News from 11/28/03

THIS JUST IN (a few hours after the update below): I've been nominated in OklahomaRock.com's 2003 Music Awards in the category 'Best Singer/Songwriter.' I think voting continues for a couple more days. Head on over, register, and vote, if you so desire. It's an honor just to be nominated.

So I've been told the site desperately needs to be updated. (Garrett and Gloria said it to my face, but I suspect a lot more of you were thinking it.)

First up, there's another new X-Ray up now, if that's your kind of thing. More on the way, whenever.

Next, two new CDs to talk about. I'm getting ready to completely redesign the sounds page, so in the meantime, here's the poop.

The one on the left is a brand-new compilation from Yawn Records called BLIZZARD BLUE #1, and it's very cool. Twenty-two bands, twenty-two tracks, FIVE bucks. To use the actual words of my friends over there at Yawn:

I'm sick of labels gouging the public with $15-$20 CDs and this is my attempt at helping promote some fantastic music, while creating awareness about zines. The only way you will be able to purchase this one is at live shows from one of the bands or through direct mailorder. This is a compilation series for Zines around the world. I don't see many people championing the fact that these guys/girls bust their butts every bit as much as the musicians to get their art heard.

Click on the cover for more info from the Yawn site, or come to a show and get one from me.

Speaking of zines, I've got one of those to talk about too, but first, that other picture up there is the cover of the forthcoming Acoustic Ross release, the 918 UFN ep. Yes, it's close to being ready -- well, it's all done but the recording, actually -- so I thought it was time for a sneak preview. More info to come.

OK, so the zine, then. Antifolkonline.com guru Brad Willis has started up a brand-new print zine called Anti-Up, devoted to that most popular of all musical styles, AntiFolk. It's available for purchase or subscription through his site, and every issue comes with a 15-track compilation CD. There are lots of great reasons to get it, but I can think of at least two especially excellent ones.

First, a recurring column with a familiar title -- News From Around the Bend -- written by yours truly. It's a serialized version of MY print zine of the same name -- click the icon in the menu for more about the 'original' NFATB -- but with its own exclusive stories.

Second, a feature called Blind CD Reviews, where Brad sends an unlabeled mix CD to someone for their unqualified thoughts. Issues #1 features a certain Acoustic Ross doing said review, and I'll be providing one for the next ish as well.

Finally, that one show is finally on the horizon -- check the shows page for details. This one should be a lot of fun.

Well, I guess that's all the new stuff for now. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving -- I know I did -- and enjoy the new stuff.

And seriously, why ARE there nutrition stats on bottled water?

-- R