Arena at Gwinnett Center *
06/09 – Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena *
06/10 – Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum *
06/11 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center *
06/14 – Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center *
06/15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion *
06/17 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum *
06/18 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
06/19 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center *
06/22 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena #
06/23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center #
06/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center #
06/25 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena #
06/28 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills #
06/30 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre #
07/02 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre #
07/03 – Ottawa, ON @ ScotiaBank Place #
07/05 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena #
07/07 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest #
07/08 – Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena #
07/09 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center #
07/13 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre $
07/14 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre $
07/16 – Calgary, AB @ Calgary Stampede $
07/17 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place $
07/19 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
07/20 – Seattle, WA @ KeyArena at Seattle Center
07/22 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena *
07/23 – Boise, ID @ Taco Bell Arena *
07/25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Energy Solutions Arena *
07/26 – Denver, CO @ 1stBank Center *
07/28 – Dallas, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie *
07/29 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center *
07/30 – Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center *
08/03 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre *
08/05 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/06 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre *
08/09 – San Diego, CA @ Valley Wide Casino Center
08/12 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion ^
08/13 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl ^
08/14 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl ^
08/17 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
08/19 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena $
08/20 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center $
09/07 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center $
09/08 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena $
09/10 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Arena $
09/11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena $
09/13 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Arena $
09/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse $
09/16 – Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center $
09/17 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center $

* = w/ Robyn
# = w/ Marina and the Diamonds
$ = w/ Janelle Monae
^ = w/ Oh Land

Okkervil River w/ Titus Andronicus

Okkervil River just put out a pretty cool new album. They haven’t toured in a long while, the last notable tour being their joint one with Wilco in 2009. But in a few weeks, Sheff will dawn his nicest professorial attire for a tote around the country. Shows at SXSW revealed a louder, more confident, more grandiose Okkervil River. There, the band mostly played newer material (mainly new stuff and songs from The Stage Names and The Stand-Ins, aside from Black Sheep Boy gems “A Stone” and “For Real”). So, get ready for a more raucous affair and a more volatile Sheff leading the Austin Texans into battle. Just don’t expect “Red” or “The Velocity of Saul at the Time of his Conversion”.

Joining them is the equally ferocious Titus Andronicus, still basking in the glory of their epic prog-punk masterpiece, The Monitor. While they may have lost longtime bassist Ian Graetzer, there’s no putting Patrick Stickles and his militant New Jersey-ites to rest. Expect epic renditions of already epic tracks, a whole lot of gut-wrenching fury, messy but magnificent guitar solos, antebellum facial hair, and sweaty T-shirts. And don’t forget to brush up on your Jersey iconography. It’ll be like The Boss got really angry, really drunk, and really fucking awesome (in that Civil War kind of way). With both bands on the bill, it won’t just be a one-two punch, it’ll be a one-two bayonet wound from the neck of a splintering acoustic guitar. -Drew Litowitz

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When and where:
05/31 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse #
06/01 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle #
06/02 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club #
06/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theatre #
06/04 – New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place #
06/08 – Boston, MA @ Royale #
06/09 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom #
06/10 – Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre #
06/11 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall #
06/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue #
06/14 – Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
06/15 – Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theater
06/16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
06/17 – Boise, ID @ Egyptian Theatre
06/18 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
06/20 – Vancouver, British Columbia @ The Vogue Theatre &
06/21 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom &
06/22 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fox Theater &
06/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern $
06/24 – San Diego, CA @ The Belly Up Tavern $
06/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre $
06/28 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s

# = w/ Future Islands
& = w/ Julianna Barwick
$ = w/ NewVillager

Roger Daltrey

Pete Townshend’s incurable tinnitus has put into question the continued presence of rock legends The Who as a touring unit. Plans were formulating as recently as last September, but have yet to bear fruit. The band’s other surviving member, frontman Roger Daltrey, must be as antsy as his fans, because although his guitarist remains on the bench, he’s taking their classic rock-opera Tommy on tour through the U.K., U.S., and Canada. Filling in for Townshend will be his brother, Simon, and the whole thing has Pete’s blessings. With Daltrey getting up in age and Townshend apparently unable to work around his hearing issues, there’s no telling how many more chances there will be to see The Who’s iconic catalogue played by its creators. Not to be pessimistic, but if The Who are on your bucket list, consider purchasing that ticket now. Here’s hoping Daltrey pulls a Waters and takes this definitive piece of work on a proper world tour, and maybe Townshend can even join him for at least one night. -Ben Kaye

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When and where:
07/03 – Alchester, UK @ Ragley Hall
07/04 – Gateshead, UK @ Sage
07/06 – Glasgow, UK @ Clyde Auditorium
07/07 – Manchester, UK @ Bridgewater Hall
07/09 – Nottingham, UK @ Royal Centre
07/10 – Newport, UK @ Centre
07/12 – Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall
07/13 – Southend, UK @ Cliffs Pavillion
07/15 – Guildford, UK @ Guilfest
07/16 – Hampshire, UK @ Broadlands
07/17 – Harrogate, UK @ Ripley House
07/19 – Hull City, UK @ Hall
07/21 – London, UK @ Indigo
07/22 – Norwich, UK @ Blicking Hall
07/24 – Exeter, UK @ Powderham Castle
09/13 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock
09/15 – Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Pavilion
09/17 – Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena
09/18 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
09/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ MANN Center
09/23 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
09/24 – Hartford, CT @ XL Center
09/27 – Montreal, QC @ Place Des Arts
09/28 – Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place
09/30 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
10/01 – Windsor, ON @ The Coliseum at Caesars Windsor
10/05 – Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank Theater at Target Center
10/07 – Hammond, IN @ Venue at Horseshoe Casino
10/08 – St. Louis, MO @ Peabody Opera House
10/11 – Cedar Park, TX @ Cedar Park Center
10/12 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
10/14 – Kansas City, MO @ The Midland by AMC
10/16 – Broomfield, CO @ 1STBANK Center
10/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre
10/21 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
10/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
10/24 – Portland, OR @ Rose Quarter-Theatre of the Clouds
10/25 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
10/27 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
10/29 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
10/30 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
11/01 – Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre
11/02 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre

Sade

2001. That was the year of the last concert Sade performed. So when she announces a tour, it would behoove you to pay attention. Playing in support of last year’s excellent Soldier of Love, the trek is absolutely massive with over 50 dates between now and September. She’s not the only one on the road in support of a well-received album, though. Joining her for most of the tour dates will be John Legend, who finished up 2010 with The Roots on Wake Up!. There are plenty of chances for cross-generational fanbases here. Sade’s older fans may get into Legend’s soulful croons, and young people may gain appreciation for Sade’s unique blend of smooth jazz. Nothing wrong with that at all! -Joe Marvili

Buy tickets via

When and where:
05/13 – Berlin, DE @ O2 World
05/14 – Prague, CH @ Arena
05/16 – Zurich, CH @ Hallenstadion
05/17 – Paris, FR @ Bercy
05/19 – Munich, DE @ Olympiahalle
05/20 – Amneville, FR @ Galaxie
05/23 – Rotterdam, NL @ Ahoy
05/25 – Dublin, IE @ The O2
05/27 – Manchester, UK @ MEN Arena
05/29 – Birmingham, UK @ LG Arena
05/31 – London, UK @ O2 Arena
06/16 – Baltimore, MD @ 1st Mariner Arena *
06/18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Consol Energy Center *
06/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena *
06/21 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum *
06/22 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
06/24 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ IZod Center *
06/25 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center *
06/28 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre *
06/30 – Montreal, QC Bell Centre *
07/03 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena *
07/06 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden *
07/08 – Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse *
07/09 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena *
07/10 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
07/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena *
07/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena *
07/15 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BankAtlantic Center *
07/16 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena *
07/17 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center *
07/22 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena *
07/23 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center *
07/24 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center *
07/26 – Kansas City, KS @ Sprint Center *
07/28 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Cener *
07/29 – Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum *
07/31 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena *
08/03 – Detroit, MI @ The Palace at Auburn Hills *
08/05 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/06 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/07 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
08/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *
08/11 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center *
08/13 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
08/14 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena *
08/15 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena *
08/17 – Sacramento, CA @ Power Balance Pavilion *
08/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center *
08/23 – San Diego, CA @ Cricket Amphitheatre *
08/25 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion *
08/26 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena *
08/27 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena *
08/30 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
08/31 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
09/02 – Phoenix, AZ @ U.S. Airways Center *
09/03 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Arena *

* = w/ John Legend

Soundgarden

Ever since Soundgarden crushed Lollapalooza last August for their first show in 13 years, the question on everyone’s mind was “What’s next?”. Not much news came out in 2010, but we got what we wanted this year: a reunion tour. Crisscrossing the United States, the Seattle rockers will be playing amphitheaters and arenas throughout the entire month of July. As if the chance to hear “Black Hole Sun”, “Spoonman”, and “Jesus Christ Pose” wasn’t enough, there are the openers to consider as well. The first half of the tour will feature Coheed and Cambria. Next up will be the insanity that is a Mars Volta performance. Then to cap the whole thing off, a couple of dates with Queens of the Stone Age right in the middle of their own comeback tour. Oh, and if you still need more, how does the possibility of new material sound? Yeah, we thought you’d like that. -Joe Marvili

Buy tickets via

When and where:
07/02 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre ^
07/03 – London, ON @ John Labatt Centre ^
07/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/06 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena ^
07/08 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center ^
07/09 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater ^
07/10 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center For The Performing Arts ^
07/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing *
07/14 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center *
07/16 – Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion *
07/18 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
07/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Center *
07/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum *
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint *
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena &
07/30 – George, WA @ The Gorge #

^ = w/ Coheed and Cambria
* = w / The Mars Volta
& = w/ Queens of the Stone Age and Meat Puppets
# = w/ Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon and Meat Puppets

“Our record will be done by the end of the year,” Homme tells Lowe. “We have enough songs. We’re at a weird moment where we really don’t feel like we have anything to prove. We just want to play to the people that are into us and we want to play right at them.”

He contends that they’re first going to take a month off, then return to the UK for Glastonbury, and then hit the studio. Let’s not forget about their recently announced West coast tour, which features an inclusion on a star-studded bill at the Gorge alongside Soundgarden, Mastodon, and the Meat Puppets, or Labor Day’s Pearl Jam 20 festival, either. Or, Homme’s recent hobby of remixing and, you know, writing theme songs. One would hope he’s a man of his word.

Queens of the Stone Age 2011 Tour Dates:
05/19 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre
05/20 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
05/21 – Manchester, UK @ Academy
05/23 – Pars, FR @ Olympia
05/24 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
05/25 – Strasbourg, FR @ La Laiterie Club
05/26-28 – Dudingen, CH @ Bad Bonn Festival
05/28 – Budapest, HR @ Petofi Csarnok
05/29 – Prague, CZ @ Kutumi Centrum Vltavska
05/20 – Warsaw, PL @ Klub Stodola
06/22-26 – Pilton, UK @ Glastonbury Music Festival
06/24 – Victoria, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/28 – Bournemouth, UK @ O2 Academy
06/30-07/03 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
06/30-07/03 – St. Gallen, CH @ OpenAir
07/01-03 – Belfort, FR @ Les Eurockeenes
07/01-03 – Arras, FR @ Main Square Festival
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV Cosmopolitan
07/25 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater
07/28 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
07/30 – Quincy, WA @ Gorge Amphitheatre #
08/02 – Calgary, AB @ Southern Jubilee
09/03 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20
09/04 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20

* = w/ Soundgarden & Meat Puppets
# = w/ Soundgarden, Mastodon, and Meat Puppets

Photo by Karina Halle

Queens of the Stone have added a handful of North American dates to the back-end of their upcoming tour schedule. Following a trip through Europe during the early part of summer, Josh Homme and co. will play six West coast shows in late July/early August. Included are two opening spots for Soundgarden in Vancouver, BC and George, WA, as well as headlining shows in Las Vegas, NV, Pomona, CA, Portland, OR, and Calgary, AB. All six shows will feature Queens of the Stone Age playing their self-titled debut in its entirety. For a preview of what to expect, read our review of the band’s recent gig in Oakland.

Tickets for the four headlining dates go on sale Friday, May 20th; the shows with Soundgarden are already on sale. Visit Ticketmaster for more information.

Queens of the Stone Age will also appear at Pearl Jam’s Labor Day weekend music festival at Alpine Valley. Below, you can find the band’s complete touring itinerary.

Queens of the Stone Age 2011 Tour Dates:
05/17 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
05/19 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre
05/20 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
05/21 – Manchester, UK @ Academy
05/23 – Pars, FR @ Olympia
05/24 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
05/25 – Strasbourg, FR @ La Laiterie Club
05/26-28 – Dudingen, CH @ Bad Bonn Festival
05/28 – Budapest, HR @ Petofi Csarnok
05/29 – Prague, CZ @ Kutumi Centrum Vltavska
05/20 – Warsaw, PL @ Klub Stodola
06/22-26 – Pilton, UK @ Glastonbury Music Festival
06/24 – Victoria, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/28 – Bournemouth, UK @ O2 Academy
06/30-07/03 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
06/30-07/03 – St. Gallen, CH @ OpenAir
07/01-03 – Belfort, FR @ Les Eurockeenes
07/01-03 – Arras, FR @ Main Square Festival
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV Cosmopolitan
07/25 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater
07/28 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
07/30 – Quincy, WA @ Gorge Amphitheatre #
08/02 – Calgary, AB @ Southern Jubilee
09/03 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20
09/04 – E. Troy, WI @ PJ 20

* = w/ Soundgarden & Meat Puppets
# = w/ Soundgarden, Mastodon, and Meat Puppets

Pearl Jam are celebrating their 20-year anniversary in style with reissues, a Cameron Crowe-directed documentary, and a multi-day music festival. While the reissues have already hit stores, and bits and pieces of Crowe’s doc continue to surface, we’ve yet to hear much about the highly anticipated festival — until now.

Set for Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3-4) at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, WI, the festival will mark the band’s only U.S. performances in 2011. Joining them on the bill will be The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age, Mudhoney, John Doe, Joseph Arthur, The Swell Season’s Glen Hansard, Liam Finn, and more.

Tickets for the festival go on sale to the band’s Ten Club members on Monday, May 23rd, with a public on-sale to follow Saturday, June 4th. Click here for complete ticketing information.

Following the festival, the band will embark on their first Canadian tour since 2005. Set to begin in Montreal on September 7th, the leg will feature grunge warriors Mudhoney in support.

Tickets for the Canadian shows go on sale beginning Friday, 27th.

Pearl Jam 2011 Tour Dates:
09/03 – E. Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre
09/04 – E. Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre
09/07 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre *
09/11 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre *
09/12 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre *
09/14 – Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place *
09/15 – Hamilton, ON @ Copps Coliseum *
09/17 – Winnipeg, ON @ MTS Centre *
09/19 – Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre *
09/21 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome *
09/23 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place *
09/24 – Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum *

* = w/ Mudhoney

Eddie Vedder Solo 2011 Tour Dates:
06/15 – Providence, RI @ Providence Performing Arts Center (PAC) *
06/16 – Boston, MA @ The Wang Theatre *
06/18 – Hartford, CT @ The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts *
06/21 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre *
06/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre *
06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre *
06/28 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre *
06/29 – Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre *
07/01 – St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre *
07/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre *
07/05 – San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall *
07/06 – Long Beach, CA @ Terrace Theater *
07/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern *
07/09 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
07/11 – Oakland, CA @ The Paramount Theatre *
07/12 – Oakland, CA @ The Paramount Theatre *
07/14 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
07/15 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall *
07/16 – Seattle, WA @ Benaroya Hall *

* = w/ Glen Hansard

What was it that we said earlier today about remixes between like-minded artists? Oh, right: that those are usually the best. Need further proof? Take a listen to Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme reworking Grinderman‘s song “Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man” from 2010′s Grinderman 2. What was once pure scum rock is now glorious psychedlia, making Grinderman’s frontman Nick Cave all that more terrifying (not that he needed help anyways.)

The remix came about from a chance meeting between Homme and the band at an LA restaurant last year and some involvement by Gridnerman producer Nick Launay. According to a spokesman for the band, Cave and company are quite pleased with Homme’s work. Don’t take their word for it though; stream the song at Spin.com, or wait ’till it drops as a digital download and 12″ vinyl on June 14th.

Oh, and Mr. Homme, we’re just so glad you’re taking this music thing serious for once.

Soundgarden have added additional dates to their upcoming reunion tour and they’ve tagged some mighty openers. Set to launch July 2nd in Toronto, the trek kicks off with six dates along the East coast, starting with Coheed and Cambria. Then, on July 13th in Philadelphia, The Mars Volta will take over the opening duties as they join the Seattle rockers for a trip across the country. The tour concludes with shows in Vancouver and the band’s home state of Washington, both of which will feature Queens of the Stone Age and Meat Puppets. The Washington show, set for July 30th at the Gorge, will also include Mastodon. It’s okay if your head just exploded.

You can find Soundgarden’s full tour itinerary below. Public on-sales for Uncasville, CT, Newark, NJ, Wantagh, NY, Fairfax, VA, San Francisco, CA and Vancouver, BC, start on May 13th, and May 14th for London, ON, Mansfield, MA, Atlantic City, NJ, Chicago, IL, Las Vegas, NV and George, WA.

Thanks to 107.7 the End of the tip…

Soundgarden 2011 Tour Dates:
07/02 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre ^
07/03 – London, ON @ John Labatt Centre ^
07/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/06 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena ^
07/08 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center ^
07/09 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater ^
07/10 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center For The Performing Arts ^
07/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing *
07/14 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center *
07/16 – Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion *
07/18 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
07/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Center *
07/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum *
07/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint *
07/29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena &
07/30 – George, WA @ The Gorge #

^ = w/ Coheed and Cambria
* = w / The Mars Volta
& = w/ Queens of the Stone Age and Meat Puppets
# = w/ Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon and Meat Puppets

So, it’s out. The third entry in The Big Four – that is, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits – is here for our reading pleasure. Some of you have already raced to Facebook, the comments section here, the Lolla board, or your wilted notebook resting on your nightstand to gripe, complain, and tear it apart. That’s only natural of any raging internet fanatic – we’ve been there, you can tell. But, as with anything that tugs at the emotional heartstrings, you need to take some time out, smother yourself in ice cubes, and/or go through a pack of Camel Lights. Just relax. Then, take a look at it again.

As usual, it’s a pretty solid lineup. ::avoids the rotten tomatoes:: No, no, no. Be fair, be fair. Look at it closely: There’s an impressive undercard to flirt with, a sparkly group of headliners that won’t disappoint (regardless if they’re repeats or unsurprising), and the expansion to Perry’s Stage can only add to the already drunken, dreamy weekend for many a festivalgoer. Just a quick scan through the lineup hints at a thrifty three-day extravaganza. It’s hard to believe with so many hot mid-day acts (i.e. The Mountain Goats, Lykke Li, Explosions in the Sky) and a series of highly requested reunions (e.g. Big Audio Dynamite, The Cars, Death From Above 1979) that anyone would be bored or wandering around sad. Plus, and here’s something everyone seems to be forgetting, you’re still in one of the best goddamn cities in the world – the gem next to the lake. Yeah.

Still, there are things left to be said…

-Michael Roffman
President/Editor-in-Chief

Best Gets:

Coldplay

“You know how I know you’re gay?” Expect to hear that quote all weekend in Grant Park. But, despite your unoriginal friends, Coldplay happens to be one of the biggest acts in the world today, and for C3, this is a huge get. Hello! They’re playing Glastonbury? Fuji Rock? Rock in Rio? Ever heard of those? For Chris Martin & Co. to touchdown in Grant Park, it’s a landmark headliner for the always expanding festival. Plus, it’s the only North American gig to date, and in typical Lolla fashion, the British quartet will be just ahead of a new album  – their fifth, in fact, which is currently penciled in for a late autumn release. New material? Perhaps, but even if they don’t perform some, you’ll probably be the first souls to catch ‘em before the endless sweeping tours ensue. Mark our words now, this will be another Coachella reissue next year. -Michael Roffman

Deftones

Deftones’ appearance on Lollapalooza’s 2011 bill could also be put in the “Biggest Surprises” category of this post, but their presence is a lot less shocking than The Cars AND Big Audio Dynamite. After all, the acclaimed metal heads are fresh off an appearance at Lollapalooza Chile and you had to figure there’d be at least some cross over. Still, props on the pull: The spot marks Deftones’ only major North American festival appearance of 2011 — which is a rarity these days. -Alex Young

A Perfect Circle

With their chilly shoulders turned away from Coachella and Bonnaroo, APC’s spot at Lolla is a rather exclusive opportunity to see their show. Unless you caught Maynard James Keenan at their brief residencies out west in 2010, you’re in need to hear one of the best voices in hard rock. And while the often detached Keenan may not be the best host for a festival party, APC and their fans will be loud and proud in Chicago. Who knows, maybe they worked up “Bohemian Rhapsody” over the winter. -Jeremy Larson

The Cars

Two words: Ric Ocasek. Since reuniting with his brethren – a.k.a. The Cars – the anticipation has been sizzling like hotcakes in an Atlanta diner on an August morning. What? Never mind. With a new album in tow, next month’s Move Like This, it’s safe to say this is a legit reunion and one to really get behind. Sure, they’re coming to Chicago next month, but seeing them outside in the summer air, amidst a festival setting, and three months out on touring is so much better. Outside of the nostalgic factor, this is an hour that will no doubt please anyone – especially for lovers wishing to embrace during “Drive”. Two orders of timeless pop-rock? Over here, sir. -Michael Roffman

Modeselektor

The German electronic duo is one of those unique acts you’d typically associate with Coachella. A personal favorite of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, the group has been one of the genre’s more popular forces over the last decade and boasts collaborative records with Yorke, UK rockers Maxïmo Park, and German hip hop outfit Puppetmastaz. Modeselektor also teamed up with fellow German DJ Sascha Ring (Apparat) to form Moderat and their 2009 self-titled effort was released to universal acclaim. -Alex Young

Biggest Surprises:

Patrick Stump

Um, what?

Big Audio Dynamite AND The Cars

To the Reagan adolescence, this one’s for you. There’s little to argue here: Mick Jones and Rick Ocasek in Grant Park. C3 hit two birds with one stone – or, rather four birds with one stone, actually – by nailing not only a legacy and reunion act, but two legacy/reunion acts. Quadruple the effort. Admittedly, most of you probably don’t listen to Big Audio Dynamite every day, every week, or even every month, but it’s a unique grab and one that looked impressive on Coachella’s line-up earlier this year. It still shines here, some three to four months later. As for The Cars, that’s just impressive booking – especially, as we mentioned, they’re performing in Chicago next month. KO! -Michael Roffman

The Mountain Goats

With a critically-acclaimed new effort and given their cult-like status, The Mountain Goats seem more primed for the likes of Pitchfork Music Festival – especially for this year. That’s why it’s almost jarring to see them on Lollapalooza’s lineup. In a way, it sort of negates the whole Pitchfork then Lolla routine that seems to occur with indie darlings year after year. Then again, these California natives aren’t new to the scene at all, so in a way, perhaps it’s Lolla’s way of saying, “Okay, we should have had this working relationship years ago.” Judging from their recent Chicago stint, this should be a great late afternoon set. -Michael Roffman

Death From Above 1979

There’s gonna be a riot. Hardy-har-har. These truly crazy Canucks have a passion for creating chaos, and if there was anything to be learned from either set at SXSW or Coachella, it’s that Death From Above 1979 needs a lot of room. Similar to The Mountain Goats, this was another act that was all but destined for Pitchfork Music Festival, but P4K must have been satiated with one reunion act (i.e. Dismemberment Plan) to try and squeeze these boys in. All the better. As intimate of a place Union Park may be, it’s unlikely they’d support this much energy – well, that’s a tad of an overstatement. For now, though, it makes a slightly reliable argument. Regardless, Lollapalooza snagged something wild here. A festival repeat, sure, but we’ll take seconds, thirds, or fourths of DFA1979 any day. -Michael Roffman

Cults

Last year before Pavement performed at Pitchfork Music Festival, Drag City dude Rian Murphy hyper-sarcastically called P4k Fest “the minor leagues for Lollapalooza.” Ironically, it’s kind of true — Lollapalooza has a continued history of drafting bands that P4k Fest had just one year previous (this year’s picks being Titus Andronicus and Best Coast). But like LeBron James before them, Cults turned pro right out of school. Can they hack it up against some seasoned vets? Probably so. Expect to see them on a side stage in the afternoon just winning over thousands of new fans. -Jeremy Larson

Biggest Misses:

Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is the most confusing omission of ‘em all just because they seemed all but a shoe-in. Case in point: a new album, summer tour dates with the Foo Fighters, and an intimate Chicago show scheduled for May. Hell, they just announced a late summer tour and there’s not a Chi-city date to be found. Maybe they’re playing North Coast, but c’mon Perry! At least bring us Zooey! -Alex Young

The Cure

It’s a little gluttonous to complain about the lack of ’80s icons, what with Ric Ocasek and Mick Jones involved, but when rumors surfaced that Robert Smith and his gothic wagoners might saddle on up to Grant Park, there was a little spark in the soul that quickly turned nuclear. Similar to past gets like Lou Reed or Depeche Mode, this grab would have no doubt added some luster to the lineup. Plus, with that ridiculous Sean Penn film coming out, everyone’s nostalgia will be running rampant. Really, who wouldn’t want to wear all black and eye liner in 90+ degree weather? Duh. -Michael Roffman

Justice

“Justice! Non!” Lolla didn’t pick up Daft Punk, and ignored France’s second banana electronic duo as well. Justice purportedly have a new album in the works, and closing out Perry’s stage would seem to be a great spot for these guys, or even as a headliner. In Justice’s stead we have festival mainstays Girl Talk and Deadmau5, whom many of us have experienced before. Not that Girl Talk closing Perry’s larger stage won’t be a party to remember, nor will Deadmau5′s headlining spot not be a huge spectacle, but Justice would have added an alluring spice to the electronic lineup at Lolla. “Quel dommage!” -Jeremy Larson

Queens of the Stone Age

They hammered through a set at SXSW back in March, they’re hitting up the late-night circuitry, and they’re performing across the nation. So, why haven’t they been booked for a U.S. festival yet? They might only have a reissue to plug, and there’s probably plenty of recording to be had for their next studio outing, but would a one hour performance kill them? Not likely. Most die-hard fanatics probably caught them on tour already this year, but for the rest of us, Queens of the Stone Age would have looked nice next to The Kills on our schedules. Very nice. Oh well. -Michael Roffman

Surfer Blood

…And sometimes you don’t get drafted at all. This is kind of disappointing, in that Surfer Blood toured their asses off last year and grew from out of the beachy lo-fi fields of the last couple years into somewhat of a mainstream success, due in no small part to their touring tenacity. Why are they absent here? They played to a supremely packed crowd at Pitchfork Music Festival last year, the jabronies love ‘em, the indies love ‘em, the chicks love ‘em. Who knows? Maybe the kids need a break. -Jeremy Larson

Get to know:

Ellie Goulding

She’s gorgeous. She’s discovering more and more poppy sensibilities. She’s amassing dozens of fans each week. We’ve all heard folks digress on how they saw Gaga or Katy Perry at the smaller stages of yesteryear…well, here’s another prospective starlet. For this year, she’ll no doubt perform on a smaller stage, but years later? Probably not. Catch her now before she’s gone. It’s okay if you go alone and you don’t tell your friends about it, too. Just lose the mustache. You don’t want to be that creepy guy. -Michael Roffman

Jay Electronica

Few things validate an up and coming rapper more than being taken under the wing by one Sean Carter. (Just ask Kanye West.) The 34-year-old Jay Electronica recently signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label and is readying his long-awaited full-length debut. Plus, with Nas being a past collaborator, there’s a possibility that the New Orleans-based rapper may have a few surprises in store when he takes the stage at Perry’s Place. -Alex Young

Fences

Chris Mansfield knows about the importance of being earnest. He leads Fences heart first with a shaky voice and a sturdy band, producing some of the most wonderfully honest songs. Live, the band turns it up and stretches it out, adding just a tinge of psych rock to the mix which, when washed over you out the PA, tugs at all those pesky feelings you work so hard to forget about. Stop by midday and they’ll beguile the hell out of you. -Jeremy Larson

Ximena Sariñana

Ximena Sariñana may be a relative unknown in the stages, but in her native Mexico, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter is a full-blown superstar. Her 2008 debut Mediocre earned two Latin Grammy nominations and she spent 2009 touring Europe with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Group. Now, Sariñana is gearing up for a summer full of festival appearances plus the August 2nd release of her self-titled sophomore LP. -Alex Young

Young the Giant

Early last year, our own Phillip Roffman called this California quintet “a bottle rocket ready to explode.” Since then, they’ve done just that. From supporting Minus the Bear to appearing at Billboard’s SXSW Party to nabbing slots at half a dozen music festivals across the country, suffice it to say, this band’s growing at a rapid pace. Their late 2010 eponymous debut isn’t exactly a sparkling critical darling, but it’s brought the band quite a fanbase. Needless to say, if you’re strolling by and they’re playing, you might want to check them out and come to a conclusion – that is, if you can wade through the tides of fans surrounding the stage. -Michael Roffman

The boys of ATHF, Master Shake, Meatwad, and Frylock, will now be getting involved in all sorts of kooky adventures and side-splitting shenanigans as Aqua Unit Patrol Squad One. While the old show was soundtracked with the rap stylings of Schooly D, a new era calls for a rocking intro. Co-written by Homme and long-time collaborator Alain Johannes, their offering is like a swinging ’60s spy movie theme, if you dropped a couple hits of acid prior to listening to it in your Nana’s guesthouse. Check the track below in its entirety.

In related news, Josh Homme will appear in a forthcoming episode of Travel Channel’s No Reservations, according to the show’s Twitter account. There’s even a picture to prove it!

Check Out:
“Aqua Unit Patrol Squad One Theme”

Queens of the Stone Age capped off their month-long North American in support their reissued self-titled debut with an appearance on Conan last night. Josh Homme put away the vodka bottle for the occasion, but he and his bandmates kept the amps at max and delivered an absolutely pulsating version of “If Only”. Fair warning: in the event that you’re computer is up against the wall of your neighbors’ bedroom, you’ll want to grab some headphones. Rock out to the clip above via The Audio Perv.

Elsewhere, Bright Eyes hit Leno to play the second single off The People’s Key, “Beginner’s Mind”, and to make things a little less terrible for everyone (Tyler Perry was the guest, for the record). Conor Oberst decided to ditch the decorative dress shirt for a form-fitting jacket, but compared to the band’s recent performance on Letterman, not much else has changed. Oberst’s angsty facial expressions remain in top notch form and his supporting cast is tight as ever. Watch for yourself below, once again via The Audio Perv.

The cure is none other than stoner/garage/psychedelic rock outfit Queens of the Stone Age, administered by their ginger-coifed head doctor and jack-of-all-trades, Josh Homme. Monday’s sold-out show at Oakland’s gorgeously re-vamped Fox Theatre was the setting for anyone who wanted a good kick in the pants by way of the band’s quintessential churning guitars and throttling basslines. And even if the band couldn’t deliver on that promise, the rowdy crowd seemed ready to do it themselves, at least judging by the clouds of pot smoke that would puff up in the air every five minutes, rivaling Homme’s own onstage smoking habit. Of course, Homme was also swigging from a bottle of vodka during the show, so he wins that round for biggest badass in the room.

Queens of the Stone Age were out touring in support of their re-released self-titled album, playing the record in its entirety (more or less), allowing some fans the chance to hear the effort for the first time live. It’s also one of the first tours the band has done since their 2007 release, Era Vulgaris. Needless to say, fans were chomping at the bit to get an audio assault from these guys in any way, shape, or form.

The band too seemed just as eager to be out there and playing again. Homme was ever the grateful gentleman, making sure the crowd was feeling OK, egging them on when they needed it (“Fuck what the security says. This is Queens of the Stone Age, you can do whatever you want”) and keeping them involved (“I wish you could see what you all look like from up here, you’re all beautiful”). And despite all band members always having their hands busy in various side projects from Them Crooked Vultures to Mini Mansions to Hello=Fire, they all gelled well together onstage, moving back and forth between each other like synchronized swimmers. Mikey Shuman was a delight to watch on bass, as was the enigmatic Troy Van Leeuwan, and the multi-talented Dean Feritita, who handled both guitar and keyboard duties with ease. And drummer Joey Castillo is a tireless machine, among other things.

Having never been to any of their shows when the self-titled album came out, I can’t say for certain, but to me it felt like the material felt just a fresh as it would have back in 1998. It sounded rich, layered, and all sorts of rock and roll. While “Regular John”, “Avon”, and “If Only” came out of the gate in a straight-to-the-point gallop, the band didn’t really hit their gritty stride until the heady “You Would Know”. Everything after that took no prisoners, such as the rollicking, dizzying-guitar display of “The Bronze” (a bonus track on the re-release that’s an actual real bonus) and the chug-a-chug drums of “How to Handle a Rope” (which followed Homme’s dry word’s on the Judas Priest suicide controversy). The real impact of the show didn’t hit home for me until “Mexicola”. The song is great on the album, but live it took me by surprise. And by surprise, I mean it jostled my organs around by the sheer force of their instruments. It was a full-on sneak attack by grinding bass and the subsequent sledgehammer of pounding drums and knee-shaking riffs upon riffs.

It wasn’t all about how loud they could play or how badly they could make the fillings in your mouth rattle around – part of QOTSA’s draw is the band’s ability to explore different sounds and tease different genres. “You Can’t Quit Me Baby” and the second encore of “Better Living by Chemistry”, are two of the band’s most well-written songs that showcases their melodic stoner/psychedelic slant. Both were transcendent live, sounding just as good, or better, than the album versions.

And as seen with the aforementioned song “Better Living”, the encores consisted of songs that represented all of their other albums. Those fans who were there to hear other stuff from Rated R got “a disco song about LSD”, i.e. “Monsters in the Parasol”, while people wanting to hear Songs for the Deaf had their faces blown-off by the epic closer, “Song for the Dead”.

Now, I’d like to say the show was perfect, but unfortunately it wasn’t. From my vantage point (at the front rail to the left of the photo pit), the sound was good. I could hear everything that I was supposed to: Homme’s voice was dead-on and the audio was just bone-rattling enough to make me feel it. But it seems that the rest of the audience wasn’t so lucky. I heard varying reports from the sound being “not great” to being atrocious, depending on where you were standing. When you have a band that works so beautifully on the balance of sludgy, booming beats and delicate, harmonious vocals, it’s a damn shame if you can’t hear one or the other. Plus with the way Homme was backlit, the back of the crowd’s show consisted of a giant, swaggering silhouette and instrumentals. Not exactly what Queens of the Stone Age is all about. The band probably had no idea about the sound problems, so it’s no fault to them, but I know some people who would like to give the sound guy a kick in the pants.

Dismaying sound issues aside, the show was pretty much everything you would expect from the band. It was relentless, driven, horny, and loud. Homme’s guttural guitar reached right into your middle and shook you up from the inside out, awakening all of your senses and causing failing limbs and banging heads in the process. If that’s not a cure for what ails you (or the music industry), I don’t know what is. Take one Queens of the Stone Age show and call me in the morning.

Setlist:
Regular John,
Avon
If Only
Walkin’ on the Sidewalks
You Would Know
How to Handle a Rope
Mexicola
Hispanic Impressions
The Bronze
Give the Mule What He Wants
I Was a Teenage Hand Model
You Can’t Quit Me Baby
Encore
Monsters in the Parasol
Burn the Witch
Make it Wit Chu
Little Sister
Encore Two
Better Living Through Chemistry
Go With the Flow
A Song for the Dead
——

Gallery by Karina Halle

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Founded by the Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Rekords Rekords makes no qualms about what their mission is: “[The label] exists for one purpose,” they say, “to make music – just art in its purest form.” And while music-savvy consumers are already poised to break the bank on Record Store Day, the imprint has just added another release that is sure to squeeze even more money out of their little plastic debit cards.

The release is being handled by UK-based, Domino Records and comes in the form of a 10-inch picture disc. Limited to 500 copies, A Rekords Rekords Record features four tracks in total: Side A boasts “Endless Eyes”, a song from Chile-based Alain Johannes’ latest album, Spark, and “Nenada” from The Desert Sessions’ Volumes 7 & 8. Side B features the Queens’ “Regular John” and a cut from QOTSA bassist Michael Shuman’s side project, Mini Mansions.

A full tracklist is available below, and if you don’t know where your closest record store is (shame, shame), then you can find its location here.

A Rekords Rekords Record Tracklist:
Side A
01. Alain Johannes – “Endless Eyes”
02. Desert Sessions – “Nenada”
Side B
01. Queens of the Stone Age – “Regular John”
02. Mini Mansions – “The Room Outside”

Trying to sum up a day at South by Southwest is one difficult chore. Of course it’s a memorable experience (hell, where else can one see Jack White deliver a surprise set from outside a truck turned record store before lighting up a cigarette and selling vinyl from behind a window), but there’s only so many ways to sum up an 18-hour day that brings both sheer exhilaration and utter exhaustion. Along with the aforementioned performance by the Jack, SXSW Wednesday featured heavy rock warriors Queens of the Stone Age, 80′s titans Duran Duran, indie risers The Dodos, The Antlers, James Blake, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., a trip to Ice Cream Man and Conan’s new movie, dinner at Iron Works, and a 75-minute panel on Vlogging presented by CoS’ Mike Roffman and Sami Jarroush. Thankfully, liquor and cab rides are in plentiful amounts; otherwise I might jump out of my hotel window if Thom Yorke even thinks about opening his mouth again. -Alex Young

Jack White – Third Man Rolling Record Store – 12:00pm

Jack White is the perfect cure for exhaustion. At 11:30am, my phone buzzed with a message that the Third Man Records founder would be delivering a surprise set outside his newly crafted Rolling Record Store in a mere 30 minutes. A cab ride and a few sprints later, I joined the crowd of about 1,000 who had formed a giant circle around the truck (Aziz Ansari and Alison Mosshart were among the others in attendance.) White appeared moments later, guitar in hand, and quickly began work on a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” before dropping some White Stripes goodness with “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”. Ten minutes later, it was all over, with Jack then jumping back inside the rolling record store to lit a cigarette, swing some vinyl, and MC his latest signing, Seasick Steve. Thirty minutes later, most of the crowd was still gawking in awe. -Alex Young

Tristen – The Phoenix – 8:00 p.m.

What do you get if you take the quaintness of a ukulele and the ferocity of a precision rock trio?  The monstrosly catchy melodies of Tristen & The Ringers. With a jumbo-sized rock sound and a penchant for manic pixie lyricism, the foursome are simultaneously adorable and unbelievably and surprisingly intense. Regardless of how you take them, they’re immensely talented. -Chris Coplan

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – The Phoenix – 9:00 p.m.

What is it about these Detroit boys and their unique blend of vintage Motown and and synth-y grooves that make them so appealing? Perhaps their tracks are so enjoyable in opposition of their goofy attire and flashing stage show. Either way, they continue to be a band you can’t help but love despite some gleaming image flaws. -Chris Coplan

James Blake – Stubb’s – 9:15 p.m.

Photo by Cap Blackard

The din of SXSW found its exception at James Blake. Sparse, delicate vocals trickled out from Mr. Blake (who looks all of 12-years old IRL), whose voice can waver between soulful R&B and an effeminate angel. Juxtaposed against the lowest of low hz, velvety drum accents, and ambient dub effects, James Blake and his band filled the large back yard arena of Stubbs nicely, keeping the attention of a buzzed crowd of curious onlookers, and a few electro-heads getting down with the new black of electronic music. -Jeremy D. Larson

Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop – Paramount Theatre – 10 p.m.

Photo by Heather Kaplan

In director Rodman Flender’s documentary about Conan O’Brien’s ultimately successful The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour, viewers catch a nearly two hour glimpse at the late-night legend laying it all out. Following his exit from NBC, O’Brien couldn’t perform on television for several months, and as a result, took his gig on the road. Fun for us, exhausting for him. As the film progresses, audiences witness O’Brien shed layer after layer of himself as the tour ticks on and on across North America. Yet, regardless of the endless meet & greets, the countless hours spent in waiting rooms, the buckets of sweaty energy on stage, and the downright excessive fans, O’Brien never loses his witty outlook on life. There are times when he’s held against the wall, seemingly about to lose it (e.g. Bonnaroo), but he’s still tossing jokes around like it’s nothing. Some highlights include a road stop prayer circle with tourists, a nightmarish Hollywood gig with Jack McBrayer and Jon Hamm, and seeing O’Brien bantering with his kids. They say Jay Leno’s the hardest working man in show business, given that he does 250 shows a year…while that’s still arguable, you’ll leave this film having discovered a true contender. Scratch that, a total knockout. -Michael Roffman

The Antlers – The Parish – 12:00 a.m.

Midnight at The Parish, The Antlers assumed the stage to give SXSW the first taste of their new album. Old faithfuls from their 2009 Hospice will always be powerful, intimate, crescendo-filled post-rockers, but most notable about Wednesday night’s performance were the peppering of new songs from their forthcoming album Burst Apart. Where earlier songs came off as chapters out of books, the newer songs were more short stories in and of themselves. Peter Silberman’s voice goes above the rim on the new songs and his clarion yawp rasied some eyebrows and grins on the new tracks — they rocked markedly harder than most songs off Hospice. The Antlers will debut their new album Thursday in full, but last night, “Parenthesis”, “No Widows”, and “Rolled Papers” were a one-two-three taste of what’s next from the band. Expect Burst Apart‘s song-centric, guitar-based songs to still be about life’s struggles, just maybe not have as much gravitas as the full scope of Hospice. -Jeremy D. Larson

Queens of the Stone Age – La Zona Rosa – 12:15 a.m.

Josh Homme emerged onto La Zona Rosa’s stage at 12:15 AM with a flattened Mohawk; I made the mistake of referring to it as a “mullet,” which was quickly corrected by the person next to me. “Besides,” he added, “what the fuck does it matter. The guy can do whatever he wants.” Appropriately, this comment proved to be the theme of the night as Queens of the Stone Age’s 90 minute set featured the band’s masterful frontman chugging a bottle of vodka, smoking cigarettes, and destroying ear drums with some of the loudest music known to Earth. In regards to the latter, the band raced through their self-titled debut in blitzing fury before using the encore to spew out classics like “I Wanna Make It Wit Chu”, “Little Sister”, and “Go With the Flow”. The only thing more bad-ass was the fact Jack White and the Foo Fighters were watching from backstage. Only in Austin. -Alex Young

Duran Duran – Stubb’s – 12:30 a.m.

Photo by Cap Blackard

Stubbs and SXSW played host to the kick-off of Duran Duran’s 2011 world tour. LeBon and co. delivered a smashing 12 song performance beginning with “View to a Kill” ending with “Girls on Film” and highlighting the entirety of their thirty year career. The tour is backing their recently released 13th album, All You Need is Now. A few new tracks punctuated the catalog-digging performance, including one that the band jokingly restarted after botching the intro. “We did say that this was our first show of the tour, right?” Set highlights included the long-retired “Friends of Mine” from their first album, the new track “Being Followed”, an outstanding performance of “The Chauffer” featuring LeBon on what looked like an ocarina, and their encore rendition of “Girls on Film” featuring an interlude of the Motown track “Poppa Was A Rollin’ Stone” and solos from every performer. Naturally, “Hungry Like the Wolf”, “Notorious”, and “Ordinary World” were performed, “Rio” was surprisingly absent. As always, the incomparable Simon LeBon owned the stage. Whether exuding a profound sexual presence (posturing like a badass, asking the audience who their daddy was), or just being goofy (“flying” around the stage, miming the creation of a large orb, then shoving the orb in his mouth and growing at the front row) there is no doubt that he is the man, and everyone in the audience had been Simon LeBoned. -Cap Blackard

The Dodos – The Parish – 1:15 a.m.

Photo by Heather Kaplan

It was this, the third time I’ve seen The Dodos, that I focused on their musicality. No hyperbole: Meric Long and Logan Kroeber should be hailed as visionaries. Their playing is like nothing out there today,  with Long mashing up bluegrass fingerpicking with pure garage rock, and Krober’s signature drum kit setup. Their sometimes lukewarm songwriting on record is forgotten live and they play with fury, focus, and passion. The Dodos’ 1:15am set at The Parish was my highlight of night. -Jeremy D. Larson

——

Gallery by Cap Blackard

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Gallery Heather Kaplan

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The actual remastering of QOTSA’s self-titled was done with a very slight hand. Comparing the two albums side-by-side, you can hear a nice tonality in the re-release, a sharper, crisper quality that just wasn’t holding up in the 1998 version. However, part of QOTSA’s vital sound is the thickness of Josh Homme’s guitar, the fuzz and grain that permeates from each riff and solo. That is still present, it’s just a more precise distortion.

Of course, looking at the re-release from the perspective of songwriting and talent, there’s not much to criticize here. It always was, and continues to be, a stunning debut album. Though at the time of the original recording, the band consisted just of Homme on guitar and bass and former Kyuss drummer Alfredo Hernandez, it reeks of QOTSA’s signature sound. The opening track “Regular John” is still one of the best tracks the band has ever produced and the bassy, fuzzed out guitar and crazy hooks over Homme’s gentle voice is not only a fitting introduction to the album but to the genre that QOTSA has carved out for itself over the last 13 years.

Songs such as the rolling “Avon” and “How to Handle a Rope (A Lesson in the Lariat)” pound along with rumbling drums and with wall-to-wall riffs. “Walking on the Sidewalks” is all retro-tinged crunch, a stop-and-go drive through heavy sludge. Reverb, an eerie guitar tone, and Homme’s throaty drawl make up the “You Would Know”. A more happy-go-lucky spin on stoner rock is found in tracks like the hummable “If Only”, the meatier “Give the Mule What He Wants”, and the endearingly silly “I Was a Teenage Hand Model”.

“You Can’t Quit Me Baby” is a standout track among standout tracks. It builds up slowly with an almost sensual bass riff, then is sprinkled by clean guitar pickings and Homme’s assuring vocals. When he sings “I want you notice when I’m not around/Wherever you are”, there’s no doubt we’d notice with songs like this, especially with an ending that spirals into a dizzying feast of Homme’s intricate guitar work and burning strings.

“Mexicola” is a grinding, wailing trip down to the California bordertown, reminiscent of some of Homme’s Desert Sessions experiments. And of course it wouldn’t be a Queens of the Stone Age album without a purely instrumental track such as “Hispanic Impressions.”

There are also some worthy bonus tracks rounding out the album. “The Bronze” is a catchy kick-in-the-pants that would make an impact on any QOTSA fan. “These Aren’t the Droids Your Looking For”, from the  long out of print 1998 QOTSA/Beaver split EP, starts off like it’s the end of a song before launching into a driving, almost theme music-esque instrumental journey. “Spiders and Vinegaroons” is another instrumental track with a psychedelic take. The clapping hands and pounding drums propel the space jam riffs and sitar-like sound to create a heady, intoxicating sidestep. All three of the bonus tracks slink in perfectly with the rest of the album, adding to the overall feel instead of subtracting from it.

As we questioned with QOTSA’s rerelease of Rated R last year, was doing the same to their self-titled necessary? Perhaps not. But with the band currently working on new material and about to embark on a tour in support of this album, I don’t see any fans complaining. If anything, it reminds people where it all began, which in this case, was with a solid gold debut.

They’re not yet listed on the festival’s website, but Queens of the Stone Age will play La Zona Rosa on March 16th, according to an issued press release. Also, Yoko Ono has been confirmed as the festival’s featured speaker, and she’ll also play Chimera Music night at The Elysium on March 20th.

Update: Expect to see The Strokes, too. According to the band’s latest newsletter, they have “something cool planned for SXSW.”

Other newly confirmed acts include B.o.B., …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Panic! at the Disco, Lucinda Williams, Liz Phair, Meat Puppets, Robert Earl Keen, X Japan, The Black Angels, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Reggie Watts, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Sasha, Calvin Harris, J. Cole, The Cool Kids, Megafaun, Jamie xx, Jesse Malin & The St Marks Social, and She Wants Revenge.

And if that weren’t enough, Spank Rock, Cyhi Da Prynce, Curren$y, Dawes, Chiddy Bang, Theophilus London, Rainbow Arabia, Big Freedia, Cass McCombs, Phantogram, The Cave Singers, Liturgy, The Fresh & Onlys, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, An House, AWOLNATION, Ben Sollee, Boats, Colin Stetson, The Ferocious Few, Hanson, Papercuts, Parlovr, and Peanut Butter Wolf are all also confirmed.

Again, this about 1/10 of the currently announced roster for this year’s festival, so head over to Festival Outlook for a even more extensive glimpse. The music portion of South by Southwest 2011 runs from March 16-20 in Austin, Texas. For ticket information and all other necessary details, visit sxsw.com.

Image via Hipster Runoff

Ask any member of the CoS news team what keeps them up at night and they’ll likely tell you it’s the excitement/fear of Radiohead dropping an album at 4:45 AM. That’s exactly what happened earlier this morning; fortunately, Harry Painter and Mike Roffman are insomniacs.

But Radiohead’s surprise new album wasn’t the only bombshell of February 14th, 2011. From Arcade Fire’s Grammy win to Zooey Deschanel’s new tv gig, today’s music headlines were as hot as they are heavy. So what better way to remember the most insane day of 2011 then by recapping it in bullet form below!

– Radiohead‘s eighth album, The King of Limbs, arrives this Saturday. In related news, that box of chocolates no longer qualifies as a decent Valentine’s Day gift.

– In even more Radiohead news, guitarist Jonny Greenwood will score We Need To Talk About Kevin, a forthcoming film starring the equally amazing John C. Reilly.

– Arcade Fire‘s Win Butler might be pissed at his ex-bro, but he has something that Thom doesn’t: a Grammy for Best Album. Also, we have a recap of all the Grammy performances.

– Queens of the Stone Age will take their newly reissued self-titled debut on the road this summer.

– The punk-tastic Green Day shared a mastered live version of “Cigarettes and Valentines”.

– You’ll need 12 iPhones to hear all 12 parts of The Flaming Lips’ new single, “Two Blobs Fucking”.

– Zooey Deschanel has signed on to star in a new Fox TV pilot entitled Chicks and Dicks. Suddenly, I care about sitcoms again.

– Florence and the Machine announced a series of headlining tour dates.

– Yeasayer gave us a Valentine’s Day triple whammy: a free EP, new video, and tour dates.

– Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor might need to update his resume. It looks like he is joining Velvet Revolver.

– Finally, Mavis Staples, Califone, Bill Callahan head the 2011 edition of the Pickathon Music Festival. Click here to check out the full lineup and read an interview with festival co-founder Zale Schoenborn.

Anyhow, yes, Queens of the Stone Age have announced 2011 tour dates. As previously reported, the Josh Homme-led outfit will finally reissue their self-titled debut on March 1st, and they’ll support the release by performing the album, in its entirety, in clubs throughout North America this spring. Following an early spring tour of New Zealand and Australia, QOSTA will arrive stateside mid-March. New Orleans get first dibs on the 18th, with the band then making their way up the east coast and into Canada to close out the month. Early April will feature dates across the midwest before the trek wraps up with a two dates in California.

A Livenation pre-sale begins Thursday, February 17th, with a general on-sale to follow Friday, February 18th.

Along with the forthcoming reissue, Domino and Rekords Rekords are releasing a limited-edition 7” of the Queens of the Stone Age track “How To Handle A Rope (A Lesson In The Lariat)” (b/w “Avon”) on February 28th. The release will be limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies. Pre-order asap

Queens of the Stone Age 2011 Tour Dates:
02/21 – Auckland, NZ @ Logan Campbell Centre
02/22 – Wellington, NZ @ Town Hall
02/24 – Cristchurch, NZ @ Town Hall
02/26 – Brisbane, AU @ Soundwave Festival
02/27 – Sydney, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/02 – Sydney, AU @ Enmore Theatre
03/03 – Melbourne, AU @ Palace Theatre
03/04 – Sydney, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/05 – Adelaide, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/07 – Perth, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/18 – New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jack’s
03/19 – Birminham, AL @ Workplay Soundstage
03/20 – Nashville TN @ Ryman Auditorium
03/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
03/23 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
03/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
03/25 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
03/26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
03/27 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
03/29 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
03/30 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
03/31 – Indianapolis, IN @ Vogue Nightclub
04/01 – Chicago, IL @ The Riviera
04/02 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
04/04 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
04/05 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
04/06 – Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club
04/08 – Denver, CO @ Ogden
04/11 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
04/12 – Los Angees, CA @ The Wiltern

But what about the wonder drummers, the ones who defy the above point by becoming just as essential as the front person or lead guitarist? The most obvious are John Bonham and Keith Moon, as they both helped create their respective bands’ unmistakable identity, so much so that when they died, so did those bands. Look closer and one can find that there have been a few that have since carried equal weight in their bands and are still going strong. For an example of this, I give you, the mighty Matt Cameron.

Cameron is a legend in the world of alternative rock. Not only was he a grunge pioneer in the late eighties, he has also gone on to become one of the most sought-after rock drummers to date, with honorable mentions and song credits that can be found almost everywhere in modern rock. He’s written for the Smashing Pumpkins, was the force behind the rise of Soundgarden, and was a part of Temple of the Dog. He even helped give Queens of the Stone Age its start, playing on their debut EP, and sitting in for their first ever show. And since 1998, Cameron has called Pearl Jam his home while also sitting in on numerous side projects, including the bands Hater, Wellwater, and Conspiracy, to name only a few. He’s built quite the resume and managed to perplex, challenge, and push every band he’s touched beyond its pre-conceived limits. What would you expect when you put a jazz drummer behind a rock band?

But before all that, he had to start somewhere. Hailing from San Diego, Cameron spent his teen years playing in high school rock bands. His first break into the national scene was with a spot on the soundtrack for none other than the 1978 cult classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, with his track, “Puberty Love”.

In 1983, Cameron moved to Seattle, Washington to pursue rock. Working with a string of hardcore (and what we now call early grunge) bands, he would build himself to be somewhat of a local star. This notoriety would again get a boost with the band Skin Yard, a band often credited with stirring up the grunge movement in the first place. His career with Skin Yard only got to its self-titled debut before a desperate, early incarnation of Soundgarden was looking for a drummer to replace Scott Sundquist, and reached out to Cameron.

Cameron had the unique ability to make odd time signatures sound traditional, giving Cornell and company real challenges to work with, as they built their songs around Cameron’s curious kitwork. Tracks like “Jesus Christ Pose” (off of Soundgarden’s third album, Badmotorfinger) show this perfectly, as Cameron pounds out an onslaught of avant-metal rhythms. To his credit, Cameron would go on to pen over a dozen tracks with the band, some that would turn out to be the heaviest, most driving material they would release.

Like all good things, this came to an end in 1997, when Soundgarden disbanded, leaving Cameron a free man, but that wouldn’t last for long. A mere one year later, old friend Eddie Vedder was stranded without a drummer, right before Pearl Jam’s Yield tour was to take off. Pearl Jam’s then-drummer, Jack Irons, split for personal reasons (he allegedly hated touring, and couldn’t handle the demanding, long sets) after a string of dates in Hawaii. Vedder was quick to court Cameron. The original deal was a temporary one, but Cameron joined the band full time shortly, and has been with them ever since.

Vedder had always been inspired and in awe of what Cameron could do, and when they started writing together, it pushed Pearl Jam in ways Vedder couldn’t have imagined. Vedder’s feelings are expressed quite perfectly in the liner notes of the 2003 Lost Dogs compilation, boasting that “Matt Cameron writes songs and we run to find the stools in order to reach his level. What comes naturally to him leaves us with our heads cocked like the confused dogs that we are eventually getting it. Did we mention he’s the greatest drummer on the planet?”

While Moon and Bonham built their bands up, rising from the bars to the stadiums, Cameron gave life to one, and reinvigorated another of rock’s most illustrious acts. By also contributing to countless others in the process, his work has made him the most sought after drummer in the past 20 years. Go see a Pearl Jam show, wait for one of the many inevitable solos, and you’ll see why. Vedder was right in his 2003 statement; No one touches Cameron.

So here we are. A little more then 15 hours after the 2011 lineup for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was released. How’d you sleep? At least that four hour nap kicked off the right way, what with a Strokes album title? Anyhow, this is the part of the show/day when we evaluate the lineup that woke us out of bed at 12:02 AM EST on the east coast and had us pause American Idol out west. By now, you’ve fully digested it, combed your way through each day, and checked and doubled checked to make sure Daft Punk really isn’t playing. Now’s the part where we accept what we got, analyze the shit out of it, and then officially declare what we like, what surprised us, what they forgot, and who we should learn more about. FYI, Coachella is 86 days away.

The 5 Biggest Highlights

The Strokes

Unlike when they headlined Lolla and Outside Lands in 2010, Casablancas and co. will come armed with new material. And according to Rolling Stone, the forthcoming Angles is “the best album the Strokes have made since Is This It.” Anticipation in every which way.

Kanye West

You don’t have to like Kanye West to enjoy a Kanye West performance. Especially one that marks his first North American public performance in support of the CoS Top Star-earned My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Expect “seventies-centric pantsuits, cutaway coats, and gilded jeans,” plus loads of guests.

PJ Harvey

Dude, it’s PJ fucking Harvey. Need we say more?

Duran Duran

Excuse the pun, but we’re hungry like the wolf for this one. No, we’re not screaming to hear their new material, but you can’t argue they don’t have quite the back catalog. Take the setting into consideration, too. Nothing screams decadent like skinny Silver Lake hipsters, all dancing to “Rio”. Could you imagine hearing “Come Undone” or “Ordinary World” as the raging desert turns to night? Too much to pass up.

The Chemical Brothers

It’s not Daft Punk, but the acclaimed UK duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons is obviously the next best thing. They’ll also serve as an amazing alternative when Kings of Leon hit the stage.

The 5 Biggest Surprises

Death From Above 1979

Okay, so we’re still licking our wounds that Pulp wasn’t on the bill. But, what a surprise this was. Yes, the Toronto outfit only have a handful of EPs and a studio album, but isn’t that enough for a solid hour? Let’s just say this was the necessary left jab that every Coachella lineup should have. Kudos to them for striking us once more.

Big Audio Dynamite

Mick Jones must love the stage… or Coachella. After last year’s stint with Gorillaz, he returns again. We’re pretty stoked about this one. It might not appeal to the younger crowd, but veterans should be pleasantly thrilled. If anything, it’ll be nice to hear “E=MC^2″ live. That’s for sure.

Lauryn Hill

She’s getting around these days. We should have expected this, but we didn’t. Whatever. Friday’s a bit cluttered, but Hill makes for a pleasant “must see”. Then again, what if she’s this year’s Sly Stone?

The London Suede

Remember The Chase? The pre-hooker days of Charlie Sheen? (Who are we kidding?) Well, The London Suede had a killer song in it (“The Next Life”). Actually, so killer that our writer David Buchanan wants it played at his funeral. Maybe if he’s lucky, he can catch it on a webcast. Bottom line: Want to see something rare? See this band.

The Swell Season

Aren’t they supposed to be retired on hiatus?

The 5 Biggest Omissions

Daft Punk

According to Billboard, Daft Punk had an offer on the table, but chose to pass on Coachella 2011 “because the group was simply not ready from a production standpoint to return to live performance.” An understandable excuse for sure, but it still hurts to think what could have been if Yeezy and Daft Punk were on the same bill.

The Cars

They were just what we needed. Okay, we’re done with the puns. Or, are we?

Pulp

Maybe they were miffed at the potential crowd? Definitely no “Common People” there.

Queens of the Stone Age

A QOSTA appearance at Coachella 2011 made all the sense in the world. The band is already set to play festivals in Australia, which means Josh Homme and co. could have easily crossed the street to play their hometown fest. Plus, they’re recording a new studio album. As G.O.B. would say, c’mon!

A Perfect Circle

I doubt we were the only ones who saw the band’s short west coast swing late last year as a rehearsal ahead of a major comeback at Coachella. Thank god for YouTube!

The 5 Names You Should Know

Lil B

Do an Urban Dictionary search for “Based God.”

OFWGKTA (Odd Future)

Aside from Lil B, this is the hottest new act in hip hop. The LA collective consists of members ranging in age from 16-23 and only recently did they begin performing outside of their hometown. However, rumors suggest the group is close to signing a record contract and Coachella should serve as a launching pad for a huge 2k11. Take Mos Def’s word for it.

Mary Anne Hobbs

The former BBC broadcaster and current college professor is also a pretty stellar DJ.

Ellie Goulding

We told you the North American invasion was coming.

Mount Kimbie

For those upset by James Blake’s absence.

It appears the latest delay was the result of some last minute label shuffling, as the band’s imprint, Rekords Rekords, has announced a new partnership with Domino Records. Domino will aid in the “marketing, promoting and distributing” of select titles from the Rekords Rekords’ catalog, with the first release coming in the form of the reissue of the band’s self-titled debut. A March 1st release date has been set for the U.S., with the U.K. scheduled to receive it one week later on March 7th.

According to an issued statement, the reissue has been fully remastered from the original tapes and has been expanded by three tracks. “The Bronze” & “These Aren’t the Droids Your Looking For” — from the 1998 split EP — and “Spiders and Vinegaroons”, which was part of the posthumous Kyuss/QOTSA split EP. The reissue will be available on CD, double vinyl, and via digital download.

Below, check out a stream of album’s opener, “Regular John”, as well as the confirmed tracklist.

Queens of the Stone Age Reissue Tracklist:
01. Regular John
02. Avon
03. If Only
04. Walkin On The Sidewalks
05. You Would Know
06. The Bronze
07. How to Handle a Rope
08. Mexicola
09. Hispanic Impressions
10. You Cant Quit Me Baby
11. These Arent the Droids You’re Looking For
12. Give the Mule What he Wants
13.  Spiders and Vinegaroons
14. I Was A Teenage Hand Model