Pine Valley Cosmonauts

Diane Izzo, a unique contributor to Chicago's rich musical community, passed away on February 25th at the age of 43 after a lengthy illness.

Diane contributed her haunting and fearless vocal talents to the Pine Valley Cosmonauts "Executioner Last Songs" albums.  On Volumes Two & Three, she boldly tackled "Strange Fruit" and on Volume One, her husky version of the harrowing "Oh Death" now takes on added poignancy.

I hold dear the distinct memory her performing this song at the album's release show at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.  The crowd was breathless through the performance, as if any movement or sound would tear the thread of the incredible shared moment between audience and performer.

Read THIS Chicago Reader post about her career and hear the song.

All of us at Bloodshot join those mourning her passing.

Rob

Bloodshot Records

Hey folks! Here's your belated Bloodshot digest for Wednesday, May 13:

• Mark yr calendars! Jon Langford and his Pine Valley Cosmonauts return to The Hideout on June 11 to perform the Executioner's Last Songs. The show is a fundraiser for Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and will feature raffle prizes and very special guests. Buy tix now! This event often sells out.

• Justin Townes Earle visited the venerable public radio station WNYC this week to play live for the station's Soundcheck program. Missed it? Behold! The Internet lets you relive the past: Listen to it here.
  

• Reminder: our friends at No Depression are hosting a live chat with Justin Townes Earle this Sunday at 2pm PST: Here's how to get involved.
  

• Best quote yet from the Ha Ha Tonka Tour: "Kings of Leon, beware: your midwestern pootie's getting shoplifted." The Wayward Blog reviews Ha Ha Tonka's KC show.

• Americanaroots.com has an interview with Wayne "The Train" Hancock. He's still touring like mad behind the release of his latest, Viper of Melody. You can check out when he's coming to your town here.

Recording will commence November '08 for the new PVC record. For this go 'round, PVC will be backing the considerable talents of the Rockabilly Filly Rosie Flores. If you saw them play together at '08's American Music Festival at Fitzgerald's (expecially that version of the Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant" you know we're all in for a treat.