July 20th, 2010

You’d think hundred-degree weather would keep people inside. Yet, the 10th Annual Village Voice Siren Festival still drew thousands. What was so irresistible? Was it the lineup? Maybe, it did include some big (-ish) names. Most of the bands have received the “Best New Music” stamp from Pitchfork—for some, the ultimate stamp of approval. For the second time, Ted Leo was scheduled to perform with his beloved Pharmacists. Cymbals Eat Guitars, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Surfer Blood and Holy Fuck were also on the bill. The festival also boasts food, booze and giveaways. Is that all? Hell no. Siren Fest is free of charge. So what if the bands are mediocre? If nothing else, the day was bound to be interesting.

Domino Records artist Villagers, debut album ‘Becoming A Jackal‘ has been nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize for ‘Album of the Year.’ View the list here:

Villagers’ NPR Tiny Desk Concert posted earlier this week, and played “one of the most beautiful and memorable sets” at the NPR headquarters, says Robin Hilton -  you can check it out below.

In many ways The Beatles can be held up as an example of Western capitalism at it’s strongest. Emerging from the UK and embraced in the US like no other, The Beatles laid the foundations for a level of fame and fortune never before imagined, and became heroes for millions of youngsters as they built up a fortune through music, film and memorabilia.

The nominations for this year’s Mercury Music Prize were revealed at a press conference in London earlier today.

Amongst the leading contenders will be Mumford & Sons’ big-selling debut ‘Sigh No More‘ and singer-songwriter Laura Marling’s widely-acclaimed new release ‘I Speak Because I Can‘.

Kings Of Leon drummer Nathan Followill has underlined the band’s confidence in their new material, saying they would happily play the whole album live if they could.

Indie rock duo Broken Bells climb two places on this week’s Billboard Alternative chart to re-enter the top ten, while the latest Twilight Saga soundtrack, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, and blues duo The Black Keys all hold on to their places in the top three.

In the Billboard Alternative Singles chart, Broken Bells’ track ‘The High Road‘ joins their album in a top ten spot and reggae-rockers The Dirty Heads remain on top with their single ‘Lay Me Down’.