Heave Media

Friday: Indie crossover alert! Actually, this isn’t really mind-blowing. It makes a whole lot of sense. Robin Pecknold (also known as the lead singer of Fleet Foxes) is opening for a few dates on Joanna Newsom’s upcoming tour. As what I can only assume is a tip of his hat to Miss Newsom, Pecknold recorded a cover of “On a Good Day”—off of Have One on Me—and posted it to his YouTube channel. How lovely. I now expect Joanna to single-handedly recreate the Foxes’ pastoral harmonies on a cover of “White Winter Hymnal.” 

Saturday: Sad, sad news. Mark Linkous, known otherwise as Sparklehorse, committed suicide today. His family offered this public statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you." Indeed there is. Rest in peace, Mark. 

Sunday: KATHRYN BIGELOW WON THE BEST DIRECTING OSCAR! I feel like my minor in Gender & Women’s Studies finally means something now. But honestly, is this a surprise? I mean, sure, Avatar was visually stunning. OR SO I’VE HEARD. My boycott continues, so I haven’t seen it. But when it comes down to directing, The Hurt Locker had it totally beat. What I found more surprising was that Tom Hanks ran out and chatted for approximately three seconds about Casablanca before blurting out “The Hurt Locker!” as the Best Picture winner. Definitely one of the more entertaining parts of the ceremony.  

Monday: Quick personal anecdote: I make horrific fun of my friend Chelsea’s tastes in music. She listens to the Indigo Girls, for Christ’s sake. The Indigo Girls! Also, she worships at the altar of Peter Gabriel. Truth be told, I can completely understand why people love him, and I’m even excited for his upcoming covers project. But I still make fun of her for lovin’ her some Gabriel. BUT, I’m going to have to pass this tidbit along without an accompanying insult — Bon Iver is covering the Gabs (can I call him that?) for Record Store Day. Now, Bon Iver is already being featured on Gabriel’s Scratch my Back album, but this 7” will be a split of Gabriel’s cover of “Flume” and Bon Iver’s version of “Come Talk to Me.” Sounds like I’ve got some 7” buyin’ to do for my (ugh, Indigo) girl. 

Tuesday: Weezy, you’re still in my thoughts. But I forgot that my OTHER favorite rapper, T.I., is out of prison! YES. T, let’s drink some Hennessy, or whatever the cool kids are throwin’ back these days, yeah? And listen to your aptly-titled new track, “I’m Back”? Sounds like a plan to me! The song is streaming and available for download on T.I.’s site.  

Hey, look over in the “Music” column on the site and listen to MGMT’s new song. It’ll blow ya mind.  

When I saw Jeff Bridges accept an Oscar for his performance in Crazy Heart, I thought “Man. That man is never going to work again, man. Man!” Seriously, can we agree he was high? Super. Moving on—I was totally wrong about his lack of upcoming roles. Apparently, he’s going to be in that new Tron movie. Which features new Daft Punk music. Which you can hear in the trailer! CHECK IT. 

Wednesday: Here We Go Magic has got to be one of my favorite band names in recent history. That might not be saying much, since almost every new thing I see, read about, or hear becomes my favorite, but whatevsies. They’re releasing their second LP come June 8. It’s called Pigeons, and features a full band rather than the one-man lineup their debut boasted. Also, if you managed to snag a three-day Pitchfork pass, you can hear this new material live when they perform on the 18th! 

More sad news: Corey Haim died of an accidental drug overdose today at the age of 38. I’m thinking that an honorary viewing of The Lost Boys is most certainly in order.  

And finally, be sure you’re checking in with Beck’s Record Club series—while we don’t know the next album that’s on deck, we do know who’s covering it! St. Vincent, Os Mutantes, and Liars. So, you won’t be disappointed. Unless they’re covering Ashlee Simpson’s Autobiography.  

Thursday: I know it’s now expected to call him Coco, but I can’t let go of Cone Zone. Either way, Conan O’Brien—the late-night man we all love to love—is going on tour! NBC can’t touch that! Right? It’s called “The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour,” and it kicks off in Eugene, OR on April 12. Joining him will be Andy Richter and members of the Tonight Show band. He’s touring straight through mid-June (with an appearance at Bonnaroo) and hitting loads of cities, so get ready to buy tickets. They won’t last long.