Pitchfork

We love our new book so much, we're throwing not one but two parties for it. As you know, last week, Simon & Schuster imprint Fireside Books published The Pitchfork 500: Our Guide to the Greatest Songs from Punk to the Present. As you also know, we're having a little bash in Chicago tomorrow night to celebrate it.

Then, next Wednesday, November 26, we'll bring the festivities to Brooklyn. Dance and bowl (yes, bowl) to selections from The Pitchfork 500 at The Gutter Bar, located at 200 N. 14th St. (between Wythe and Berry) in Williamsburg. We'll be there from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with copies of the book for sale. No cover charge!

Remember, tomorrow, November 18, we'll be getting down here in Chicago at Sonotheque, located at 1444 W. Chicago Ave. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Pitchfork publisher/chief operating officer Chris Kaskie, editor-in-chief Scott Plagenhoef, and managing editor Mark Richardson (aka CMS Soundsystem) will spin Pitchfork 500 songs. Once again, we'll have copies of the book available, and there's no cover charge. Come on out!

Oh and in case you aren't familiar with the book yet, here's the rundown: This handy paperback chronologically explores Pitchfork's 500 favorite songs from 1977-2006, constructing an alternate history of the past three decades of popular music-- one that extends beyond the typical Baby Boomer-approved canon of the Clash, Prince, Public Enemy, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Outkast.

From art-rock and proto-punk godfathers such as Brian Eno, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie to today's leading lights such as the Arcade Fire, the White Stripes, and Kanye West; from superstars to cult heroes; and from punk, indie, and pop to hip-hop, electronic music, and metal, we've created the ultimate playlist. Interspersed throughout are sidebars on the most vital subgenres from electro to grime to riot grrrl, along with pieces like "Career Killers: The Songs That Ended It All" and "Runaway Trainwrecks: The Post-Grunge Nadir."

Edited by Pitchfork founder/president Ryan Schreiber and editor-in-chief Scott Plagenhoef, and written by an all-star team of contributors, The Pitchfork 500 is the perfect book for the train ride to work, a cozy winter's night by the fireside, or extended stays on the toilet. And it sure would make for a nice holiday gift, hint hint.

The book is available in your friendly neighborhood bookstore right now. Or you can order it via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Insound, Powells, or Simon & Schuster.

For a complete rundown of these and future events, head over to www.thepitchfork500.com.