Well, f@ck.

JUST when I pronounce nothing on the horizon for '09 comes Starling Electric to shut my f'n mouth up. Appearing Monday night (2/2) at Velvet. Who's in?

Starling Electric - Black Ghost/Black Girl (Mp3)

Finally. FINALLY.

TVD's Eleven Weeks of Record Store Day Vinyl Giveaways | Week 1!

Imagine if you will, you've got a blog based on..., oh - let's say figs. Or beets. And your blog is designated the official blog of record for What the Fig Day. Or Beetin' Off Day. It'd be a honor, right?

Well, it IS an honor for this blog which attempts in a small way to champion the efforts of the brick and mortar record stores and of the medium in general that is: vinyl--to have been designated the blog of record for Record Store Day, 2009.

But it is you, dear reader, to whom we owe a significant debt of gratitude for turning this wee blog, first conceived in pajamas one morning into something the cup of coffee that day never imagined--the blog of record for records. Or something along those lines.

So, from us to you, with help from some very cool behind the scenes friends--we've got eleven weeks of vinyl giveaways starting right - now! Each week of eleven; a different theme--and not JUST vinyl, but some pretty cool stuff in concert with the LPs--so, stay tuned.

First up for Week #1: The Swedish Invasion! And invade DC they do very soon. The quite percussive Wildbirds & Peacedrums join Lykke Li this coming Saturday (1/31) at the very historic Sixth & I Synagogue, and Loney Dear bring their brand of wistful melancholy to the 9:30 as openers for Andrew Bird on Tuesday, 2/3.

This week's grand prize winner nabs both LPs and a runner up will take the Loney home alone. As always, grab our attention in the comments WITH your email address (!) so we can contact you about your triumphant win.

Make it funny. Or make it smart. About record stores. Or Record Store Day. Or vinyl. About us or you. Or something else all together. Just make it before next Monday (2/2) when we'll choose our winners. (AND launch giveaway #2...)


Wildbirds & Peacedrums - I Can't Tell In His Eyes (Mp3)
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - Doubt/Hope (Mp3)

TVD Parting Shots

I think if I were to start a brand new blog, I'd call it "Can't Wait 'Til '78" per The Wasps track down there. I mean, think of all the stuff to look forward to from THAT vantage point.

But here, in '09--not so much. I don't FEEL like a fatalist really..but, God! Show Me Magic!

(Screw that - just show me the weekend for now...)

Nosebleeds - Ain't Bin To No Music School (Mp3)
Suburban Studs - I Hate School (Mp3)
Menace - G.L.C. (Mp3)
Chelsea - Right To Work (Mp3)
The Killjoys - Johnny Won't Get To Heaven (Mp3)
The Drones - Bone Idol (Mp3)
Slaughter & The Dogs - Where Have All The Boot Boys Gone (Mp3)
U.K. Subs - C.I.D. (Mp3)
The Wasps - Can't Wait 'Til '78 (Mp3)
Vic Godard & The Subway Sect - Ambition (Mp3)

Love You Till Friday | Sal Go on TVD

This week I wanted to talk about Goner Records. This Memphis based record store occupies a solid #3.5 spot on my personal Mailorder Go-To List. Their online catalogue is well organized with a great variety, and the turnaround is fast. Goner is also a damn good label with great bands, some of my favorites include Cococoma, The Reatards (Jay Reatard's first band,) The Oblivians and Reigning Sound.

They also throw a huge garage punk BBQin' whiskey soaked rock n roll fest every year that attracts thousands of the coolest kids and die hards from all around the globe.

This being said, I'd like to draw attention to a special fundraising event. Goner Records has organized an auction to benefit co-owner Zac Ives' daughter, Anna. Anna Ives has been undergoing cancer treatments for the past two years. Read her story here.

A lot of kind people have generously donated some really cool items including rare records.... as well as a lot of other things like original artwork, services, books, and hotel vouchers. Did I mention these are rare records, it's off Ebay and you won't find them there! Please check it out, spread the word, and if you can, bid on an item. Anna Ives Benefit Auction

It's for a good cause, and the auction ends Monday, February 2nd at 8 p.m.

Which just happens to be when doors open at the Talking Head in Baltimore for the Paul Collins Beat/ Gentlemen Jesse/ Deep Sleep/ Active Sac show. Gentlemen Jesse also features members of the Carbonas, another amazing ATL band who also have a killer S/T LP out on Goner Records.

See how neatly I wrapped that up? I strive for nothing but pure journalistic professionalism. This exclusive Moment of Friday Morning Zen is brought to you by TVD. Get bidding!