September marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel, On the Road. The essentially plotless novel about the relationship between two rootless young men who seemed constitutionally unable to settle down has had a profound impact on both American literature and culture. To commemorate the event, Smithsonian magazine has published an excellent personal essay about Kerouac written by his friend Joyce Johnson.

I thought it would be appropriate to share The Hold Steady’s “Stuck Between Stations,” from last year’s excellent Boys and Girls in America. The album’s title and the song’s opening lines (”There are nights when I think that Sal Paradise was right / Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together”) are drawn from Sal Paradise, Kerouac’s hero from On the Road.

MP3: The Hold Steady - “Stuck Between Stations”

Check out the trailer for the documentary Heima, which follows the Icelandic hometown hijinx of Sigur Rós. The preview looks just as gorgeous as the music the band makes.

MP3: Sigur Rós - “Untitled #4 / Njósnavélin”

Following last week’s leak (and subsequent ho-hum reactions) of Madonna’s new reinvention track, comes the debut of her VMA makeout partner’s new comeback track! Y’up - Britney is back with her new track “Gimme More,” which finds producer Nate ‘Danja’ Hills imparting song skills he’s previously shared on Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado songs. I’m apt to agree with People - it’s a club-friendly dance track featuring the pop star’s signature breathy vocals, melodic electronic bleeps over a driving beat and a catchy hook that’s is true to the song’s title. No real surprises from Ms. Spears, but it’s definitely a strong step towards a comeback.

MP3: Britney Spears - “Gimme More”

ARTIST:
Heartless Bastards

ACL DATE/TIME:
Friday, September 14, 1:30 PM

PREVIOUS ACL APPEARANCES:
0

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ARTIST:
Aterciopelados

ACL DATE/TIME:
Saturday, September 15, 7:15 PM

PREVIOUS ACL APPEARANCES:
0

Read the rest of this entry »