I’m deeply saddened to report that my beloved Paste magazine is suspending its print publication. I read the news via NY Mag, who in turn heard it when Gawker broke the story this afternoon.
The magazine, which had been struggling amidst the print crisis brought on by this miserable recession, had remained afloat with the help of generous reader contributions. Alas, the donations weren’t enough. Gawker is reporting that the staff was given two hours to clean out their desks.
Pastemagazine.com will remain up and running by a “skeleton staff,” but all of my favorite Paste staffers – like the wonderful and sweet Rachael Maddux! – are reporting their unemployment.
I’m heartbroken. Well wishes to all of the folks at Paste, and thanks for all the years of reading solid, interesting pop culture reporting. It was always one of my dreams to write for Paste. What a shame.
And for Tilda Swinton to be their last cover… [Gawker via NYMag, Paste]
Eek – I haven’t been blogging regularly, as I’ve been on a bit of a chase, journalistically speaking. I’m building a mystery, y’all know? Anyway. So much has happened recently, and I’ve been AWOL. Here are a few things that have led to incredible excitement.
It’s getting hard to keep pretending I’m worth your time
I’m not going to lie. The just-released video for Yeasayer‘s single “Madder Red” is weird. It’s kooky and certainly off-kilter, but it’s also sweet and tender. The gorgeous Kristen Bell of Veronica Marsfame is the leading lady in this video, which New York mag’s Vulture blog calls “the touching story of a girl and her pet blob monster.” And they’re not kidding. The object of Bell’s affection isn’t cute or cuddly but rather totally grotesque and absurd. It looks a bit like the inside of a body, with an oozingly bloody facial cavity thing and piercing blue eyes.
The video, directed by Swede Andreas Nilsson (a long time music video man behind songs by Fever Ray, José González and one of my personal favorites, I’m From Barcelona’s “We’re From Barcelona”) is certainly a bit creepy but it’s also heartwrenching. Check it out below, and definitely give Yeasayer’s full album, the incredible Odd Blood, a listen. [NY Mag]
Let it Sway
Springfield, Missouri's Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
I really must have been living under a rock these last few weeks. Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin – one of my absolute favorite bands – just released a brand new album today. Their third LP, Let it Sway, is joyous. I’ve been a huge SSLYBY fan since their inception and the release of their first album, Broom, and Let it Sway doesn’t disappoint – itis refreshing. It’s hook-laden with ooh’s, aah’s and ear-pleasing choruses, and the feel is ’90s powerpop, recalling Built to Spill or a softer, more sing-songy Camper Van Beethoven. It’s a record of good-feelings and, while not as stellar as Broom, it has its standouts. Check out the lead single and title track “Sink/Let it Sway” below or give a listen to the anthemic attention-grabber “Back in the Saddle.”
Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin, “Sink/Let it Sway”
Weezer loses sense of irony – and gains indie musicality
Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo with album namesake
Weezer is going indie with their forthcoming eighth album Hurley. Rolling Stone reports the band will be channeling “Sixties pop” on the disc, to be released Sept. 14. The band isn’t merely changing their sound – they’re switching labels too. They’ve left their longtime label Geffen/Interscope and are seeking solace at California-based Epitaph, known for hosting bands such as Alkaline Trio (after their parting from Vagrant), Motion City Soundtrack and the Weakerthans. The album art, which Weezer also released last week, actually is a headshot of Lost character Hugo “Hurley” Reyes, portrayed by Jorge Garcia. I’m excited for their alleged return to indie. It’ll be a nice change of pace after the machine-like churning out of Top 40-ready records (though “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” was entirely charming, thanks in great part to producer and lyricist Butch Walker). I’m eager for Hurley – even despite the cheesy (cheeky?) and dated cover work. And despite the rather paltry attempt at a first single, “Memories.” [Rolling Stone]
And in other Weezer news – guitarist Brian Bell hinted in an interview at the Mile High Festival in Denver that the band would be touring in support of their pinnacle album, Pinkerton, which has reached cult classic status since its release in 1996. This one is personally near and dear to my heart. Pinkerton remains one of my absolute favorite albums, and the band is releasing a deluxe reissue of the record October 5 on Geffen. Keep your fingers – and toes! – crossed that Bell isn’t just merely being a tease. [MySpace music]
So, as if the Gary Sanchez Productions tag (founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay and the brains behind Funny or Die) weren’t enough to whet my appetite, Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian!) will play the Klausner-esque vamp. Caplan, the adorably charming Casey of the canceled-all-too-soon delight Party Down, will be perfectly cast for the role, which will see her in bed with all sorts of loser letharios. Such win. [Paste via Deadline]
Dawgs of Party Town
Congratulations to the University of Georgia for topping the Princeton Review‘s list of U.S. party schools! The Bulldogs have done it – they’re the best party school in the nation. UGA was ranked No. 4 last year and has been on the top-20 list for 10 of the past 13 years – impressive! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for pushing me in the right direction.
This year’s list, released Monday, is below. The Princeton Review comprises lists annually for all sorts of categories, including drug use, political affiliation and town-gown relations at the nation’s best universities. [USA Today]
Princeton Review’s “Best Party Schools”:
1. University of Georgia
2. Ohio University, Athens
3. Pennsylvania State University
4. West Virginia University
5. University of Mississippi
6. The University of Texas, Austin
7. University of Florida
8. University of California, Santa Barbara
9. University of Iowa
10. DePauw University
I’m heartbroken. Well wishes to all of the folks at Paste, and thanks for all the years of reading solid, interesting pop culture reporting. It was always one of my dreams to write for Paste. What a shame.
coco keevan 