vLES

Hey, looks like you made it in so you probably already know that vLES is now part of the Flux Network. What in tarnation is a Flux Network? Well, it's basically a one-stop clearinghouse for a bunch of entertainment-focused websites. Signing up (which automatically happened if you were a member of vLES before the switch) allows you to use one centralized profile to easily join and login to as many Flux affiliates as you want. You can check out all Flux has to offer by going here. Anyway, let us know if you're having any problems (in the forums) and we'll be sure to look into it. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy not having to sign up for a gazillion sites over and over again.

The vLES has been in what computer nerds call an "alpha test" for a bit now, which is basically a fancy greek way of saying a "trial run to work out the bugs, see what works, see what doesn't, and generally just figure stuff out." We’ve learned a lot, saw a lot of great shows, and met some amazing people along the way (this includes you, in case you feel left out). In order to take what we’ve gleaned and manifest it into the most ridiculously amazing virtual community out there we’ll be temporarily closing the virtual venues until later this year while we do some renovations to our digital neighborhood. Once our little "under construction" period is over, you'll notice some great improvements: you'll be able to open the virtual world with one click straight from your browser, and you'll get whole new closets, looks, and new kinds of items for your virtual you. And don't fret, vLES.com (including the blog) will be alive and kicking during the virtual world’s downtime. While we work, we also need your feedback: feel free to post any suggestions or comments you have in the forums, and check back here for updates.

Fucking finally. Chinese Democracy leaked yesterday. Now all we have to do is wait a year and we'll never ever have to hear about William Bruce Rose, Jr. (yeah, thats his real name) again. Until the "classic lineup" reunion happens, then the bitter breakup, then the reformation... ahh shit who are we kidding? Congrats fatso!

The Jews are bringing us Hanukkah six months early this year by streaming the entirety of their new album, Lookout Mountain Lookout Sea. Our favorite lyric so far: "Chicken fried pigeon in a sunny jane sauce / Satan's jeweled laughter has your wife in its claws / Like I said they say, nothing stops a party barge." What's Berman going on about? Who cares. We love it.

A little something to brighten up your Monday. Go here to learn the storied history of the Brighton Port Authority. Is it completely true? We sincerely hope so.

Is M.I.A. the new Chan Marshall? While she didn't have an onstage breakdown or Tourette's-y babble-fest at her recent pair of shows in New York, she did announce her plans to bail on all of her overseas fans. She's just plumb tuckered out. Need more justification for the cancellation? Check out the quote we lifted from NY Mag's Vulture blog below:

“It is a party. But I never became a musician because I wanted to be famous, or I’m an extrovert and stuff like that. The touring part came last. Like, I already signed a record deal, put my record out, and did everything. My first-ever time standing onstage singing was already six months into my, like, contract and stuff, which is unheard of. No one does that. But I was just really petrified. It scared the shit out of me.”

Poor Maya. :(

Hey! That Flaming Lips movie Christmas on Mars was finally screened about two weeks ago. Yeah, that's old news, but for some reason it didn't really register with me since the damn thing had at least four release dates in as many consecutive years so maybe I just don't care anymore? If you do, read this interview with Wayne Coyne. Oh wait, I just read it and now I want to see the movie once again. Thanks Wayne. PS: If you delay the DVD release I will make sure that blood you use onstage is real next time. :)

You might remember us mentioning a little something about Lou Reed's new satellite radio show, and we can only hope what he says on-air is half as good as this little exchange below. New York magazine writer Andrew Goldstein. It's a real gem:

Goldstein: Sirius' impending merger with XM is anticipated to boost earnings. Do you own any stock in the company?

Reed: What are you, a fucking asshole? I'm here telling you the truth about music and you want to know if I have stock in the fucking radio? You fucking piece of shit. What did I do to deserve that?

We got your back, Lou.