Sublabel of Blast First, Blast First Petite (official website here; also on MySpace Music) is doing something freaking INCREDIBLE to commemorate Alan Vega’s 70th birthday, vocalist of Suicide (which he formed with keyboardist Martin Rev). Suicide happens one of the greatest bands ever and probably the most influential band to not be regarded with the same admiration by the public as of the bands they influenced, which include such a diverse array as The Cars, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Sisters of Mercy, U2, R.E.M., New Order, Soft Cell, MGMT (a band they did a show with recently), and The Kills. It is tough to pigeon-hole this group with a genre, though they have been frequently placed in the proto-punk, electronic, and no wave genres.

Blast First Petite is going to be releasing a limited edition EP monthly featuring artists covering Suicide songs, as well as live and demo Suicide rarities. Artists featured thus far are Bruce Springsteen, The Horrors, Peaches, and Primal Scream, and upcoming covers by Lydia Lunch, Sun 0))), The Klaxons, Julian Cope, Grinderman (Nick Cave!!), and more (this article even mentions that Amy Winehouse had an interest in participating!). As if that weren’t enough, they’ve also released a Suicide 6-CD 1977-1978 Live Boxset, of which I’ve heard only a little so far, but is is really something to reckon with, though not exactly for those new to this band.

For those who are interested in checking out Suicide, they have albums available to stream over Last.fm at these respective links:
Suicide (1st Album) - Suicide
Suicide (2nd Album) - Suicide
A Way of Life - Suicide

I’m also in the midst of checking out other bands affiliated with the Blast First Petite label, and suggest you get over to MySpace Music and listen to HTRK, particularly their dark + groovy “Ha” and also Suicide cover “Sweetheart”.