Tip of the Week – REM gets social and streams new album for free

REM has always done things a bit differently than the other major bands and performers. When it comes to sharing music, they seem to have a good grasp of what their fans want.

Mr. Bargainista is an avid music fan but other than music, news, the odd video and business transactions, he doesn’t spend much time on the ’Net. I’m usually the one showing cool things to him. So when he told me that REM was going to release their next album, Accelerate for free on Facebook, I was both pleasantly surprised and intrigued.

REM will be streaming Accelerate using the social networking application, iLike. Fans will be able to listen to and share the entire album using iLike, Facebook, iTunes and several other social networking sites for free on March 24 – one whole week before Accelerate’s April 1 release date. The iLike launch will include all 11 original tracks and an exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the making of the album.

Connie Crosby pointed me to the NinetyNights video promo they started on January 1. Every night from now through March 31, REM is releasing a video in HD for one night only. Fans are able to embed the video on their blogs, link, share, and download the videos for free. Have a read of the usage policy – fans can pretty much do whatever they like with the files.

Tonight is Night 75 and I’ve embedded Mr. Richard for your viewing pleasure:



What do you think of REM’s approach? Will you be listening on March 24?

Kathleen Edwards is doing some good with an iPod

On March 4, Kathleen Edwards is releasing her next CD. Tomorrow, she’ll be donating the proceeds from the sale of an engraved iPod with her full catalogue on eBay to the Alica Ross memorial fund though Project Canoe.

Last I checked, there was a bid of $1,035.00! If you’re so inclined and have an extra $1,050 dollars or more lying around, you may want to get in on the action. It’s for a really good cause. A childhood friend of mine met a similar fate when we were about the same age as Alicia Ross. Tragic.

Junos weekend 2003, I shared an elevator with Kathleen Edwards at The Arc. At the time I barely knew who she was. I’m not that familiar with her music either but now I’m paying more attention.

Music, Madonna and More

Today’s theme is the letter M:

Music
Bum Rush the Charts and buy Mine Again by Black Lab. I did. Great song. (Parent advisory - cover art is graphic of a nude woman. Learned the hard way when my son checked it out in iTunes. )

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Technorati tags: Bum Rush the Charts, H&M, fashion, iTunes, Madonna, magazines, More, music, shopping

Hughie, Drewy & coffee at Roots

When it comes to Hugh Grant playing a romantic lead, I'm a bit of a sucker. I've seen all his romantic comedies. And you have to admit, Drew is just as cute as a button. I may not see Music and Lyrics in the theatre but I will definitely rent the DVD release.

So what does all this have to do with Roots? It's a bit complicated, please bare with me while I explain it to you.

Roots on Bloor is having a Karaoke kinda Valentine's Day event this weekend promoting Music and Lyrics - the new Hugh/Drew romantic comedy opening on Valentine's Day - among other things.

I think you're supposed to show up during a 2-hour window and sing Music and Lyrics Karaoke to win a prize. I'm not sure if everyone wins a prize (in-store discounts, movie passes) but the "best singer of the day" will win something special. Sorry, I couldn't find any details on their website, read what Mike Sage had to say.

Did you know Roots sells coffee now too? Well as part of the VD promo, you can bring your special someone to the Roots Organic Coffee House for a complimentary coffee. Who knew?

It won't be able to make it today - it's my son's b-day - and I'm curious to see how this turns out. So, if you go please share your story and leave a comment.

What?
Roots Get Ready for Valentine's Day Event

Where?
Roots
100 Bloor St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
Sat. Feb. 10 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sun. Feb. 11 - 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Why?
• Music and Lyrics
• Roots' Valentine collection (I'm a sucker for their bags, love the heart tags too) and,
• Roots Organic Coffee House

Update - watch the movie trailer:


Technorati tags: coffee, Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant, Karaoke, Music and Lyrics, Roots, Valentine's Day

Music to my ears

Just in time for my favorite drummer's birthday:


What?
Long & McQuade's nation-wide inventory blowout sale

Where?
24 locations across Canada

When?
Fri. Feb. 9
Sat. Feb. 10

Technorati tags: Long & McQuade, music, sale, shopping