In Honor of Joe Strummer's Birthday This Weekend - A Vinyl Rip Repost!

Gone but still an inspiration to millions...

Burial - Four Tet - Thom Yorke - Ego 12" Vinyl Rip Video

Since I'm on the subject of new arrivals, I thought I'd share this little treat too...

BakTrack Converts Analog Audio to Digital Without Any Software or Hardware

I guess this may be useful for some folks who are not savvy enough to do it themselves, have only an album or two to convert, or maybe don't have the scratch for costly software/hardware upgrades (although there are plenty of free programs that can handle this basic task). That said, being a "pay" service, I just don't see enough upside to this option other than just being kind of cool.

Head nod to PRWeb...

BakTrack, a division of Huemans Inc. launches an innovative technology solution for converting audio cassette tapes or vinyl records into digital mp3 CDs that does not require any hardware or software. BakTrack.com is a plug-n-play online utility that allows one to convert analog audio to mp3 CDs just by plugging a computer into a stereo system.

Announcing the launch of BakTrack.com, Mike Gallina, President of Huemans Inc. commented, “BakTrack is the first of its kind, easy to use web app that allows you to convert your cassette tapes and your records to mp3 without having to do anything much more than plug your computer into your stereo and press play.”

Anyone use the service? Give us your opion in the comments. Read the full review here...

R.I.P. Mick Karn, Bassist for Japan

Karn succumbs to cancer at age 52. Born Andonis Michaelides in Nicosia, Cyprus, Karn played with Japan from their formation in 1974 until their split in 1982, and again in 1991 during a brief reunion under the new name Rain Tree Crow. He also worked with Gary Numan, Kate Bush and Bauhaus founder member Peter Murphy, with whom he formed Dali's Car in 1984.

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor today paid tribute to Karn on Duranduran.com, calling him "one of the great visual and sound stylists of the late '70s/early '80s".

Here's a vinyl rip from Japan's 1978 debut LP, Adolescent Sex.

In Memory of Phil Lynott

January 4th marked the 25^th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s death. The legendary musician rose to fame as the frontman and bassist for hard rockers Thin Lizzy. He was an amazing song writer and bass player, he had a unique voice that let you know he meant business - truly one of a kind.

“25 years on and I still miss the guy. Hell, we all miss him,” guitarist Scott Gorham wrote. “It’s a major reason why we go out and play the songs. But standing next to him for 11 years through all the ups as well as the down periods always brings back memories, especially at this time of year.

Go out and get all their albums... now! They've recently been re-issued on 180g audiophile vinyl, you can find them at MusicDirect.

Here's a vinyl rip...

Flaming Lips to Release a Song a Month - Possibly on VINYL!

According to an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Wayne Coyne explains how he wants to do things differently now. No longer does he want to spend two monotonous years in a studio to release a boring twelve song package. Starting at the end of January, he'd rather hit you with a song a month and document the recording process while he's at it.

Here's the exciting part; he's hinted at doing it on vinyl! Get details and check out a vinyl rip after the jump...

In Honor of Neil Peart's Recent Drummer of the Year Award

For the fourth year in a row, Neil Peart has won Drummer Magazine's Drummer of the Year award. This vinyl rip is of YYZ/Drum Solo from Rush's double live LP, Exit Stage Left (1981). What can you say? All drummers sit on a throne but only one can be The King! Here's to you Neil!