Robert Bejil/Houston Press

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​Rene Brenner, aka DJ DC, has been spinning tracks at Yost Theater since last Sunday, October 2nd, and is attempting to break the current world record set of 121 hours. More >>

Myspace.com

The Cure

​​Not that you care, but last week, my girlfriend of 11 years and I broke up, which I guess makes me somewhat of an expert on the subject of really good records to listen to if you're feeling the loss of someone today. Like anyone who was with another person for a long enough time, it's nearly inevitable that certain songs, bands or records will remind me of that lost love, so here are five records I most certainly will not be listening to today.

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In some circles, he's a Midwestern comedian known for his penchant for homosexual stunts, making phony phone calls using a woman's voice (although no one ever falls for it) and his belief that the best pizza in New York comes from Papa Jon's. But to others, Richard Christy is a metal drummer from hell (in metal, that's a compliment).

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It's sort of last minute, but if you're chilling in front of your computer surfing music blogs today, then you probably have time to check out a repeat performance of RX Bandits this afternoon on Fuel TV's The Daily Habit (for those still rocking basic cable, you'll probably have to wait a week or so before they put it online). Their performance airs today at 2:30 EST/ 11:30 p.m. PST and 5:30 EST/ 2:30 p.m. PST. Consider it a post-Thanksgiving gift for those who didn't catch it when it originally aired last night. Not to spoil it or anything, but the band plays two songs from their latest album Mandala, "My Lonesome Only Friend" and "It's Only Another Parsec..."

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Funnyman Artie Lange was once again on another unscheduled vacation this past week from his day job at the Howard Stern Show. The comedian missed all three shows last week (the gang doesn't work Fridays and last Monday was Columbus Day) and yesterday's show, but did return today.

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Cass Bird

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It's a good thing humans invented alliteration, it just makes things so easy to remember. But even with a blog title like Free In-store by A Fine Frenzy at Finger Prints (try saying that five times fast) the band's appearance tonight was a kind of a last minute addition to the record store's ever-sweetening live performance schedule. So don't feel too bad for missing the memo. But regardless, now you know, so you should go.

For those who may not be familiar with the tender pop sounds of this L.A. act, spearheaded by 24-year-old front woman Alison Sudol (note their big 2007 radio hit "Almost Lover"), AFF released the sophomore effort, Bomb in a Birdcage, Tues. Sep. 8 on Virgin Records. And of course, where else would a budding young band want to kick off a tour if not at a long beach record store (hey, if it's good enough for Pete Yorn...). The show starts tonight at 7 p.m.


Fan's of Sudol's soft, ethereal song style should get ready for a slight departure from their delicate debut One Cell in the Sea (2007). Sporting shards of rock-n-roll energy and a range of layered synth sounds, AFF shows a bit more of a wild side on this record (or, as wild as you could expect from such music). But you can definitely expect a wild time at her free Long Beach show tonight as the crowd files in. Hopefully, true fans heard about this last week when the guest list was open to those who pre-ordered Bomb in a Birdcage. If not, I would call the store now. Maybe you'll get lucky. But even if you don't you can still check out a live 18 min. video of the bands live performance recorded for Hulu.com after the JUMP.
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In most cases, waiting 14 years to release a sequel to a legendary album would be considered waiting, uh, too long. But in the case of Raekwon the Chef  (of the Wu-Tang Clan), the choice to wait almost decade and a half to serve us a follow up to his landmark album Only Built for Cuban Linx wasn't a sign of laziness. Far from it. It just means he was being picky about using right ingredients to produce a bomb hip hop dish. Finally, Only Built for Cuban Linx Pt.II hits stores today, Sep. 8.

 When it first hit the streets back in 1995, OBCL was not only Chef's first album, it also broke new ground for the 90s cavalcade of hip hop albums stitched together like dark, gangster novellas instead of a collection of singles. Remember those days, when mainstream hip hop used to release solid ALBUMS that were meant to be listened to from back to front?

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A full meal of punk/hardcore/metal is getting underway right now at Oak Canyon Ranch in Irvine: the second annual Liskfest, headlined by As I Lay Dying, and featuring acts like Death By Stereo (pictured), H20, All Shall Perish, Sleeping Giant and more. Tickets are $30. Lineup and set times after the jump!

Another all-day festival--FYF Fest--takes place today in an obscure city about 30 miles to the north. More information on that here.

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If London garage-soul band Noisettes ever decided to consider a name change, might I suggest the "Freakish DNA"? It seems to fit them to a "T". Let's start with their front woman, Shingai Shoniwa. C'mon, a beautiful woman who can sing AND play bass? Can you say rare? Then of course there is the stunning intermingling of the band's sonic make up, thanks in part to guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison. Together the band are a prime example when it comes to adding their own spin on sultry Motown era R&B by injecting a dose of distorted lightning and Shoniwa's signature vocals. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out their myspace HERE.

Today, the band finds itself in the L.A./Long Beach area, first in the studio at KCRW 89.9 FM and later on at Fingerprints record store in Long Beach. Unfortunately their new album isn't on the shelves yet, but really, who cares as long as you can here them live? They are doing a special acoustic performance starting at 7 pm inside the store which will be recorded, and probably sold to you at a later date. Of course if you want to go to the show, I would suggest calling the store ahead of time and getting your name on the RSVP list. This in-store, like almost all the others at Fingerprints, is sure to get crowded.