Last night they Yankees started their October run for the prize positively with a win over the Tigers thanks to some heavy bats. I missed the first few innings due to a game of catch up Christine and I played at 2A. It's always good to see that girl; I've got fond memories. Anyway, the point is there isn't much to bullshit about so here is the latest from my inbox:

** I'd like to start by shouting out Mr. Bothe whose band got a mention on a recent update to the Tool site. He is playing in The Stoner Sessions (inspired by Kyuss, Mush and Om) will play the Alpine Vally VIP section before and after Aerosmith.

** Blue Cheer announced a number of East Coast tour dates. Though my thoughts on their performance at Vice's Intonation festival are less than impressive; you should still attend for the history lesson.

11/2/06 New York, NY Knit
11/3/06 Baltimore MD Talking Head
11/11/06 Philly, PA the Khyber
11/12/06 Charlottesville, VA Satellite Ballroom
11/13/06 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
11/14/06 Atlanta, GA the Earl
11/16/06 Tallahassee, FL Beta Bar
11/17/06 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jack's
11/18/06 Memphis, TN Hi Tone Cafe

** Speaking of old dudes - The Who returns! That's right, the rock icons return on Halloween with a new record called Endless Wire. Here are streams for a couple of tracks: "Tea & Theatre" and "It's Not Enough".

** If you don't remember Shade from this summer's Loose BBQ at Union Pool it's probably because you were busy waiting for a plate of food. Don't worry, they'll be back as soon as they finish mastering their new record. For a preview, check out this awesome video they made while recording.

** Tapes 'n Tapes are back to their old tricks. This favorite of bloggers everywhere will hit the road in a couple weeks and will return to NYC for a massive CMJ showcase at The Bowery Ballroom, (dates below). Check out their video for "Cowbell".

10/19 Columbia, MO Mojo's
10/20 St Louis, MO Creepy Crawl
10/21 Louisville, KY Phoenix Hill Tavern
10/22 Birmingham, AL Bottletree
10/24 Tallahassee, FL Club Downunder
10/25 Gainesville, FL Common Grounds
10/26 Orlando, FL The Social
10/27 St. Augustine, FL Cafe 11
10/28 Athens, GA Tasty World
10/29 Atlanta, GA The Loft
10/30 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
10/31 Washington, DC Black Cat
11/01 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
11/30 Seattle, WA University of Washington - Student Union

** Despite missing all the fun at The Big Sleep's record release party, 120 Days has managed to sort out their immigration problems and are set to tour the U.S. Keep an ear out for a super secret birthday party they are in the process of scheduling with one of my favorite bands for one of my favorite people a few days prior to any of these dates. Stay tuned for that news. Here are the dates:

10/26/06 Toronto - El Mocambo
11/1/06 NYC - KEXP Live Broadcast
11/1/06 NYC - VICE Late Night CMJ Afterparty, Cakeshop (with Klaxons)
11/2/06 NYC - The Fader House (CMJ)
11/2/06 NYC - VICE Records CMJ showcase, Sin-E
11/4/06 Chicago - Subterranean
11/5/06 Minneapolis - 7th Street Entry
11/8/06 Seattle - Chop Suey
11/9/06 Portland - Holoscene
11/10 San Francisco - Mezzanine
11/13 Los Angeles - Spaceland

** Derek from Solid PR is participating in this year's 100 Mile Ride for MS. Take a second to donate or help spread awareness of this noble event.

Map! :: Donate :: More Information!

** The Stills are back on the road with fellow Canadians Land of Talk. Though I'm not a fan of the latter - I found their set more than boring - The Stills continue to do it for me. Check out a collaboration they did called "Monsoon" and don't forget to catch a live show in the coming months.

w/LAND OF TALK
Mon Oct 2 LA Henry Fonda
Tue Oct 3 San Diego Soma Sidestage
Thu Oct 5 SF Independent
Fri Oct 6 Portland Dante's
Sat Oct 7 Seattle The Showbox
Tue Oct 10 Minneapolis Varsity
Wed Oct 11 Chicago Metro
Fri Oct 13 Detroit Majestic

OPENER TBD
Mon Nov 27 Boston Paradise
Tue Nov 28 Philly World Cafe Live
Wed Nov 29 Wash DC 9:30 Club
Fri Dec 1 NYC Bowery Ballroom
Sat Dec 2 NYC Bowery Ballroom

** If you didn't know, I've been working with Black Sheep on return to glory aka 8WM/NOVAKANE which is set to drop digitally on 10.24.06. You can check out a stream of the new single "WhoDat?" out now and available on most digital services.

Here's what some folks had to say after the private showcase at Mo Pitkin's:

"Attacking the stage with a spitfire of a cappella freestyles, Dres treated the crowd to a skillful mix of old tracks and fresh-cut rhymes that recalled the duo's glory days. Much of the newer stuff contains the purified melodies and plain-spoken lyrics of the Sheep's Clothing era." (Rolling Stone)

"The album 8WM/NOVAKANE which stands for "Women With Women With Weed With Wine With Me" suffers from no lack of creative production or intelligent lyricism. I was surprised at the growth in his style, coming from the harsh misogynistic display of bravado from his persona of the '90s to the reflective and promising meditative styles of 8WM/NOVAKANE of today. 8WM/NOVAKANE may be true to form, but it's definitely not the norm." (The Tripwire)

:: The Quick Hits ::

** The Changes "Modern Love" & E-Card.
** Bedroom Walls add 2nd NYC show (10/12 @ Union Hall; 10/15 @ Mercury).
** Beastie Boys to play Gimme Shelter Benefit in NYC tonight!
** Mute Math get the nod from MTV - You Hear It First.