by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Back to business as usual…

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This was just brought to my attention, though apparently it was published in May: NME published a list of 75 “Ultimate Cult Heroes.” Check out No. 10, chosen by Conor Oberst: Slowdown Virginia — “It was Tim Kasher’s [from Cursive] first band. We started our label [Saddle Creek] ’cos we were all in love with this band and wanted everyone to hear it. We got all our friends to kick in money to make a CD. They were into the Pixies, high energy, amazing melodies. This was in ’93. I was 13. Up until then I wasn’t really playing music, but seeing them, I saw how it was possible.”

BTW, No. 1 was Syd Barrett, chosen by NME’s Liam Cash.

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Jake Bellows yesterday released a video for “I Can’t Wait,” off his just-release Saddle Creek album New Ocean. Check it out:

Jake’s also the “Band of the Day” whatever that means.

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The Yuppies just announced they’re releasing their debut album on Dull Tools Records Sept. 15. Dull Tools is the label run by the guys in Parquet Courts. Check out “Hitchin’ a Ride” from the new album, below:

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And Mr. Sam Martin (of Capgun Coup) today released his solo album Trite Monsters via Bandcamp. The 18-track long player is available for download for $7. Check it out in its entirety here, then buy it. Here’s a zinger of a track called “Email”:

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Tonight at Slowdown Jr., local acts Blue Bird and Brad Hoshaw open for The Giving Tree Band. $7, 9 p.m.

Also tonight, blues rocker Matt Cox plays at fabulous O’Leaver’s with Filligar and TORCHES. $5, 9:30 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2013 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.