Our longtime ‘across-the-pond’ buddies, Punktastic.com have just released their first compilation. All of the handy info is below. If you’re unfamiliar with Punktastic, they’re kinda like the UK version of absolutepunk.net, but without the excessive hyperbole.

The new 16-track compilation from Punktastic Recordings, ‘Un-Scene’, is now available. The CD features unreleased or brand new tracks from 15 of the UK’s very best bands. My Awesome Compilation, Sonic Boom Six, Not Katies, Stories and Comets and Appease are just a few of the bands that feature on the CD. It

is available for £6 or $12 (US) postage paid and each order comes with free badges and stickers. You can order the CD through Paypal, as well as find out more details about the CD and the label, at punktasticrecordings.com. You can stream three songs at this location.

- Good luck with the release guys!

According to Fat Wreck (via punknews.org), NOFX will be the scheduled band to perform on Conan, on August 10th, the same day that “Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2″ is released. This brings new meaning to the phrase, “must see TV.

To the cynical, defeated music fan, it’s pretty easy to clarify CHRISTIANSEN as a band that just won’t let go of their AT THE DRIVE-IN influence. After all, with out the aforementioned being an active band anymore, why not fill in the void they’ve left open? But CHRISTIANSEN, in consideration of their second full-length, and [...]

I spotted this quote from Brett Gurewitz in the July issue of Rocksound:

“”People don’t bat an eyelash paying $3.99 for a latte in Starbucks, but they think that 99 cents is too much for a song. A latte cannot enrich your life.”"

I received my copy of HEAD AUTOMATIC’s “”Decadence”" today, and it’s just been one non-stop dance party here at Pastepunk HQ! If some of these songs don’t catch on at clubs across the nation (and the world?), it will be quite an injustice. If you do any kind of DJ’ing whatsoever, you best be paying attention! Anyway, the first single from the release is “”Brooklyn Is Burning,”" and you can check the video for it at the link below.

video: HEAD AUTOMATIC – Brooklyn Is Burning (WMV)

- When does the Daryl Palumbo fan club get under way?!?

It’s a great thing now that so many labels are promoting their bands by putting up entire releases for streaming, but it’s an even better thing when said releases are absolutely incredible. That would be the case with PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS’ brand new spanker, “”Up In Them Guts.”" The disc was released yesterday, July 27th, on No Idea Records. Check out the band’s pureVOLUME site for a near-discography ranging set of tunes, and additionally, the link for the ecard, where you can play all of “”Up in Them Guts”" in a handy, dandy player. I sense an easy purchasing decision coming on…

music: purevolume.com/planesmistakenforstars

ecard: pmfs.net/ecard

I saw this posted on an email list I subscribe to. It’s a long article about the ugly situation of a record store owner caught up in copyright infringement charges due to some DJ mix-cds he purchased from a manufacturer. Setting the legal issues aside for a moment, this piece is a fascinating read soley on the human element involved.

Alan and Andy Berry, owners of Berry’s Music stores, saw their nine-month legal nightmare end June 22 in a plea bargain. What was initially 13 felony counts of copyright infringement, leveled by the Recording Industry Association of America, was finally reduced to a single misdemeanor (and a hefty fine). But the real punishment was meted out months ago: Alan Berry lost his livelihood, lost the business he loved and nurtured for 13 years, may yet lose his house. And the crime for which he’s paid this price? Selling DJ mix-CDs.

link: Busted for selling Mix CDs

Sure, the headline is unnecessary, but come on – you know you’ve thought the same…

Check out the latest video from Sweden’s SAHARA HOTNIGHTS, featuring the first single from their new album, “”Kiss & Tell.”" It’s pretty much just like the THE DONNAS video for “”Take it Off,”" but set in some kind of foreign circus tent. Strange, indeed.

SAHARA HOTNIGHTS – Hot Night Crash