The Commercial Appeal of Memphis:

Pop hitmaker, cult hero, and Memphis rock iconoclast Alex Chilton has died.

The singer and guitarist, best known as a member of ’60s pop-soul act the Box Tops and the ’70s power-pop act Big Star, died today at a hospital in New Orleans. Chilton, 59, had been complaining of about his health earlier today. He was taken by paramedics to the emergency room where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack. [more]

Blogging about music “just for fun” is, as it turns out, not particularly easy. Sure it starts out that way, but something happens while you’re busy writing and uploading mp3s. Pageviews grow, pressures mount and the next thing you know you’re shilling concert tickets, securing photo passes and every music publicist under the sun is facebook-friending and trying to slip you an artist they’re working with. Believe it, man. Clell Tickle is out there, he’s your new best friend and he’d love your mention. As such, this week’s announcement that the doors have closed over at our buddies The Scenestar poses two very real problems: (1) one less voice to offer an alternative to the filthy Tribunes of the world, (2) this will inevitably just make the rest of our inboxes that much more stuffed. Fact of the matter is that when one music blog shuts its doors, we all lose. Good luck to Oscar and the entire gang; sorry to see you go. We’ll be interested to see what 2009 brings.

In no particular order below are a few local (Los Angeles-based) music-centric blogs that I enjoy, if you haven’t already found them. Each has its merits and specialties. Feel free to add your own blog or any you feel I’ve forgotten to the comment section.
»continue reading TheScenestar.com Throws In Digital Towel

Scandinavian automotive news rocks the Westside late today: Saab of Santa Monica, one of just three remaining Saab dealerships in LA County, is fated to be shuttered forever on February 1, 2008, having been taken over by a Cadillac dealership. Their website has already been taken offline.

I remain ambivalent on the news of their imminent demise. While I won’t miss the ridiculous markups on their parts and service, there was something about their unassuming presence on Santa Monica Blvd., their always-full pot of burnt profoundly terrible coffee and “complementary” off-site car washes that made the shop an enjoyable, if quirky destination.

There are few reasons I can in good conscience direct anyone to visit Sherman Oaks–no, not even the new ArcLight–but in there in Sherman Oaks remains one of two Greater Los Angeles area Saab dealerships. CORRECTION: The other is down in the South Bay in Torrance in Pasadena. [Thanks commenters, you're my fact-checking cuz.]

Better yet, orphaned Swedish motorcar enthusiasts in need of service would do well to find a good independent shop. I recommend Viking Motors on Pico, freeway convenient and walking distance from Joker.

Fun fact: Kurt Vonnegut managed Saab of Cape Cod. He was not able to name it “Cape Cod Saab” as he desired as Saab corporate HQ mandates the “Saab” must come first in the official business name. (Note that precise transposition typo in the header of the enclosed letter.)

May your offset printing be further offset by a Schuylkill River of soju and sake.
Your wisdom will be missed.