The strangest news of the week by far comes courtesy of English post-punk outfit Gang of Four, who are, according to their website, “selling vials of blood in a bid to raise money to fund the recording of their new album.” Well, they say necessity is the mother of invention, and these are tough economic times we live in. Personally I’d pass on the blood and just donate some cash to the cause (which you can do here), but those down to drop 45 UK pounds will receive a signed “can” that contains the new album, ceramic tiles depicting the last 40 years of world history, a book of drawings, phials of blood, and a scratch-and-sniff booklet.
Then again, if Wilco members sold vials of their blood, I’d probably fight for one. Alas, the Chicago band’s latest project is considerably less mental. They’ll curate the just-announced Solid Sound Festival, and tickets go on sale today. From now until May 31, three-day passes are available for $86.50, all fees included. After that date, the fee goes up to $99.50. It’s a safe bet tickets will sell out faster than you can say “muzzle of bees,” so get thee to the festival site to purchase.
DFA quintet Free Energy, meanwhile, is set to hold auditions for their music video “Bang Pop,” which the band will shoot in its hometown of Philadelphia. According to the band’s website, “Everyone attending will meet the band and receive an autographed exclusive limited edition cassette and other goodies.” Auditions take place on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Urban Outfitters (figures), 1627 Walnut St, and there are 100 spots to fill.
Rufus Wainwright is currently on the road supporting his just-released All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, and while the first part of each show will be devoted to songs off the new album, the manner in which the second half of the evening unfolds, musically, is up to the fans. Join RufusWainwright.com to vote for requests and let the man himself know which songs you’d like to hear most.
Sadly, Wainwright’s Saturday show with the San Francisco symphony was cancelled, though there are plenty of other artists performing around the SF Bay Area this weekend. Here are just a few:
Friday, April 9
Bonnie “Prince” Billy Feat. J. Tillman @ The New Parish
Gui Borato @ Mighty
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Feat. DJ Logic @ Independent
7 Walkers Feat. Bill Kreutzman and Papa Mali @ Great American Music Hall
Retribution Gospel Choir @ Hotel Utah Saloon
Saturday, April 10
We Are Wolves, Palovr, Off Campus @ Bottom of the Hill
The Black Keys, Les Claypool, Common, N.E.R.D @ N.A.S.A Ames Research Center
The Oh See’s @ The Uptown
Sunday, April 11
Michael Rose with RJD2 and The Reggae City Band @ Slim’s
