Joni Mitchell to "Shine" for Starbucks

Joni Mitchell, the original Lady of the Canyon has signed a two album deal with Starbucks' Hear Music label.

She'll be joining Paul McCartney on their roster. Not a bad labelmate!

Mitchell's first of the two albums "Shine" will drop into coffee shops on September 25th. It will include 9 new songs along with a redo of the classic song "Big Yellow Taxi".

More info on the album here.

Track Listing:

1) One Week Last Summer
2) This Place
3) If I Had a Heart
4) Hana
5) Bad Dreams Are Good
6) Big Yellow Taxi
7) Night of the Iguana
8) Strong and Wrong
9) Shine
10) If

Bishop Allen @ South Street Seaport

Brooklyn's Bishop Allen brought the hometown crowd down to the Seaport for a night of greasy pizza slices, drippy ice cream and, of course, music!

The super tight band blasted out one great indie pop tune after another. All of which can be yours this Tuesday, July 24th when their new album The Broken String drops via Dead Oceans.

The band will be hitting the road for a quick jaunt across the country but they'll be back in NYC for a CD release party at Bowery Ballroom on August 18th.

Tix aren't on sale yet but be on the look out!

Listen via myspace.

Shout Out Louds @ Luna Lounge

Our favorite Swedish band the Shout Out Louds dropped by Brooklyn to share some new tunes from their upcoming album Our Ill Wills, which will be hitting the shelves stateside on September 11th.

The new stuff is dramatic pop but more sparkling than moody - think the Cure on joy juice.

You can get a taste of the album via the Tonight I Have to Leave It EP. It's out now!

Also, listen to some new tunes and watch the video (it's one of the best I've seen in awhile) for "Tonight I Have to Leave It" at the band's myspace.

Maximo Park @ Webster Hall

Newcastle's Maximo Park pounded a few holes into the stage at Webster Hall during their little swing through the city.

Paul Smith caught more air than a parachute jumper and shook buckets of sweat all over the stage.

And, I love rockers with a message - his t-shirt reads "Education - Not Missiles"

Q & A with Benni Hemm Hemm

There's nothing like dinner with a bunch of nice boys from Iceland!

I chatted with Benni of Benni Hemm Hemm while the guys were chowing down at the Pink Pony.

You can check out the interview at looserecord.com

Later that night, the guys filled Mercury Lounge with some flowing indie pop - orchestral style.

Man Man @ McCarren Park Pool

Philadelphia's Man Man brought their pizazz to the pool and what had been a low key overcast day turned into mosh pit madness.

Beach balls were flying and silly string was sprayed.

Just another day in Brooklyn!!!

Illinois @ McCarren Park Pool

Illinois from Pennsylvania got the usual Sunday fun under the sun going at McCarren.

This the third time I've seen the guys and they're growing on me. I even resisted a dive through the slip-n-slide to catch their entire set.

Fair to Midland @ The Gramercy Theater

Fair to Midland opened for The 69 Eyes and they did their home state of Texas up proud!

You can read how it went down and check out some awesome pics at punkphoto.com.

The 69 Eyes @ The Gramercy Theater

Get those devil horns in the air and shake it up!

I don't usually do the hardcore scene but when I got the call, I couldn't resist.

Ms. punkphoto.com and I headed into the land of goth and came out with out with smiles on our faces.

These guys from Finland have got it all - the hair, the head banging and those sassy guitar poses.

Go see The 69 Eyes and get your rawk on!!!

Live Earth - Australia

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