Radio Free Tobias: February 2006

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Test Icicles Break up

Test Icicles, whose single "What's Your Damage" is currently in rotation at WOBN done broke up. A certain music director will be crushed.

That was pretty quick. Guess they couldn't bounce back from Kevin Elliot's scathing review in the Alive. What power he wields.

Kid Rock Sues Red Light Media

Well, looks like the world might not get to have the pleasure of seeing the Kid Rock/Scott Stapp sex video after all.

Kid Rock's lawyers are attempgint to issue a restraining order against Red Light Media, blocking the sale of the video.

If the video is given back to Stapp, who would take ownership of the tape, I really think the world will be a better place for it. He can do whatever he wants with it as long as it stays out of the news.

Monday, February 20, 2006

Horrible Scott Stapp news

I have had several Scott Stapp-related posts in the past... most have which probably originated at Stereogum somehow. I imagine it's because the Stereogum people are obsessed with celebrities -- sort of like a more ironic People Magazine.

Anyways, Scott Stapp and Kid Rock (evidently before Stapp had his whole born-again Christian thing ... or maybe not) felt the need to videotape sex acts with groupies (as many of us do at some point in our lives). Said tape was purchased by a what amounts to a porno studio that also released a Paris Hilton sex tape and Pamela Anderson or something too.

So the internet is currently abuzz with anticipation about the distribution of this NEW tape. I won't be sullying the Radio Free Tobias webspace with its filth (it makes me feel really creepy inside) but certainly you can go check it out for yourself if you cruise over to Stereogum.

Already I can imagine the Stapp-cultists/spin doctors justifying this tape. Oh well, mostly it's kinda funny and mostly really gross.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Tom Waits High School Yearbook on eBay



This is pretty funny.

Someone went to high school with Tom Waits. Actually, a lot of people did. But one of them is selling their yearbook on eBay, complete with a Tom Waits sighting.

My mom went to high school with Christopher Columbus, director of the first Harry Potter movie, Home Alone, and other great films. She was actually editor of the school newspaper over him. Does that mean I should sell THAT on ebay? Probably.

Stereogum found this one.

John Vanderslice in Columbus

You heard it here; April 17th at the High-Five Bar.

Wonder who the opener's gonna be????

Monday, February 13, 2006

Julianna Theory Breaks up

From their myspace page:

"It's a very sad moment for us. The time has come to say goodbye. This letter is the explanation and the official seal that the 5 individuals who have been known as The Juliana Theory are leaving the band behind. Yes, what we are saying is that we are broke up. There will be no final tour. Our last show was in Cologne, Germany on January 28, 2006."


They are selling their stuff on Ebay! which is mostly digital recording gear. They are also unloading a Gibson SG resissue, but it's not nearly as cool as any of the guitars Matt Pond lost.

John Vanderslice in Denmark

Just a quick blurb from Mr. Slice, musing about his experience in Denmark:


Today in Copenhagen I saw a group of Muslim kids taunting and kicking an old man in front of hundreds of people. I stood and cried, and in my anxious and depleted state I felt very clearly this was a sign of terrible things to come.


It would appear John Vanderslice is contributing to the negative portrayal of Muslims in the media. Of course, it's hard to hear things like this and not think negatively. I'm pretty sure he's telling the truth.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Matt Pond PA gets jacked

Matt Pond PA, who just began their tour with Dios (Malos) the other night, got all their equipment stolen. an inventory:

Gibson 1968 ES335 guitar, sunburst
Gibson 2005 ES335 guitar, black
Guild Starfire guitar - natural finish
Guild Starfire guitar - red finish
Gibson Epiphone ES335 guitar - sunburst
Gibson Epiphone casino elitist guitar - natural finish - serial T403863
Gibson Epiphone Sheraton guitar - black
1994 Fender Jazzmaster guitar - sunburst
1992 Fender reissue 1957 Precision Bass
1973 Ludwig 5 piece drum set with Zildjian cymbals
Rivera Quiana studio 212 guitar amplifier
2 Roland KC350 keyboard amplifiers
Nord Electro 2 61 key electric piano
Line 6 guitar delay effects pedal
Ernie Ball volume pedal
Boss tuner pedal
Boss tremolo pedal
Ibanez tube screamer pedal


Radio Free Tobias scientists estimate the cost of this stolen equipment at more than $10,000. Don't think this will affect their tour at all but some drug addict really hit the jackpot. They probably went out for a nice steak dinner.

Matt Pond PA is playing at the Grog Shop in Cleveland with openers The Celebrity Pilots on the 14th. They're (quietly) rumbling into town on the 17th to play at The Basement with a mystery local opener. They'll also probably be playing instruments from Wal-Mart.

Here is the mailing address of their label, Altitude Records, if you want to send a condolence card:

Altitude Records
attn. Matt Pond PA
7 West 22nd Street,
Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10010

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Radio Free Tobias 2/7 Playlist

Tonight's show was a little rough. We got a little confused in the hubub that results from having a billion CD's. But no matter!

The Playlist:

Kyle Sowashes - 8 Track Recorder
Magnetic Fields - The Book of Love
Eels - Theme from Blinking Lights
Gorillaz - Not Alone
Matisyahu - King Without a Crown
Communique - Evening in the City
The Eels - Trouble with Dreams
Fine Dining - Slated to Bomb
Pixies - This Monkey's Gone to Heaven
Miranda Sound - To Partner and President
Neutral Milk Hotel - Aeroplane Over the Sea
Sarah Harmer - Oleander
The Squares - Real Brooklyn Killers
Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty

Make sure to tune in Tuesday nights at 8 on 101.5 FM if you are in a six mile radius of Westerville.

We will begin podcasting as soon as we find a logistically convenient way to do so.

Ted Leo jumps ship

Ted Leo, being one of the most successful acts on Lookout Records, it would make sense that he would want out seeing as how the label lost all their money and also their building.

Well, he done left and took his Pharmacists with him.

Touch and Go Records (home of Calexico, Blonde Redhead, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and others) announces:

Ted Leo Joins the Touch and Go Family
Touch and Go is thrilled to announce the addition of Ted Leo to our roster of artists... Ted's songwriting prowess is matched equally by his ferocious guitar playing. His energy, dedication, and unending commitment to his work are inspiring,and the entire Touch and Go camp is truly honored to have him join our family!


Ted Leo had this to say:
"As sad as I am that circumstances have forced a move from Lookout! Records, I'm insanely happy and thankful to be able to make that move over to Touch & Go. T&G is a label that has provided me, personally, with amazing music for 25 years; over those years, I have become friends with many of their artists and staff, and it's an honor to now be a real part of their ongoing ruling-ness. In many ways, this decision was an incredibly hard one to make, since I also have great respect for and friendship with a number of other labels who we have been talking to, and what I'm about to say could also apply to them, but in a very big way, T&G's history is my history, like Lookout!'s history is my history, like Gern Blandsten's history is my history -- American Punk Rock, True Believers, the Real Deal. In a world that seems hell-bent on driving itself further and faster down the shitter every day, these things remain not just important, but the absolute core of our endeavors. Believe me when I tell you that it is in this overly dramatic (granted), but absolutely true (none-the-less) spirit that I thank my lucky stars for all those that I have worked with in the past, and the ability to join Touch & Go to take it higher in the future."

Cat Power cancels US Tour



Matador released this:

We regret to announce that Cat Power's entire US tour has been canceled due to health reasons. Out of respect for Chan's privacy, we can't give more detailed information, but we hope and assume that you'll respect her privacy during this time as well.
There will be information about refunds available imminently, and the tour will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Chan is a good friend and a dear member of the Matador family, and when we have news about future performances, we'll be certain to share it with you here.


She wasn't coming to Ohio anyways, but crumbs to everyone else.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

SUPER BOWL!!!


I predict America will win!

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Sarah Harmer - I'm a Mountain


I just got my SUPER CANADIAN IMPORT Sarah Harmer (former Juno Award winner) CD. I should post a review soon, probably next Monday or so.

It's currently available in Canada only - the release date in the States is February 7th... so it will be available non-import soon.

However, you can buy them new from the Amazon.com marketplace. I got mine there for about $13.

As has recently been made public, I am gay for Sarah Harmer.