News Archive
Jimmy Chamberlin quits the Smashing Pumpkins : Posted: 21st March 2009
It has today been announced that Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has unexpectedly left the band he re-formed with Billy Corgan in 2007.
There could be a myriad of (purely speculative) reasons for the decision at this point. Health? Family? A desire to return to making music for himself? Likely also could have been the uncertain and downright embarrassing musical and commercial direction the band have found themselves in since the reunion. Corgan has pledged to continue the Smashing Pumpkins name without him, though my heart tells me this could be the beginning of the end of the beginning.
Taking place of the band's drum machine in 1988, Jimmy was arguably the most technically gifted member of the band, with his unique powerhouse drumming at the heartbeat of several extraordinary records, most notably Siamese Dream. His signature rolls and fills, and influence on the Pumpkins' sound overall will be difficult (if not impossible) to replace.
Sonic Youth announces new album : Posted: 21st February 2009
Prolific noise-makers Sonic Youth have confirmed the title and release date for their recently completed 16th(!) studio album. Due for CD, vinyl and digital download through Matador Records, the much-anticipated and aptly-named "The Eternal" LP will be available to buy from 9th June. Touring bassist Mark Ibold is down on the recording for the first time too, didn't you know.
I'll try and pen a few inconsequential thoughts on it sometime in the summer, but if it's anything like SY's recent Sonic Nurse and Rather Ripped (although it's always best not assume the expected with these guys), this should be excellent stuff indeed.
Read more about it on Matador's website.
Oboro Muramasa Youtouden : Posted: 21st February 2009
Vanillaware's action RPG Oboro Muramasa Youtouden will finally appear in Japanese shops this April. This Wii exclusive looked promising when it was looked at back in 2007, but now, it's simply astonishing - especially in motion. Director Joji hints at a Kage-influenced atmosphere, and players of Saturn's Princess Crown or Odin Sphere for PS2 should know what to expect, apparently. Visit the official website for a look at the artwork and that lovely video.
Here's hoping publisher's Xseed and Marvelous deliver on their promise of this getting a western release sometime this year.
Thunderforce VI (6) : Posted: 3rd August 2008
SEGA are to resurrect classic shooter series Thunderforce. As original developers Techno Soft were bought-out by a pachinko company some time ago now, SEGA will be in charge of development, with Tez Okada (Segagaga and Astro Boy: Omega Factor) heading up a team of shooter enthusiasts, apparently.
Curiously, Thunderforce VI will be released on the PS2, and there are no further plans at the moment to port or develop for any of the other more modern systems. Some screenshots have emerged already, but even better are the preview videos over at the official website.
Hopefully this one can follow in the footsteps of other classic-to-3D-updates such as Irem's R-Type Final and Treasure's Gradius V.
FireNES - Firefox add-on : Posted: 12th June 2008
Fashionably late as always with this one. The world's best web browser now has the world's most brilliant plug-in - FireNES. With it you can have over 2500 NES and Famicom games at your disposal, without the need to download any emulator or ROM's. There's not really much else to say. Each game comes with a few options, and that's it. Download FireNES right now and have fun! Remember when games were this immediate and enjoyable?! And they don't cost £3 a pop to play either.
