A Moment Of Noise

Beatnik Turtle is a “horn-powered rock band” that, frankly, I’ve never heard of. But they certainly seem to know their way around the indie rock game, and they have gone to the trouble to write and publish a free Indie Band Survival Guide that is an entertaining, informative, and accurate read. Basically a compendium of life-lessons they’ve learned the hard way, the Survival Guide offers up good advice to any band that’s smart enough to listen. Highly recommended.

It’s official — Paramount has announced the return of Star Trek! J. J. Abrams will direct. Rumor has it that the roles of James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy may go Matt Damon, Adrien Brody and Gary Sinise. And don’t worry — Shatner and Nimoy will likely be involved too. Like anyone could keep Shatner away…

[ via Slashdot ]

And no, it isn’t what you think.

Lookin’ to get in on some fine Sunday afternoon beer drinkin’? Well then head on over to The Earl this Sunday for dunch, and enjoy the soulful country sounds of The Bourbon Dynasty — former Vidalias frontman Chuck Walston’s new twangalicious skiffle group. Returning to Atlanta from his undisclosed hideaway high in the mountains of Washington DC for one show only, Walston will be joined by some of the dudes from his old band, including the omni-talented star of stage and screen, Jimmy “J” Johnson. Music starts sometime around 1pm or so. Good times!

Read the CD review at Stomp & Stammer

Buy the CD at JoeRockhead.com — only 10 bucks!

From the Chicago Sun-Times: “Police put on green light for lengthy reunion tour”

The Police announced their first tour in decades Monday at a rehearsal at the Whisky a Go-Go as a throng of fans crowded near the legendary Sunset Strip nightclub.

The packed club on Monday got a taste of Police hits ”Roxanne” and ”Message in a Bottle” and listened to the members talk about the decision to reunite and joke about the conflicts that led to their split.

”What’s happening is sort of very healing,” Sting said.

His bandmates kidded about Sting’s demanding personality.

”We refer to Sting as our dear leader,” Copeland said.

”On a good day,” Summers added.

Watch a webcast of the rehearsal/press conference and get the skinny on ticket pre-sales at ThePoliceTour.com!

The BBC reports:

Scientists believe they have worked out a formula to calculate how “beer goggles” affect a drinker’s vision.

The drink-fuelled phenomenon is said to transform supposedly “ugly” people into beauties - until the morning after.

Researchers at Manchester University say while beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, the amount of alcohol consumed is not the only factor.

Additional factors include the level of light in the pub or club, the drinker’s own eyesight and the room’s smokiness.

The distance between two people is also a factor.

They all add up to make the aesthetically-challenged more attractive, according to the formula.

[ via Gizmodo ]

No Robert Christgau this year, but whatever… I guess it Pazz & Jop is still worth checking out.

Everyone knows all the best rock bands are aligned with Satan, and this year, the Prince of Fucking Darkness has a treat for all of us: Ozzfest 2007 will be free! Get the skinny from CNN.com. Bat heads not included.