japan's mick karn dead at 52

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Mick Karn, bassist for British synthpop pioneers Japan, passed away today at his London home.

In a statement from his website:

"It's with profound sadness that we have to inform you that Mick finally lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at 4.30pm today, 4th January 2011 at home in Chelsea, London. He was surrounded by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all."

In addition to his trendsetting work with Japan, Karn also partnered with Peter Murphy in Dalis Car. Last fall, Murphy announced work had begun on a second Dalis Car album, more than 25 years after The Waking Hour.

John Taylor took a moment today on Duran Duran's blog to cite Karn and Japan as formative influences. Listen to "Quiet Life" and you'll understand why:



RIP, Mick.

the charlatans - the only one I know

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Just because. And if you haven't already, pick up the 20th anniversary edition of Some Friendly complete with a 19-track bonus disc of b-sides, singles, outtakes, and BBC session recordings.

hardcore will never die, but you will: mogwai preview

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Scot post-rock icons Mogwai will release their 7th(!) full length album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will on February 15th. Sounds like a lovely Valentine's Day gift.

As albums these days are wont to do, it has leaked ahead of its release date. While not as epic as Come On Die Young or Rock Action, Mogwai's latest effort is more engaging and dynamic than 2008's The Hawk Is Howling.

First, let's have a listen to the cinematic and anthemic "White Noise":




For a harder edge, here's what will certainly become a Mogwai live staple, "San Pedro":




"Mexican Grand Prix" features some Stereolab style keyboards and Mogwai's trademark "vocals":




Finally, it's worth revisiting the unofficial video for "How To Be A Werewolf". As we mentioned last month, filmmaker Antony Crook captured world-record-holding cyclist James Bowthorpe on the roads of the Norwegian countryside. The result is a beautiful and inspirational work of art:




Happy New Year!