Some friends of mine considered calling their kid Rocktober but alas they didn’t. But I digress. October has been a rocking month. I saw some great bands at CMJ, spending most of my time at Union Pool (because it’s close by and I’m lazy). La Société Expéditionnaire showcase last Wednesday was wonderful. There’s nothing I like more than sitting on a barstool in a cozy venue listening to people with lovely voices playing guitar. Check out all the artists on this label because they’re on to a good thing. I finally fixed the ancient turntable I bought for $40 thinking it was a great deal (after a new cartridge, belt and stylus, turns out it wasn’t!) which meant I could buy vinyl after the show. Oh the joy!

I also really enjoyed Chris Mills on Friday – I only caught the end of his set but Signal/Noise, his last song, was fantastic and made me an immediate fan.

On another note, check out this Bat for Lashes vid, it’s funny:

Ok, I know this is slightly off topic but is it just me or does this cloud not bear a striking resemblance to Lyle Lovett? Thanks to Jesse for the photo!

Radiohead are letting their fans decide how much to pay to download their new album In Rainbows. When you order the download it gives you the option to fill in the amount saying “It’s up to you” and then “No really, it’s up to you.” Is this the future of the music industry – trusting loyal fans to pony up the bucks for the work that they value and love, circumventing the bureaucracy and dishonesty of the music industry? Would this work with films? Are people willing to pay for stuff they believe in? I would really like to believe that the answer is yes.

There is more on the threat this could be posing to the music industry in The Guardian.