Okay, so Pitchfork reviewed an album, big deal, that’s what they do everyday right? Well I guess it isn’t really a big deal, but it is amusing that Pitchfork recently reviewed a copy of A Very Arcade Xmas in an effort to be on top of all things Arcade Fire.

The Christmas EP was described by the band as being “a tape recording of our friends making up funny songs at our Christmas party in 2002″ and the posting on their website makes it clear that they found Pitchfork’s decision to publish a review of it rather ridiculous. The band wasn’t even there!

*Pitchfork: www.pitchforkmedia.com
*Arcade Fire: www.arcadefire.com

As previously reported, Hot Hot Heat have been hard at work on their new album Elevator. The album has now been completed and in preparation for the tour in support of it, Hot Hot Heat will be performing two unadvertised shows in Vancouver, BC. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets.

Show Dates
Jan 15: Vancouver, BC @ House of Blues
Jan 16: Vancouver, BC @ House of Blues

*Hot Hot Heat: www.hothotheat.com

Kill Rock Stars recently announced that they will once again be accepting demos. There is a catch, however, in that all demos must be received at the KRS offices by January 24th. At that point, the label will take at least another six months off from any new demos.

If you are interested in submitting your demo to Kill Rock Stars, here’s the address:
Kill Rock Stars
ATTN: Slim Moon
120 NE State Ave.
PMB 418
Olympia, WA 98501

*Kill Rock Stars: www.killrockstars.com

In a recent message on the Pinback mailing list, Pinback’s Rob Crow announced that the band’s tours of Japan and Europe had been cancelled. In addition Crow seemed uncertain of whether Pinback would be performing at the Slint curated All Tomorrow’s Festival although he did state that “I hope we really do”.

In lieu of a Pinback performance, Crow will be bringing what he describes as a “sort of variety show” to Japan featuring songs from his various projects. These sets will include a solo acoustic set, a solo band set (with songs from Heavy Vegetable, Snotnose, and Thingy, and a set from Optiganally Yours.

Despite the cancellation of their tours abroad, Crow did offer that the band should be taking part in another US tour during May of 2005.

*Pinback: www.pinback.com

Just a short update before Christmas vacation. Mission of Burma will be performing three shows during the month of January. Only those in the Northeast will be in luck, however, as the concerts are only taking place in Northampton, MA and New York, NY.

MISSION OF BURMA CONCERT DATES
January
13: Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Hall w/ Black Helicopter
14: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ The Chinese Stars
15: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Seconds

*Mission of Burma: www.missionofburma.com