While it’s tempting to comment on just how much of his voice he’s lost, we’d rather trumpet the fact that Roger Daltrey is embarking on his first solo tour since 1985, starting October 10 in Vancouver. He’ll be playing Who songs and other covers in addition to material from his own records. “I want to give people a good night out,” says Daltrey. “The economic situation being what it is these days, I think that’s what they want: to go out and feel they’ve had a good jolly-up.” Tally-ho, chap … Sufjan Stevens has been added to the bill at All Tomorrow’s Parties New York, slated for September 11-13 at Kutsher’s Country Club in Monticello. Curated by the Flaming Lips, the festival will also feature the Jesus Lizard, Iron And Wine, Suicide, the Dirty Three and the Feelies (performing Crazy Rhythms) … French pop stars and SNL vets Phoenix (pictured) kick off a North American tour September 13 at Denver’s Red Rocks. The band is supporting the fine Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Loyaute/Glassnote), released earlier this year … Damon And Naomi are embarking on a tour of their own, playing shows in England September 3 and 4 and North American dates starting September 17 in Montreal. A Hack And A Hacksaw supports the latter jaunt … Nada Surf, Andrew Bird and Martha Wainwright are among the artists on Songs From The Point! (Amano, October 17), a tribute to Harry Nilsson’s 1971 cult-classic film and soundtrack. In its original incarnation, The Point! was an animated TV movie that we’re guessing not a lot of you have heard of, let alone seen … DJ Shadow has announced the relaunch of his website. We didn’t know it was down or otherwise unworthy of surfing, but the new version promises exclusive releases and downloads aplenty … Harper Simon is releasing his self-titled debut October 13 on Vagrant/Tulsi. We know you don’t know who Simon is, but you know his father: Paul Simon … Instrumental quartet Pelican is finishing its fourth LP, What We All Come To Need (Southern Lord). Says guitarist Laurent Lebec, “This new album speaks to a rapidly decaying world, the fulfillment we find in each other, as well as the resolve to move beyond disillusionment.” A feel-good record, in other words … As if playing in a band called Chickenfoot wasn’t embarrassing enough, drummer Chad Smith has a new combo, Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats, releasing its debut, Meet The Meatbats (Warrior), September 15. Sample song titles: “Need Strange” and “Oops! I Spilled My Beer.” If the Red Hot Chili Peppers have any legacy to ruin, Smith’s well on his way to doing so … Aerosmith continues its descent from hard-rock icon to embarrassment, as “You Gotta Move” has been selected the official theme song of World Wrestling Entertainment’s SummerSlam, a pay-per-view event airing August 23. Dream on if you don’t find these guys lame.
