If you've failed to check out The Alternative to Love, the new Brendan Benson album, there is no better time than now. Starting in July he will return from a slew of UK shows and play more North American dates.
Mates of State are one of those bands that we just assume are on tour. Turns out that 90% of the time, they are. This time is no different. Check the the more for dates.
In support of Body of Song (due July 26th), Bob Mould will be playing the UK and North America. Expect more dates to follow but the full band lineup style should be something worth catching.
This is her absolute last chance. This is it. Liz Phair will be releasing Somebody's Miracle on October 4th via Capitol Records. The album is supposedly less "produced" and "pop" than the previous one (how could it be more?) but it's entirely possible that it may seal her entry into the Indie Rock Hall of Legitimate Artists.
It has been reported that Cursive will be returning to the studio soon to record the followup to The Ugly Organ. Expect the release in early 2006 via Saddle Creek. In the meantime, don't forget about that b-side compilation coming out in August.
Remember the debut release from Franz Ferdinand was just a self-titled release? Rumor is that the second release will also be entitled Franz Ferdinand and every album there after will also be entitled Franz Ferdinand. Turns out the band will just change the color scheme on their debut's artwork and go from there. Read what Alex Kapranos had to say about the whole concept....
The upcoming Death Cab for Cutie release, Plans, will hit shelves on August 30th and will contain 11 tracks. It is suspected that "Soul Meets Body" will be the first single.
According to their blog, TV On The Radio have a tracklisting for their forthcoming sophomore LP. There's no album title as of yet but we can tell you to expect 11 tracks to make the cut.
Hard Fi have announced that they will release an EP via Necessary Records on July 12th. Head to the downloads to check out the video for "Cash Machine" off of the upcoming EP with the same title which will also feature an awesome rendition of the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army". Then go see them on tour.
Nine Black Alps are a UK-based foursome whose frenzied guitar sound is currently lighting up the music scene across the pond. And now they're set to embark on their first American tour in support of their debut self-titled EP, out on Tiny Evil Records on July 12th. Dates below:
If the new "Mr. Ambulance Driver" track wasn't enough to satisfy your love of new Flaming Lips material maybe you can make due with the forthcoming DVD video compilation due August 23rd. VOID (Video Overview in Declaration) will feature a few older tracks but mostly the newer material like "Do You Realize?" Expect some sneak peeks at the forthcoming At War With The Mystics album and commentary as well.
Gang of Four will release Whitey's Gift on September 20th via V2 Records. The 14 tracks feature new versions of old tracks and will be accompanied by a bonus disc of remixes by the likes of Hot Hot Heat, Dandy Warhols, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Ladytron.
Remember when we told you the tracklisting for the upcoming Dandy Warhols album Odditorium or Warlords of Mars album? Turns out they've modified it since then and now have a tenative release date of September 13th via Capitol.
Flower Booking is pleased to announce Flower15, a six-night showcase and fundraiser to take place November 8th through the 13th at the Metro in Chicago. The event - a celebration of 15 years of independent success - will feature appearances by Local H, Isis, Ted Leo/Pharmacists, Jimmy Eat World, and a reunion by The Promise Ring with many more artists and band reunions to be announced.
We previously mentioned that the Flaming Lips will relase a new song entitled "Mr. Ambulance Driver" on the Wedding Crashers Soundtrack, but now we also know that the soundtrack will feature songs from Jimmy Eat World, Bloc Party, The Weakerthans, Rilo Kiley and more. Check below for the full list.
The Cherry Valence will release their 3rd full length, entitled TCV3, on Bifocal Media July 28th. The band now features two new members (Paul and Cheetie left to form "Birds of Avalon"), Eric from Dragstrip Syndicate and Charles from the Weather. If you are in or about Raleigh, head over to Kings on July 8th for a CD release party and be sure and check the Bifocal site for some song samples.
CKY have announced details regarding their first major North American tour in 2 years. Sponsored by Adio Footwear, the Rock Adio Tour will kick off August 8th at Soma in San Digeo, and will also include Fireball Ministry and The Knives. CKY's new album, An Ånswer Can Be Found, will hit stores tomorrow (June 28th).
Battles have wrapped up a successful tour of the US, Europe and Japan supporting Prefuse 73, and now are playing festivals throughout Europe for the remainder of the summer. They'll begin working on a new record at the end of the summer, then off to play The Mars Volta curated "All Tomorrow's Parties" festival in December in England.
It's that time again kiddies. Glastonbury 2005 is underway in a soggy English field, and the webcasts are set up again. Confirmed artists that will be available for viewing include Bloc Party, Doves, New Order, Futureheads, The La's, Garbage and Basement Jaxx. Get on the website to get access. I know what I'll be doing this weekend!
You can check out the new Hot Hot Heat video for "Middle of Nowhere" right here.
