New Thom Yorke, 3 New Songs

Get a load of this. I take one weekend off from blogging (after our show's semester debut on Friday night) and all of a sudden, I get more news than I know what to do with. How convenient. But the great thing about all of this is that everything I'm reporting on is really positive. We'll start off with one of our favorite frontmen in modern rock: Thom Yorke of Radiohead.

Remember his solo record, The Eraser back in '06? I do, because it was a touching record and it was uber cool to see him do his own thing away from the boys in the band. Well low and behold, he's doing solo things again. And just when you thought he was going to chill out or lay low after working on the Wall Of Ice EP, he's releasing new songs. First off, we have to discuss his Mark Mulcahy cover track for the upcoming tribute in his honor. The song, "All For The Best", is one that many Miracle Legion fans hold near and dear. But fret not those fearing any blasphemy to the legacy of MM, because Yorke and his little brother, Andy, do the track justice. Here's the video:

Thom Yorke (Feat. Andy Yorke) - "All For The Best (Miracle Legion Cover)"

As much as I enjoy this, I still wish more Polaris tracks made the cut onto the CD. Maybe on the B-sides? Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy comes out September 29th.

Up next, the physical release of his latest personal work. And for the record, let's just throw it out there and say we, as the music fan community, should no longer be shocked by out-of-the-blue Thom Yorke releases (despite having a month's notice on the latest two songs). Because they are just going to happen whenever. Is it a bad thing? Absolutely not.

"Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses" is side A, "The Hollow Earth" is side B. Together, they make for one fascinating Thom Yorke release. "Feeling" reacquaints us with a "Reckoner"-type style. As it should, because according to Stereogum, "'Reckoner' was said to be born out of the coda to the song, a six-and-a-half minute sketch that pairs a funky, repetitive bassline with Thom's heavily echoed, reliably cryptic poetry." The striking percussion stands out immediately, followed by Yorke's spacey vocals, and then coated with a repetitious, jungle excursion-themed bass (or at least that's how I can describe the image that comes to mind when I close my eyes). And after 7 minutes, you have felt definitely been through something; maybe not a painful death via wild horses, but definitely something.

Thom Yorke - "Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses"

"The Hollow Earth". I'm high on the vocals. Also the ticks and taps on this make me move a little more than it's A-side. And the return of the "House Of Cards" atmospheric moans are welcomed back with open arms. The song, as a whole, feels very schizophrenic and unstable, but who says giving into the urges is so bad? It's the B-side, so take it as you will.

Thom Yorke - "The Hollow Earth"

Both tunes are available via TBD from w.a.s.t.e.

What is going on inside the mind of Thom Yorke? No one knows. But the music that comes of it sure is special.

More On Upcoming Mulcahy Tribute

Awhile back, I posted about the magnificent news of a Mark Mulcahy tribute compilation being produced by many a-great artists/friends and released on September 29th this year. I am a huge Mulcahy fan and this whole project is being done in the hope that he can continue to create great music after the sudden and tragic death of his wife last year, leaving him to raise his young family all by himself. It totally sucks and couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Here's the old post. Now there is an update: some songs are now on the interwebs! Want to hear 'em? Keep reading.

Stereogum posted Thom Yorke's rendition of "All For The Best", a track released by MM's original jangly rock 80's band, Miracle Legion (well worth getting to know). It's a great tune and the cover is what you would expect from Yorke; AKA: electro-gloom. Here it is.

On MM's MySpace, you can hear two additional tracks from the compilation, one from Josh Rouse, and the other from The National. The National covers "Ashamed Of The Story I Told", a prime Polaris song. It's surprisingly upbeat for such a mournful song. Take a listen here.

Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy is out 9/29 via Shout! Factory.

Big Names In For Mulcahy Tribute

Right off the bat: this man is so underrated.

This news comes from the grandfather music blog of all music blogs, Stereogum. Here's the scoop: the picture you see above is of Mark Mulcahy. Singer, guitarist, jangle rock God, nostaglia bearer, and one of the few people I respect from Massachusetts. He's been playing in bands since the 80's, most notably Miracle Legion and Polaris (but that last one was just for Nickelodeon's "The Adventures Of Pete And Pete"). This awesome dude has put out a few solo records, but not any since 2005, a year that was tragic for his family and himself, as they lost Mark's wife in a sudden accident. He hasn't been putting out records since; I think it's because he's been focusing on raising his family now. Totally understandable. But God do I miss hearing new MM material. And I'm not alone. Michael Stipe, Thom Yorke, the boys of The National and many others are putting together a tribute record to Mr. Mulcahy titled "Caio My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy". The goal: to help Mark get back on his feet and continue to make great music. (I'm starting to believe that Michael Stipe might be God by helping so many people: Cobain, UNICEF, the planet, and the list goes on and on). I've played a number of his tunes on the show, just check out the playlist. Needless to say, I'm very excited for this compilation. A lot of these songs are going to sound different, but different isn't always bad and I'm ready to experience this. Also, twenty or so bonus tracks will be released digitally! Cross your fingers for early work and/or Polaris tunes. Here's the track list:

1. Thom Yorke - "All For The Best"
2. The National - "Ashamed Of The Story I Told"
3. Michael Stipe - "Everything's Coming Undone"
4. David Berkeley - "Loves The Only Thing That Shuts Me Up"
5. Dinosaur Jr. - "The Backyard"
6. Chris Harford & Mr. Ray Neal - "Micon The Icon"
7. Frank Black - "Bill Jocko"
8. Vic Chesnutt - "Little Man"
9. Unbelievable Truth - "Ciao My Shining Star"
10. Butterflies Of Love - "I Have Patience"
11. Chris Collingwood (Fountains Of Wayne) - "Cookie Jar"
12. Frank Turner - "The Quiet One"
13. Rocket From The Tombs - "In Pursuit Of Your Happiness"
14. Ben Kweller - "Wake Up Whispering"
15. Josh Rouse - "I Woke Up In The Mayflower"
16. Autumn Defense - "Paradise"
17. Hayden -"Happy Birthday Yesterday"
18. Juliana Hatfield - "We're Not In Charleston Anymore"
19. Mercury Rev - "Sailors And Animals"
20. Elvis Perkins - "She Watches Over Me"
21. Sean Watkins - "A World Away From This One"

Caio My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy comes out September 29th, on Shout! Records. Pick it up, you will not be dissappointed.

A personal favorite right here (and the only music video I can find):