Doctor, Doctor Give Me The News

Grizzly Bear appeared on Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions show this past weekend. An interview and live performance of the band from The House of Blues is archived at the show's web site.

It's a thin line between love and hate. But Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde have recorded a duet together called "Postcard From London," due to be released on 7 December.

The Pixies kicked off a nine-city tour in L.A. the other night, featuring Doolittle from front to back. Pop & Hiss reviews the opening show. And here's the video link to their appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien from Friday, performing "Here Comes Your Man."

The Denver Post reports that even in front of a small crowd at the Bluebird Theater, Art Brut still delivers. Accessible punk may not be in the vogue, but do yourself a favor and go out and buy the band's excellent Bang Bang Rock & Roll.

Antonio D'Ambrosio writes movingly in Salon about Johnny Cash's lonesome crusade on behalf of Native Americans, and how it affected The Man In Black's often rocky relationship with the music industry.

The Chicago Sun-Times profiles Paul Shaffer on the occasion of the publishing of his memoir on the music biz. And to think he could have been George Costanza instead of Dave's band leader extraordinaire. . .

Treat yourself to A Takeaway Show by up-and-coming Brooklyn-based White Rabbits, with Venice Beach as a backdrop.

According to Spinner, Monsters of Folk gave more than its money's worth in New York the other night. The set list stretched to 40 (count 'em!) songs.

Let the awards season begin. North African collective Tinariwen has claimed the 2009 Uncut Music Award for Imidiwan: Companions. All the other finalists were from the United States. Get a taste of Tinariwen's sound by taking a look at the video for "Lulla," one of the tracks culled from the album.