Origivation sits down with Battles to discuss the dangers of labeling, Hideki Matsui, friends and enemies and exactly how to approach Bjork. The Oi! Fest comes to Allentown and is well documented by our own Stephanie Weaver who gives us all a lesson in what it’s like to be punk rock in 2008. And speaking of punk—and the philosophy and origins therein—Mission of Burma chats with the big O before their show on the 27th. Dominic Nicosia is once transformed by the miracle of Swervedriver in New York and Kevin Walker drops by Cambridge Sound Studios to give budding musicians a taste of what they can get if they sign on to do a few sessions. In a local spotlight with North Jersey’s Sunburst Carrier, we are reminded of just how hard it is to find that magic collaborative spark that makes for a tasty musical recipe. The July issue is packed with all these features and so much more. It’s a veritable goodie bag of rock and roll fun. All you have to do is stick your hand in there and pick something good. Enjoy this month’s little foray into musical analysis. See you in thirty days.

Well it appears that after 232 years, the city of Philadelphia, the birthplace of our independence, is finally ready to let the British back in. Who better to serve as the UK’s chief emissary than former Smiths bass player, Andy Rourke? The icon and all-around bass phenom will be doing a two-hour DJ spot at the Khyber and spreading all sorts of rock and roll and electronica diplomacy throughout the land. Across town the punk rock flea market will be in full swing on Saturday, June 28th. Sporting a plethora punk pearls and prizes, the even will be held at the Starlight Ballroom and is not to be missed. On June 27, at The Marvelous in West Philadelphia, Big Ocean will be performing with Charles Cohen and Chubby Behemoth as ticket mates. Charles Cohen is one of a handful of people in the world that have mastered the buchla music easel, a distinction which of which we get a closer glimpse in a youtube documentary about the artist. It is indeed something to be seen in person, so go on down to the Marvelous and get an earful of the sound. That’s all for now, my faithful Origivators. Keep supporting original music.