Countdown to Battle #4: The alternative bands

The eight bands sharing the stage Saturday for Sun Valley Jams' Battle of the Bands #4 can be divided into two distinct categories: Four of them can be grouped generally as alternative-rock bands who perform mostly original material, and four of them are predominantly cover bands.

Here's a sampling of the four alternative bands. We'll complete the roundup in a day or two with a post featuring the four cover bands.

Here's The Faded Truth with a cut from its EP, This is My Life, released in February:

Cassette tape belt buckle

Before digital downloads came along, before anyone knew what a CD was, back when we needed something portable that was more rugged and sounded better than an eight-track cartridge, we had cassette tapes.

That was a long time ago. If you were around in the day, you can now wear your heritage proud with this cassette-shaped belt buckle.

This buckle is about 4 inches by 2 inches and sells for $14.95 at The Belt Buckle Shop. Like most of the 700 belt buckles sold by the Texas-based Internet retailer, this one is made of pewter and won't rust or tarnish.

The Belt Buckle Shop has a tool on its website that allows you to customize a belt buckle with your own photo or text.

The retailer does offer quantity discounts. Shipping is free for orders of more than $50.

Countdown to Battle #4: Who Killed Kenny

Who Killed Kenny, a cover band out of Fenton, is a late addition to the Battle #4 lineup.

The band is named after a recurring gag in the long-running Comedy Central cartoon South Park. Members include rhythm guitarist Tim Boze, keyboard player Mandy Densmore, bass player Dan O'Connell, lead guitarist Steve Poelker and drummer Mick Harris.

Beau Diamond releases album preview

Beau Diamond, who performed last month at Sun Valley Jams' Battle of the Bands #3, has released the first track from his upcoming album.

The High Ridge singer-songwriter has posted "The Blushing Horizon" at Bandcamp with open pricing. The track is a preview of Diamond's upcoming album, Keepin' Busy, which should be out in a few days.

Diamond also has dropped the three-track Live @ Picasso's, recorded at an open-mic appearance a couple of weeks ago.

Here's the new track:

Mackie Thump Series powered speakers

Cascio Interstate Music is offering mail-in rebates this month on the Mackie Thump Series of powered loudspeakers.

The Mackie Thump Series is commonly used in stage and studio setups. These speakers deliver powerful sound in a compact, portable design.

Rebates offered:

* $100 on the Thump Series TH-18S 18-inch subwoofer, which retails for $699.99.


* $50 on the Thump Series TH-15 15-inch speaker, which sells for $349.99.

* $25 on the TH-12 12-inch, which goes for $299.99.

The prices of these speakers appear to be tightly controlled, so there isn't much variance from one retailer to the next. The mail-in rebates represent the best value you're going to find for these.

Cascio has been a landmark music retailer and wholesaler in Milwaukee for nearly 70 years. It expanded into mail-order retailing in 1970 and has been selling gear online since 2000. Interstatemusic.com offers live chat in case you have any questions. Cascio does take phone orders. Shipping for most items ordered online -- including the Mackie Thump speakers -- is free.