"D.I.Y. OR DIE" Movie Available As Free Download

Michael Dean's remarkable documentary D.I.Y. OR DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist is being released as a series of free downloads on Zune.net and through the Zune Marketplace.

From the press release:

Microsoft's Zune Marketplace has just launched and Zune.net launches the week of November 19th. Both are showcasing the documentary film "D.I.Y. OR DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist" as top-four picks. Director Michael W. Dean is giving away the entire film as eight episodic chapters over eight weeks' time, one per week as free video downloads, in the "podcasts" section of Zune Marketplace and Zune.net.

The film is encoded in high quality (30 fps, 900 kbps MP4 files, 640 x 480 size, with 128-bit stereo audio, and no digital rights management or copy protection). It looks great on a Zune and other portable media devices, and damn good full screen on a computer. The entire film will stay online until at least April 2008.

Seven extras from the DVD (including interviews with Ian MacKaye, Steve Albini, and Lydia Lunch) will also be available for free download, one per week, after the final chapter of the film posts.

FILM DESCRIPTION:This film is a celebration of the artistic underdog! FEATURING interviews and performances from: Lydia Lunch, Ian MacKaye (Fugazi), J Mascis (Dinosaur jr.), Jim Rose (Jim Rose Sideshow), J.G. Thirlwell (Foetus), Mike Watt (Minutemen), Richard Kern (Filmmaker), Ron Asheton (Stooges), Madigan Shive (Bonfire Madigan), Dave Brockie (Gwar), Craig Newmark (founder Craig's List) and more.

Director Michael W. Dean says, "People keep asking me, ‘Why are you posting the whole film when it's still selling on DVD? Are you CRAZY?'" Dean's reply, in part: "It's my gift to the world. People write me every day and tell me the film got them off their ass. I made the film to spread a message, not make money. And somehow, it still made money. That's how I do things - it's how I pay my rent to the Universe."

Dean's full explanation of his reasoning for this giveaway: http://tinyurl.com/39u6ur

"Free" is our favorite price, so this is a hot deal as far as we're concerned.

Dinosaur Jr - "Been There All The Time" mp3

album review: Dinosaur Jr - Beyond

Dinosaur Jr - Beyond

With their first original-lineup album since 1989, Dinosaur Jr has released one of the best rock records of the year...an amazing feat considering the album sounds like it was recorded in the late 80's...and I mean that in a good way.

Beyond is full of hooky and heavy-fuzzy J. Mascis guitar work, hinting only occasionally at the stylistic progression of his pre-reunion solo work. A couple of the tracks sounded so familiar on my initial listen that I could almost swear they were songs from Bug, but sure enough, they are brand-spankin' new. Lyrically, only God knows what Mascis is singing about, but it all sounds cool.

There are a couple of Lou Barlow songs here, which are thankfully very un-Sebadoh. The entire record has a very-warm, non Pro-Toolsy feel to it, further making the album sound like a natural successor to Dino Jr's late 80's farewell. And check out that album cover above...totally SST, right? This one, however, is on Fat Possum.

For old-school fans of the band, Beyond is manna from heaven. Young whippersnappers who stumble across this album are going to think they've discovered the next big thing. Beyond hits stores May 1.

Dinosaur Jr - "Almost Ready" mp3 buy

extrawack! March Bakers Dozen Downloads

I almost let March slide by without posting our monthly windfall of totally legal and usually super-hip mp3 downloads. Have at 'em:

CocoRosie - "Rainbowarriors" mp3 buy

Celestial - "Dream On" mp3 buy

Dinosaur Jr. - "Almost Ready" mp3 buy

Dappled Cities - "Fire, Fire, Fire (DFA Remix)" mp3 buy

Kaiser Chiefs - "Ruby" mp3 buy

YACHT - "See A Penny (Pick It Up)" mp3 buy

Fair to Midland - "Vice Versa" mp3

Chromeo - "Tenderoni" mp3

The Scourge Of The Sea - "Smitten Kitten" mp3

The Safes - "Bliss This Instance" mp3

The Mother Hips - "Time-Sick Son Of A Grizzly Bear" mp3 buy

Roger Waters - "Hello (I Love You)" (from The Last Mimzy Soundtrack) mp3 buy

Central Services - "4 Letter Word" mp3 buy

As always, thanks much to the labels and music pimps for making these available.