The Bass Geek

You know, in that it actually has deals and stuff in place.

The new MySpace Music Site is going to add music distribution from three of the majors (and one would imagine the indies as well) along with all the usual social network features in an allegedly DRM-free environment. Since the website mentioned in the press release (provided here by Indy Star music writer and local hero Dave Lindquist) doesn’t actually work yet, I’m assuming the details are being closely guarded, as techies of this sort are wont to do.

At this early stage, it’s another encouraging move towards a level playing field of equal distribution. The name “Madonna” will still command more attention than your average bar band, of course, but there’s something to be said for MySpace offering all of those tracks at the same place DRM-free. I’d like to see the site, though. In some form. It took them long enough with the developers’ sandbox, and it’s just now in beta.

I’m a little unhappy at what I’ll be missing this weeknd.

Radio Radio has the Naptown Juke Stomp featuring Action Strasse, The Cocaine Wolves, Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes and more Friday night and Bigger Than Elvis on Saturday. Bitch and the Exciting Conclusion make another appearance on Sunday night. You may have seen her in “Shortbus.” That’s not the only reason you’d remember that movie, but she’s in there.

EDIT: The Dockers are on the bill, and there are strong rumors that the Zero Boys will also play Friday night. Now it’s a must-see. You have no choice.

Sam’s Saloon features a rockabilly freakout with Art Adams, BJ Rogers’ Murder Inc., and Bob’s Liquor Lounge Friday night. Richard Stookesbury and the Rich Hynes Blues Band arrive for Saturday’s Show.

Deano’s Vino has Andy DeCarlo & The Travelin’ Hillbillies Friday night and D. Mark Conway on Saturday.

Big Car Gallery brings in Thin Fevers’ CD release party for First Friday.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m quite happy to be going to Memphis for a long weekend.  It’s got a certain Southern sleepiness to it (maybe that was because I last visited in October), but there’s still vibrant music and culture to be immersed in, and taking the trolley to the Arcade again will be a joy.  Plus, I’ll have family down there now, which is an excellent excuse for more frequent trips.

Is it bad, however, to know that I’ll be thinking about the new episode of Battlestar Galactica just a little bit?  Hoping the DVR doesn’t meet a violent end before I can get back to it?  Realizing that the recently replaced electrical panel gives me more confidence in the recording going off as planned?

I’m a little saddened by this knowledge, myself.

The new IMN podcast is up.  Download it or listen on the site.  And enjoy your weekend.