Pitchfork

Here at Pitchfork World Headquarters, we love hearing from long lost friends (note: as long as they're not, you know, telling us about their shitty band's new record), especially when they're part of the DeSoto Records crew.

So, because DS head woman (and former Jawbox bassist) Kim Coletta was kind enough to take some time out of her busy day and prepare a massive update about DeSoto's latest rumblings-- including a new children's compilation, Jawbox reissues, a split from the Life and Times, Channels' debut, and more-- we thought we'd pay that kindness forward.

So, yes, another kiddie comp is near ready to hit the market-- and this one doesn't exactly feature the usual children's music suspects. Titled Play, the compilation collects new kid's tunes crafted at Coletta's behest by Soccer Team (Beauty Pill's Ryan Nelson and DeSoto's Melissa Quinley), Supersuckers, Mudhoney, Mary Timony, Georgie James (former Q and Not U drummer John Davis and Laura Burhenn), Channels with Damon Locks, the Cassettes, Ben Davis, Mirah with Tara Jane O'Neil, Sgt. Major, Mock Orange, Visqueen, Anna Oxygen, and Fresh Young Fellows. Yep, all of these people could kick Raffi’s ass. The recording will be available this fall through DeSoto's mailorder and as a digital download (the latter comes with a downloadable DIY booklet).

Next up, Jawbox reissues, and a two for one special at that! We love good deals! DeSoto will make a pair of out-of-print major label Jawbox releases-- For Your Own Special Sweetheart (1994) and Jawbox (1996)-- available again soon through iTunes and other music download stores, with the label providing downloadable booklets on their website.

The Life and Times (featuring former Shiner frontman Allen Epley) have been busy as well, with a new split CD/10" with Barcelona's Nueva Vulcano now available through their website and at select retail stores in Spain. In addition, the Life and Times will release a five-track EP, The Magician, for Stiff Slack Records later this month in both the U.S. and Japan.

Edie Sedgwick (not the dead, female one, but the living, male, Supersystem-member one) is currently "in drug rehab at an undisclosed location," which we'll assume is just a cute way of saying "preparing his next album."

Recent Flameshovel signees Maritime-- whose debut, Glass Floors, came out on DeSoto in 2004-- have released a new disc, We, the Vehicles. We, the Pitchfork, enjoyed it.

Ex-Burning Airlines dude J. Robbins' new band Channels released their full-length debut, Waiting for the Next End of the World, via Dischord on August 29.

Doris Henson are working on the new record. Still. But it's kinda sorta almost finished.

Finally, Soccer Team brought "Volunteered" Civility & Professionalism, their first full-length, into the world on August 29 via Dischord.

Long live DeSoto!