Back by semi-popular demand: The Slicing Up Eyeballs readers poll, this time with a new twist. Whereas the first time around, we conducted a yearlong Best of the ’80s album survey, we’re going to dip our toes back into the polling waters by focusing on a single act: The Cure. Voting runs through May 12.
Record Rack: A round-up of the week’s new albums, expanded reissues and/or box sets, appearing each Monday on Slicing Up Eyeballs. All releases due out this Friday unless noted. This week’s releases include music from Thurston Moore, Mark Mulcahy, Pet Shop Boys and U2.
“Dark Wave,” hosted by Slicing Up Eyeballs’ Matt Sebastian, airs 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. EDT every Sunday on Sirius XM satellite radio’s 1st Wave (Channel 33). The most recent two episodes also are available via Sirius XM’s On Demand service for online subscribers.
One of the bigger draws for Record Store Day this year was the 7-inch from The Smiths that featured previously unreleased demos of the band’s 1985 single “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” and its original B-side, “Rubber Ring.” For those who didn’t get one of the 45s, or don’t do vinyl, check out both songs here.
Today was Record Store Day, and as one eagle-eyed Slicing Up Eyeballs reader alerted us, the Transportation Security Administration took to Instagram to relay an important message for traveling collectors: pack that fresh vinyl in your carry-on, not your checked baggage.
With the second weekend of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in full swing, the event’s organizers continue to upload stellar-quality pro-shot video clips to the fest’s YouTube channel — including this footage of New Order’s 9-minute run through “Temptation” that closed its main set last Sunday night.
Record Store Day buyers who’ve already snatched up copies of the new 7-inch from The Smiths — featuring previously unreleased versions of “The Boy With the Thorn In His Side” and its original B-side “Rubber Ring” — have discovered a biting political message inscribed in the 45’s run-out groove: “Trump will kill America.”
Q&A: Daniel Ash on Love and Rockets’ reunion, his new band — and figuring out how to play “So Alive” 
Q&A: Chris Frantz talks Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club and new book ‘Remain in Love’ 
Q&A: Steve Wynn on The Dream Syndicate’s first new album in nearly 30 years 
Q&A: Bauhaus’ David J on his ‘accidental’ concept album ‘Not Long For This World’ 
Q&A: Peter Murphy on ‘Ninth,’ Bauhaus’ break-up, reuniting Dalis Car 
Q&A: Joey Santiago on Pixies’ ‘Doolittle’ tour, possible ‘Surfer Rosa’ shows, new album talk 
Q&A: Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon on new album, changing the world with music 
Q&A: Peter Hook talks ‘Unknown Pleasures’ tour, re-recording Joy Division 