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In Memoriam: Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/7/10 @ 11:48 AM - altpress.com

Singer/songwriter Mark Linkous--best known for his work with psych-folk outfit Sparklehorse--has committed suicide, according to his publicist. A statement released Saturday by his family reads: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."

For the past decade, Linkous suffered from the lasting repercussions of an overdose. While on tour with Sparklehorse in the U.K. in 1996, a combination of Valium and antidepressants left him dead for two minutes. Although he was revived and eventually recovered, he was unconscious for 14 hours which cut off circulation to his legs. He suffered a heart attack when medics began work on him and had to undergo seven surgeries to repair his limbs.

Sparklehorse released four studio albums between 1995 and 2006, and Linkous had been working on another at the time of his death. He also was collaborating on a multimedia project called Dark Night Of The Soul with Danger Mouse and director David Lynch.

Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, family and fans of Mark Linkous.

And the winner of our Bamboozle California correspondent contest is...

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/5/10 @ 5:50 PM - altpress.com

After studying countless entertaining and informative submissions from entrants in our contest to be a guest correspondent for our coverage of Bamboozle California, the editors have finally decided on a winner.

One person has won an all-access press pass to the two-day concert slated for March 27 and 28 in Anaheim, California, and will be bringing you on-the-spot reporting for Altpress.com throughout the festival.

Congratulations to Julie Ciccarelli of California--the winner of our Bamboozle California contest. Though it was a close contest and we'd like to recognize the other two finalists: Sara Robbins of Nevada and Melissa Bobbitt of California.

There's still time to enter to be our correspondent for the Bamboozle in New Jersey. Find out how you can be the next Julie Ciccarelli here.

The Audition to unveil a song every day until new album release

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/5/10 @ 5:27 PM - altpress.com

The Audition have announced that they'll post a new song from their upcoming full-length, Great Danger, each day until the album is released on March 16. Along with each song, there will be a video commentary from the band. Check out the first song revealed, "Let Me Know," here.

Coheed And Cambria post song from Year Of The Black Rainbow

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/5/10 @ 10:54 AM - altpress.com

Coheed And Cambria are streaming a new song from their upcoming full-length, Year Of The Black Rainbow. You can listen to "Here We Are Juggernaut" here.

Lucero drummer injured in mugging, shows canceled

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/4/10 @ 10:04 PM - altpress.com

Lucero have posted a statement revealing that they will have to reschedule their shows planned for this weekend as the result of a mugging in Augusta, Georgia. Guitarist Brian Venable and drummer Roy Berry were involved in the incident that happened last week, leaving Berry with a broken jaw.

The statement says, "Due to an injury to Roy, we're sorry to announce that this weekend's shows in Jackson and Huntsville have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. While on tour last week in Augusta, Roy and Brian were mugged and Roy ended up with a broken jaw; he'll be OK and appreciates all the well wishes as he recovers."

Our best wishes go out to Berry and the band. Anyone else have a message?

Four Year Strong stream Enemy Of The World

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/4/10 @ 11:29 AM - altpress.com

Four Year Strong are streaming their upcoming full-length, Enemy Of The World, on their MySpace page. The album will be the band's third and their first since 2007's Rise Or Die Trying (not including 2009's covers album, Explains It All). Enemy Of The World drops March 9 via Decaydance and Universal Motown.