In Rainbows

I guess we finally know what’s up with the 7th Radiohead album. After a lot of speculation (are they still on contract to Capitol/EMI? When will it be released? Will “Big Boots” or “Nude” be on it?), the band have announced the impending release of In Rainbows.

Of course, leave it to Oxford’s boys to make a simple album release announcement a much more interesting affair.

The album appears to be self-released by the band. Odd enough for a band this large, but not unheard of (see: Prince for example). Strangely though, it will be released first as a download only, on October 10th, followed by a hardback book/2xCD/2xvinyl /bonus tracks and artwork laden $80US monstrosity in December. Even stranger: They mention that the Discbox is made to order. Stranger still: you choose your own price for the download.

So. No label. Digital only initial release with no fixed price. Custom, made to order physical format 2 months later.

This should get interesting.

Discontent

It feels like Seattle again suddenly. Meaning, of course, that the slightly damp, often gray film of precipitation that we live with for 2/3 of the year has made it’s return, almost immediately after a run of abnormally high temperatures. We’ve gone from sleeping with the sheets thrown off and the windows open, to huddled under a comforter in a matter of days. But on the upside, that means more excuse for afternoon tea and comfy sweaters. And scarves, soon enough.

So this winter has been dubbed the Winter of Discontent, for reasons I’ll leave alone. Though I will say that it involves a lot of tumult and discord and struggle, mostly in immediate social circles, but seemingly in the world at large as well. If I were into astrology, I’m sure I could point to celestial evidence of some great unraveling, puring entropy down upon us. I’m not, so I can’t.

Before we hunker down for a dark winter, there are some bright spots. Decibel Festival is this weekend. I’m not sure if I’ll end up as a volunteer again or if I’ll have to shell out for the festival pass, but either way it’ll be worth it. A little escapism will be nice, and the four on the floor beats and ambient soundscapes should provide plenty. Then there’s Maui. Soon, just a short little hop over and a how-you-doing, drinking Mai Tais on the beach before returning to the Seattle gloom.

Naturally, all of this is just preparation for an even colder and more far flung New Year. But more about that later. Layer up and keep your kettle ready, kids.

Labourious

Despite missing Bumbershoot entirely this year (and thus missing out on festival crowds and overpriced food, at the cost of missing the Wu-Tang Clan), I actually had a pretty good Labour Day weekend.

Friday started off on a tense foot, with our Southwestern friends going through an extended labour before bringing a beautiful baby girl into the world. And what better way to relieve the tension of waiting for those short little Twitter updates from the delivery room than to catch some improv comedy? And what goes better with improv comedy than PBR? Well, I can probably think of several things, actually. And I did hear two of the absolute worst pick-up lines ever. Thankfully, they were part of the show, and not directed at anyone in any seriousness.

Saturday found us picnicking at Discovery Park with some friends before heading out to Ballard for good Mexican food (a coveted rarity here in Cascadia) and cocktails. I have to say that the Hazlewood is one of the coolest bars to visit when you’re in the classy but not stuck up mood, and I’m sure I’ll be back there soon.

And then, for something completely different, Sunday was  the third birthday of one of the most adorable and fiercely independent girls I’ve ever met. Naturally, we followed up that wholesome cake-and-ice-cream affair with our second viewing of the decidedly unwholesome Superbad. Highly recommended. That and Knocked Up (from the same creative team) are the only movies I’ve seen twice in the theater in recent memory.

The extra day of weekend afforded to us in celebration of the American worker (and their ability to organize) was mostly squandered, at least by me. Although I did manage to finish up a remix I’ve been working on for way too long. But now the final file is off for mastering and should be out as part of a remix compilation soon.

Is it the working week again? Already? Well fuck me.