Alex Chilton R.I.P.

Very sad news that Alex Chilton has passed away just days before he was to perform with Big Star here at SXSW.

Top Reissues Of 2009

If you don't own it or you have never heard it then it's new to you. Remixed and repackaged these are the best reissues for 2009.

Kraftwerk - The Catalogue
Available as a box set or individual albums these five classics by Kraftwerk contain some of the most influential music ever made.

The Jesus Lizard - Head, Goat, Liar and Down
Just in time for their reunion tour these reissues are a reminder of how powerful a band Jesus Lizard are.

Mulato Astatke - The Story Of Ethio Jazz
This album was a great discovery for me this year. Mixing American jazz with African rhythms this compilation is a real treat.

Jawbox - For Your Own Special Sweetheart
Lost to major label indifference this great album is back on Dischord and sounding better than ever.

Nirvana - Live At Reading
This live record captures Nirvana's power more than any of the studio album could.

Shaft - OST
John Shaft is a bad mother-shut your mouth-just talking about Shaft.

Big Star - Keep An Eye On The Sky
This box set has so much to listen to I have only cracked what is within.

The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms
It's a crime that this post-punk classic was out of print

The Stone Roses - S/T
They don't make em' like this anymore.

Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary
Before Emo became a bad word.

Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire de Melody Nelson
Music to make lover to your old lady by.

Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
A hip-hop classic!

Big Star Gets Reissues

Big Star are one of the best rock bands ever and on June 16th Ardent/Stax will reissue their first two records. The bands #1 Record and Radio City have previously been available as a double CD but will finally be reissued on vinyl as individual records again.

Oxford American Music Issue

Oxford American's 10th annual Southern Music issue is out now and includes two Cd's this year. The Cd's cover stars of the past like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis (on the cover), Big Star and Lightnin' Hopkins along with newer artist like Neko Case, R.E.M., and Vic Chesnutt. The best thing about this compilation though is discovering the musicians that never quite made it to the star level in spite of their talents. The variety of music covered shows that Southern Music is more an attitude than any specific sound.