I've Got a Newsflash For You, Walter Cronkite
A random person noticed that it had been a really long time since I've written something here, because out of the blue, Sarah in Brooklyn, NY forced me to learn about an "inappropriately named" band called Illinois, and wished for me specifically to share the following news item with the world via Ginger Cookie Disco:
I hope you're relaxed after the three day weekend you just enjoyed (thank you Columbus) and are in the right state of mind to process what I'm about to tell you. Prepare yourself.
Our favorite inappropriately named band Illinois (from Bucks County, PA – we don't get it either) has done something crazier than Sir Ryan Adams (yes, we've unofficially knighted him). When most bands are asked to write and record a debut album, they have about twenty songs to choose from and whittle down to make it the perfect record. Illinois, not being the everyday band came at us with 114 songs, yes, you read that right, 114. That's more songs than most bands record in their entire career. So we here at +1 records decided instead of putting 114 songs on the chopping block, we'd release them all! How lucky for you – first a three day weekend and now this!
Not only are there 114 Illinois songs in your future, but there is also a short film coming your way that Illinois' passionate frontman and songwriter Arch filmed with the lovely folks at People-Food. Now, we can't give you all of this goodness at once, it's not Christmas you know!
This labor of love called 'The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe' will be released as a digital bundle, monthly, with the songs along with one chapter from the short film. It's kind of like the Harry Potter series but you don't have to wait years for it to be completed! The first release will be on election day (November 4th for those of you who are unaware) and then the following five dates:
Chapter 2 || December 2, 2008
Chapter 3 || January 13, 2009
Chapter 4 || February 3, 2009
Chapter 5 || March 3, 2009
Chapter 6 || April 7, 2009
I think it's pretty hilarious that these people knighted Ryan Adams. I'm unaware of what he did that was so crazy, though. Anyway, so there you go, Illinois. The "wackiness" of their self-written band descriptions seems a little too calculated, but that's really the only thing that stands out enough for me about them that I could report. I listened to a couple of their songs and it's pretty fluffy and unobjectionable. I can see them performing in the background on an episode of The O.C. I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or not. Probably not too much of a compliment seeing as The O.C. isn't on anymore.
