Acthung Baby celebrates the release of Eisley’s Room Noises yesterday with a multimedia link extravaganza, Paul reviewed the record for 75 Or Less and The Houston Chronicle profiles the band.

Even though the production on what I’ve heard of the record sounds a little Dawson’s Creek-ish at times (no, not even OC-ish), there’s still some real sharp songwriting and musical ideas in there – I can’t help but like it. Plus they’re still young (ridiculously so), so they’ll have the chance to refine their craft with time. Much potential here. I fully expect Reprise to give this the full-court promo press, so I figure I’ll be able to find a used copy within a week. It’s not that I don’t want to give these kids my money, but it’s become increasingly rare that I actually want anything that’s likely to turn up in the used CD stores, so when the occasion presents itself, I gotta take it.

I’ve did a review of the new Bettie Serveert record, Attagirl, for Torontoist yesterday. Reader’s Digest version? It’s okay, but not great. Private Suit was better and even the patchy Log 22 had higher high points. Still, looking forward to the show Thursday at the ‘Shoe with The Petit Project and Human Deluxe, neither of whom I know anything about.

So I saw Pitchfork’s Top 100 albums of 2000-2004 and it didn’t click that this was a different list from Stylus’. But it is… except not really. Because I have the sort of mind that likes to quantify everything, I tallied it up and found that I own 30% of PF’s list and 38% of Stylus’. Ergo, Stylus has better taste than Pitchfork. QED.

Sunday Life talks to Belfast ex-pat Darren Bleckett about life as drummer for Ambulance LTD. From LHB.

Torr reports that the North American release for the new New Order album, Waiting For The Siren’s Call, has been pushed up a couple weeks to April 12.

Having wrapped up a triumphant American tour, The Arcade Fire are recuperating back home but are planning to play a Toronto show sometime in mid-to-late April. Anyone want to guess at a venue? I don’t expect I’d bother going if it’s anywhere larger than the Phoenix or Palais Royale (capacity 1000-1100). The Kool Haus can kiss my ass. Related – David Byrne blogs about joining the band onstage in New York last week. Via Stereogum.

80s UK post-punk survivors New Model Army return to North America for the first time in ages, playing the Horseshoe on March 13.

Thanks to Travis for pointing out this choice Super Bowl commercial. I don’t actually remember what they were selling, which kind of defeats the purpose, but I’m always in favour of monkeys.

The Batman Begins has been given an overhaul and now actually has content! I have new wallpaper.

The Washington Post reveals what you’d have to look forward to if you started working for CTU.

Happy Chinese New Year. Note to self – CALL HOME.

np – The Futureheads / The Futureheads

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