Heave Media

Across the Pond

We jump from lilly pad to lilly pad to bring you essential UK indie news.

Shotter’s Nation was released to little fan fare this week in the US - but to much surprise in the UK as they wondered, "Where did Ol' Pete find the time between needle pricks and healing crack lips to make another slop rock masterpiece?" Initially, the album cover art was to have featured Doherty ex-lover Kate Moss scantily clad in lingerie, due to a heated split the record company thought to use another model instead. Moss is also credited as co-writer on four songs. Along with the release of Shotter’s Nation comes news of a last ditch effort to capitalize on The Libertines short-lived assault. Time For Heroes, The Best of The Libertines will be released October 29.

Happy fun time dance group Hot Chip is offering a free track from their forthcoming album. You can get 'I Became A Volunteer' by clicking here. The song is from their now untitled third album, which is to be released next year.

Taking a somewhat similar cue from fellow countrymen Radiohead; Brit Pop luminaries The Charlatans announced they have decided to make their new album available as a free download via Xfm radio out of London. Alan McGee, manager and record boss, chimed in by saying, "Why would you volunteer to join the army for 10 years unless you had no choice? Record companies are kind of like the army – very regulated. We were really excited when Xfm got behind us and were as enthusiastic about the download as we are. They are the first people to embrace music for the people. "The band will get paid by more people coming to gigs, buying merchandise, publishing and sync fees. I believe it's the future business model."

Ga Ga for the Girl Group sound? You'll have to wait a bit. The Pipettes have been forced to cancel most dates on their upcoming American tour that was scheduled to begin in Chicago on the 2nd of October. They will now be playing at the Double Door on November 21.

The Pope of Mope Stephen Morrissey has had to cancel two shows of his 10-day residency at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Promoters have said that a ruptured water main is the reason behind the cancellation of Oct. 2nd and Oct. 4th shows. So, two extra days for Morrissey to wander the streets of LA in search of love, vegetables, or a home once owned by a 1940's celebrity that died rather tragically.

And finally, Liam Gallagher of Oasis has officially stated the Rock n' Roll feud of the 90's is now over. Blur and Oasis actually started off as friends, but record sales, press time, and a little China White got in the way. The feud came head when both bands released a single in the UK on the same day in 1995. It was Beatles VS The Stones all over again. Now, the ever-apologetic Liam Gallagher says he's done with the whole thing. “I don't mind Blur," Gallagher told Mojo. "I'm over it [the rivalry]. It was a laugh man, that's what you do when you're young." He added: "When I see Damon Albarn, I buzz off him. If I was still caught up in it now I'd be a right wanker."

That's right, all you need is love.

Posted by Joe Roth on Oct 04, 2007 @ 12:00 am