DJs Drama & Cannon Arrested for "Illegal" CDs
"You see what happens, Drama? You see what happens when you fuck a label in the ass?!"

If it wasn't clear before, it is now: the RIAA cares absolutely nothing about its artists or their music. This was made abundantly apparent last night on local Atlanta TV station FOX5, when news correspondent Stacey Elgin reported that DJ Drama and Don Cannon were arrested for "making and selling 'illegal CDs.'"

A SWAT team raided the popular mixtape DJs' Walker Street studio and confiscated at least 50,000 CDs, computers, recording equipment, money, bank statements, and cars. 17 people were detained, but Drama and Cannon were both arrested. Saying the RIAA had investigated the business for a while before the raid, RIAA representative Matthew Kilgo expressed eyebrow-raised amazement at the two's Gangsta Grillz franchise: "These guys are actively advertising online. They've got a website that they're advertising from. That's where you place your order, and that's how the orders are shipped out."

Wait, they have a website?!! Criminals!

Kilgo also pointed out that some unnamed statistics show that "up to 900% profit can be made just from the resale of counterfeit CDs," and it's great that Kilgo is so focused on the facts, except for the little one that Drama and Cannon aren't just copying T.I. and Lil Wayne albums onto cheap CD-Rs.

Gangsta Grillz mixtapes are in such high demand because of their focus on exclusive content, and since artists often use them as promotional tools for their official albums, record labels usually condone-- if not outright encourage-- them.

Adding insult to injury, Fulton County police officer Major E. A. Platt said, "In this case, we didn't find drugs or weapons, but it's not uncommon for us to find other contraband when we execute a search warrant."

Ah, okay, so you didn't find any of those things, but since "it's not uncommon" to find them in similar raids, you might as well have found them? WTF!!

Elgin ended her hard-hitting report by saying, "Authorities tells us this is a big problem in Atlanta, because Atlanta is known as the hub for the Southeast. They say anytime anybody wants a CD, they know they can find it in Atlanta."

Hey, hold on a second, maybe this whole thing is one big joke. I mean, that couldn't be serious. Right, RIAA? Right?

Ganstagrillz.com is currently "shut down and under investigation," but you can email Matthew Kilgo with your thoughts and feelings about his raid at MKilgo@RIAA.com.

Deerhoof Launch World Tour

Deerhoof's 12 unique Friend Opportunity album covers may seem numerically impressive, but they're nothing up against 38 one-of-a-kind tour dates. As we speak, the Runners Three are preparing to launch a whopper of a trek-- one that will take them through Japan, North America, and Australia, all over the course of three months.

The tour, which kicks off this evening in Osaka, Japan, supports Deerhoof's forthcoming Friend Opportunity, due this coming Tuesday, January 23, via Kill Rock Stars.

And what better way to celebrate a sparkling new album than with an old holiday classic? On December 23, Deerhoof posted a cover of "The Little Drummer Boy" to their MySpace blog. The number was originally intended for a slot on the soundtrack to Justin Theroux's film Dedication, but upon realizing that "if you use it in a movie you have to pay five figures to some estate somewhere," he decided to lose it.

As previously reported, Dedication features music by the band, and will premiere at Sundance on January 22. And Deerhoof are up for a PLUG Award, so vote here. [MORE...]

Camera Obscura Kick Off Tour, Share Single, Video

If looks could kill, the cover of Camera Obscura's new single could get the electric chair, what with our six Glaswegians looking so insufferably swank all up in there. Seriously, dudes and ladies, where's the party?

Merge delivers "If Looks Could Kill"-- the latest single from Camera Obscura's lovely latest full-length, Let's Get Out of This Country-- to North American audiences on January 23. As if one format weren't murderous enough, our European brothers and sisters get two from Spain's trusted indie pop imprint Elefant on January 29: CD and seven-inch, each featuring different B-sides. And if you really want to flirt with death, check out the video for "If Looks Could Kill", a fast-paced travelogue that will have you seeing double.



Finally, as previously reported, Camera Obscura take to the open road beginning tonight in Atlanta. After a whirlwind tour of North America, they embark for the significantly warmer climes of summery Australia for scattered dates and festival appearances. Getting out of the country, indeed. [MORE...]

Exclusive: Gustav Ejstes Talks New Dungen Album
"I say people should eat and drink music as much as they want."

International success can make for some pretty basic misunderstandings. So when the vintage psychedelia of Dungen's third album-- 2004's Ta Det Lugnt-- caught on outside of singer, songwriter, and bandleader Gustav Ejstes' native Sweden, he was suddenly forced to answer questions about why he sang in Swedish, as if it was the result of an aesthetic choice and not simply his native tongue. ("Hey Sufjan, why don't you sing in Portugese?")

We were able to avoid the question when we talked to Ejstes recently, though we did ask if he ever writes nonsense lyrics just because he could probably get away with it (he doesn't). He also told us about the recording process, his interest in production, and his love for hip hop (especially Madvillain). Oh, and there was the matter of Dungen's currently untitled upcoming record (tracklist below), which Kemado will release May 1 in the U.S. A Swedish release on Subliminal Sounds is scheduled for around the same time, and Dungen plan to tour "later this spring."

Pitchfork: How is this new album different from Ta Det Lugnt?

Gustav Ejstes: Each song stands out more. [There are] shorter songs than on Ta Det Lugnt, [which] had that collage vibe [where] one song slips into another one, changing and fading into each other.

Pitchfork: Are there fewer of the jazz-influenced instrumental passages?

GE: There are instrumental parts, and the jazz influences are still there. [But] I think the songs are more like traditional songs. The album is not Ta Det Lugnt 2. I think it would be bad if it were just a "volume two." [MORE...]

Morrissey Seeks California Love on Tour

Sure, it's only three shows. And they're all in the same city, at the same venue, on three consecutive nights. But this is Morrissey we're talking about, people, and the name alone is reason enough for whole lot of folks out there to get batshit excited.

So here we have it, the reprise to Morrissey's 2006 U.S. excursions, a three-date stint at Pasadena, California's Civic Auditorium. Expect jams from last year's Ringleader of the Tormentors, expect old favorites from the Moz and Smiths back catalogues, except much swooning, and expect boyfriends to propose to their girlfriends (and vice versa) during the mandolin swell on "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want". I mean, who could refuse that?

Of late there's also been quite a bit of chatter about the possibility of Morrissey recording the UK's entry for the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest.

As a playful Moz told a London crowd last May (as quoted on NME.com), "I was horrified but not surprised to see the UK fail again in the Eurovision Song Contest, and there is one question I keep an asking: 'why didn't they ask me?' That question keeps going round my head."

Taking the joke further, Morrissey's "You Have Killed Me" video depicts the charismatic singer performing in the song contest circa 1970.

But it seems most of that Eurovision chatter is haberdash. While the BBC has admitted to inviting Morrissey to partake, according to a recent story in The Independent, the former Smiths frontman is not likely to accept. "He has certainly had an invitation," a representative from Sanctuary Records told the paper, "but we think it is unlikely he will be taking this forward."

In related news, the previously reported, Moz-centric photo exhibition "Irregular Regulars" is now showing at New York City's Team Gallery. Featuring Ryan McGinley's candid shots of the pope of mope and his congregation in action, it remains open though February 10. Spazz out enough at those upcoming California gigs, Moz-ites, and you just might make the next exhibition. [MORE...]

Subtle Make Plans With TV on the Radio, Launch Tour

Despite a $15,000 robbery last month, Subtle haven't given up on touring. Lucky for them, they've been tapped to open TV on the Radio's March tour, and TVOTR are sure to have some big, bad, burglar-beatin' Interscope bodyguards in tow, right?

Before joining TVOTR, however, Subtle have their own trek to attend to. The jaunt begin this evening in Pomona, California.

Subtle have an East Coast visit in the works for late March, as well as a stop at SXSW. In addition, they plan to make the European festival rounds this summer. [MORE...]

Drag City Brings Boris' Rainbow to U.S.
And at the end of the rainbow, there's a pot of, um, pot

Japanese metalmongers Boris are continuing their collaborative tradition-- most recently realized on the Sunn 0)))-assisted Altar-- with the U.S. release of Rainbow, a full-length collaboration with guitarist Michio Kurihara (Ghost, Damon and Naomi, the Stars, etc.). Pedal Records recently released Rainbow in Japan, and Drag City will bring it to the States on May 15.

Boris will head out a short Japanese tour with Isis and These Arms Are Snakes at the end of January before their Rainbow release party in February. In May, they will tour Japan again with Sunn 0))). [MORE...]

? of ? & the Mysterians Loses House, Valuables to Fire
Four Yorkies, cockatoo, "96 Tears" gold record perish in Michigan blaze

We suspect he cried a few more than 96 tears: the man known only as ?, of influential 1960s garage rock troupe ? & the Mysterians, lost his home and most of his possessions in a fire last week, according to several reports.

The blaze overcame the Clio, Michigan house-- where ? dwells along with manager Luverne Thompson and Mysterians background vocalist Joy-- overnight, claiming most of ?'s possessions, four of his seven Yorkshire Terriers, and a cockatoo. Also lost was a considerable amount of the band's history, in the form of memorabilia-- including the gold record ? and his band received for their 1966 hit "96 Tears".

Still active to this day, ? & the Mysterians are perhaps best known for that song, "96 Tears" (which carved a nice niche at #120 on Pitchfork's 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s), as well as "Can't Get Enough of You Baby" (not, in fact, a Smash Mouth original).

? (whose birth name is believed to be Rudy Martinez) did not have insurance, prompting an outpouring of support from fans near and far, according to a writeup in The Flint Journal. "The phone's been ringing off the hook," ? said to the paper.

Plans for a benefit concert are already underway, and as ? told the Journal, he has high hopes: "Maybe we can get Bob [Seger] to take a break from his [tour] and have Mark [Farner] come in, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Eminem, whoever's available."

According to The Flint Journal, ? & the Mysterians are already scheduled to play Detroit's Winter Blast festival on February 9.

If you'd like to help, please get in touch with the band via its MySpace page.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy Preps New Single

Bonnie "Prince" Billy might want to ease on down the road a bit, as he's been overexerting himself lately. Will Oldham's previously reported "Lay and Love" CD/7" hasn't even landed yet (it's due in the UK January 22 via Domino and January 23 in America on Drag City) and he's already got another release on the way.

"Strange Form of Life", the fourth single from last year's The Letting Go, comes out on Drag City on March 15. In addition to the title track, the disc also includes three cuts recorded during Oldham's Daytrotter session last September: "New Partner", "The Sun Highlights the Lack in Each", and "The Seedling".

Oldham kicks off a UK tour on Sunday with his backup band (Azita Youssefi, Aram Stith, Alex Nielsen, Emmett Kelly, Dawn McCarthy). McCarthy alter ego Faun Fables serves as the opening act for the trek, which continues through mid-February. Oldham then heads to Europe for a solo trek in March. [MORE...]

Ninja Tune/Big Dada Prep Diplo, Wiley, Bug Releases
Also Coldcut, Cinematic Orchestra, Blockhead, Fink, Mr. Scruff, more

True to its namesake, albums and singles on the Ninja Tune label(and offshoots Big Dada and Counter Records) appear stealthily and in droves. So stealthily, in fact, that TTC's 3615 full-length already slipped under our radar with its January 8 release on Big Dada.

But there are still plenty of Ninja Tune-affiliated artists who have yet to release their music. We already told you about Amon Tobin's January 22 "Bloodstone" single and its corresponding full-length, Foley Room, which comes out on March 5.

Keep in mind that all Ninja Tune/Big Dada/Counter release information is for the UK and Europe only. North American release information may be different.

Ninja Tune will also release the Cinematic Orchestra's "To Build a Home" and "Breathe" singles-- February 26 and April 9, respectively-- and follow them with the Ma Fleur full-length on May 7. Then, DJ Kentaro's forthcoming album Enter-- which features contributions from Spank Rock, the Pharcyde, Fat Jon, Gaggle, and New Flesh-- is scheduled for an April 26 release, with the Spank Rock-featuring "Free" single preceding it on April 2.

The Bug will also join in the fun by "continuing to explore his obsession with bass frequencies in the world of mutant dancehall" on his own upcoming Ninja Tune album and "Jah War" single, according to a press release. [MORE...]

Junior Boys Remixed by Hot Chip, Prep EPs, Tour
iTunes Live Session EP out today

As our holiday highs come down, Junior Boys have just the thing to send them through the roof again. The sublime Canadian electronic duo, whose So This Is Goodbye clocked in at #12 on our Top 50 Albums of 2006 list, has just announced the release of a new EP packed with choice remixes-- including one from UK tourmates and fellow electro-pop sensation Hot Chip.

Details on the remix EP are scant at this point, but we do know it's slated for April release on Domino, and that the U.S. and UK versions will each sport slightly different surprises.

Much nearer on the horizon for our dear Boys: an iTunes live session EP, out today, featuring four JB deep cuts-- including a killer live version of "Under the Sun" from the Boys' debut, Last Exit. If you caught a show on the duo's recent tour (in trio formation, with drummer David Foster), you know this one sounds like that sun is pretty much melting your vital organs with its intense rays, and shit damn is that awesome. Cop that here.

And rest assured, patrons of iTunes UK. The EP goes live next week over thataways.

If you've yet to experience Junior Boys live, however, here's your chance. The pair kicks off 2007 on the good foot, launching a tour of Western Europe in February that has them hitting pretty much everywhere but Luxembourg. They should swing through the U.S. again soon after that, details to be announced.

Finally, it's not too late to submit your entry for the previously reported Junior Boys video contest-- but be wary, the March 1 deadline looms sooner than you think. [MORE...]

Slint Rock Spiderland at Primavera Sound Festival
Joined by Modest Mouse, Low, Built to Spill, Grizzly Bear, Band of Horses, Dirty Three, more

Holy great mother of music festivals, do we have a lineup for you. Barcelona, Spain's Primavera Sound just announced the first round of performers for its 2007 event-- going down May 31 and June 1 and 2 at Barcelona, Spain's Parc Del Fòrum-- and it's enough to make a scrawny young hipster want to start swimming across the Atlantic Ocean right now.

The bands here, chosen in conjunction with All Tomorrow's Parties (whose own Dirty Three- and fan-curated fests rock England in April and May), need no introduction: Slint, Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, Low, Grizzly Bear, Dirty Three, the Durutti Column, Isis, Band of Horses, Brightblack Morning Light, Death Vessel, Oakley Hall, and Pelican. Well okay, maybe the last four are a little lesser known, but regular Pitchfork readers should be all over that stuff.

Best of all: post-rock titans Slint will play their magnum opus, Spiderland, in its entirety. Slint! Spiderland! Exclamation points!!

And that is, as they say, but the tip of the iceberg: Primavera Sound intends to announce loads more acts in the weeks leading up to the festival.

Special thanks to Pop Muzik's Xavi Guasch for the tip-off.

Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)