Around The Blogs: New CNY Shows, Phantogram's Album and Upcoming Releases to Read About

Despite the disappointment surrounding rumors of Kid Cudi falling through, there has been a surprisingly high amount of good shows announced around CNY in recent weeks.  Acts coming through in April/May now include Sleigh Bells, The Hold Steady, Matt & Kim and a triple-bill of Passion Pit, Dirty Projectors and Dan Deacon.  This is all before you include the Flaming Lips at Cornell (on sale to the general public 2/18) and whoever SU eventually brings to campus this spring.

+ Speaking of Cornell, their programming board is running an open suggestion box for acts and they have a history of leaning towards the indie crowd (in the past 5-6 years they've had The Decemberists, OK Go, Girl Talk, Ra Ra Riot, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Strokes among others). Send in some suggestions and plan on taking the roughly one-hour drive.  If you need some acts to get you started, I mean, Phantogram officially released their album to rave reviews last week.

+ A couple quick good, legal downloads to note this week. First, Graham Wright of Tokyo Police Club is still offering his side project album entitled NOVELS for free on the official web site (all you need to do is then promise to pass the music along to someone... even Abe Lincoln). Second, Kid Cudi is set to star in an upcoming HBO series and there's an official mixtape to celebrate the launch. 

+ Finally, a few quick things to tide you over until the next big interview, concert coverage or podcast here on the Otto-Tune blog.

1) Make your own music online with this cool synth interactive site. 

2) Read about Snooki interviewing Phoenix.

3) Read up on the upcoming releases from Ra Ra Riot or The Strokes.