Yes, yes...Last week was Volume 18. We had some counting...issues. Apologies.
Human Giant's MTV Takeover A Success
Not only did the Human Giant crew blow past their goal of one million page views well before the 24 hour mark that they were on the air, but for one day they returned MTV to its irreverent, enjoyable and, well, musical roots. The comedy trio aired videos we didn't think MTV still knew existed (Aphex Twin, Stone Roses, etc), and brought some excellent, emerging bands on set to perform a few songs each. Check out videos of The National, Tapes n' Tapes, Mastodon, Ted Leo and all the rest right here.
Summerstage Set
This week the lineups were officially set for Summerstage, and while many of the shows were already known, some of the biggest surprises were that many of the higher profile shows will not be "benefit" shows, but completely free. While the Decemberists, Black Crowes and Rufus Wainwright will still require a ticket, artists such as Neko Case, Rodrigo y Gabriela and the recently re-reunited Television will be 100% completely free. Peep the whole schedule here.
Sasquatch Spotted Outside Seattle
We are actually bringing you this post this morning from an undisclosed location in the Sea/Tac Airport area, where we are on our way to attend the Sasquatch Music Festival in George, Washington tomorrow. New York City is representing remarkably well this year. Citizen Cope, Grizzly Bear, The Hold Steady, Earl Greyhound and Bad Brains will all take one of the three stages this weekend, alongside heavy hitters Interpol and The Beastie Boys closing out the fest on Sunday night. Aside from their headlining slot, Mike D, MCA, Ad-Rock will also be playing an all-instrumental set on the Wookie side stage tomorrow night to promote their upcoming release "The Mix-Up". Their last wordless album was a favorite, so this should be a treat. We'll have a recap of all the highlights up here next week. (pic via meredith.hess' flickr.)





The Gorge Amphitheater is actually a few miles outside the tiny town of George, Washington - home of the Martha Inn cafe - about 150 miles east of Seattle and over the Cascades into dry and wide-open eastern Washington. The Gorge is a great place for a show, in a natural hanging canyon a few hundred feet above the Columbia River. Pitch a tent outside the venue and make a lost weekend out of it. Every time I've seen a show there the artists go on and on about the setting. Dave Matthews Band plays three shows every Labor Day weekend - an end of summer tradition.