The Libertines reforming - UPDATE

Peter Doherty has revealed that he and Carl Barat have been discussing the reformation of the Libertines.

The Babyshambles frontman said that he and the former Dirty Pretty Things star have discussed the possibility of touring and performing once again.

Speaking to The Times, he said: "Basically we had a good couple of hours. We were up all night together. Yeah, it was amazing really.

"I think we’re gonna make a record, and tour. Get the Libertines to take it to the next step, next stage. Next year."

Carl Barat is yet to comment on his claims.

Blitzen Trapper to play Australia in November

US band Blitzen Trapper will head out on tour to Australia later this year.

Critics and fans have compared their music to just about everything; there have been calls to even coin a new genre. Blitzen Trapper's Pavement-meets-Southern rock sound, grabs influences from The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Big Star and Frank Zappa while playing in a scene that spawned The Shins, Fleet Foxes and Elliott Smith.

After self-releasing 'Wild Mountain Nation' in June of 2007, the group ventured beyond the West Coast for the first time to tour extensively in Europe and North America. 2008 saw the release of 'Furr', though Sub Pop/Stomp. 'Furr' made our 'Best Albums 2008' list and really woke us up to the fact that Eric Earley (lead singer) sounds like the modern day Bob Dylan. Especially evident when the harmonicas get a mention throughout the album. 'Furr' is a dead-set must listen for everbody.

Blitzen Trapper will be playing the following dates:
Wednesday 11th Nov - The Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne VIC
Thursday 12th Nov - Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Friday 13th Nov - The Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane QLD

www.blitzentrapper.net

Aimee Mann finally tours Australia

We like to think that Aimee Mann is the female version of Thom Yorke. Well, she has just announced her first tour of Australia after being in the music business for well over a decade now.

She first raised our eyebrows with the stellar album 'Bachelor No. 2' back in 2000. After being told that the album wouldn't sell well by various major labels, Mann decided to go at it alone and sell the album online. It became one of the first albums to be successful with only online sales. It was then that the record labels began to take notice and realise their mistake of doubting Mann's abilities. She was finally picked up by a label and this kick started an illustrious career.

Following this, Mann went on to record the sombre 'Lost in Space' in 2002 and the conceptual 'The Forgotten Arm' in 2005. In 2008, Mann recorded her must critically appraised and highest chart topper album '@#%&*! Smilers'. Her soulful, empathetic voice just oozes rays of sunshine across the album and you can't help but fall in love with Aimee.

Aimee Mann will be touring Australia this September. Don't miss this one. Tickets on sale now.

Thursday 3rd Sept - Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane QLD
Friday 4th Sept - Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday 5th Sept - Palais Theatre, VIC

www.aimeemann.com

Pearl Jam to tour with Ben Harper in Australia this November

Seattle grunge veterans Pearl Jam, are returning to Australia this November for a series of shows. Last here three years ago, Pearl Jam is coming back to promote their ninth album 'Backspacer'.

Scheduled for release on September 20th, guitarist Mike McCready describes it as “a tight, concise rock ‘n roll record”. Australian fans should feel privileged to know that they'll be among the first to hear the new songs live. 'The Fixer' is the first single from the album. Listen to it now by scrolling down.

Joining the 2009 tour is frequent visiter and close friend of Eddie Vedder's, Mr Ben Harper, who’ll bring his Relentless 7 band with him again. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 were last here only in April for the Blues n Roots Fest. Joining the big heavyweight bands is an Australian heavyweight name, the young aspiring Mr Liam Finn.

With all this talent under a summery, starry night sky, how could you not want to be there?

Pearl Jam, Liam Finn and Ben Harper & the Relentless 7 will play the following venues in November. Tickets on sale 9am Monday 17 August.

Saturday 14 November – Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Tuesday 17 November – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Friday 20 November – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Sunday 22 November – Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday 25 November – QSAC Stadium, Brisbane

www.pearljam.com