No Graves in the Future for Pretty Girls

Pretty Girls Make Graves are currently in Los Angeles, California getting ready for the big day tomorrow. On Tueday April 11th, the band will be hangin' out on Sunset Blvd. to promote the release of their new album "Elan Vital" at Amoeba Music. Even if you can't make it down to LA to see the band and pickup the album there we should all still have an opportunity to see the event through Derek Fudesco's eyes as he takes some pictures throughout the day. Check out his photo album of big day and other dates on his blog. Have a listen to some of the tracks off the new album from their MySpace site. The "Elan Vital" tour starts up on April 26th at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR. Still no stops have been annouced for Canada during this North America trip... Canadian's will continue to cross their toes. :: more ::

There will be a name change for Jack White's (from the White Stripes) new band The Raconteurs in Australia. Because of legal issues with another band with the same name, The Raconteurs will be known as The Saboteurs in the land down under. :: more :: Mark your calendar with a big circle around January 2007, maybe even preparing to more that circle onto February later. Ever rising star Feist has plans to release her next studio album early next year, hopefully in the January timeframe. Following up her amazing last album "Let It Die" Feist fans have been keeping their ears and eyes wide open for news like this. She is keeping us from total withdrawal by releasing a remix album entitled Open Season in a couple of weeks. :: more ::

Neko Case has been making headlines around North America as she continues her tour in support of her latest album "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood". One thing you can expect from Neko Case is that her songs are not a joke and she isn't a joke artist... take her serious and get to know her as Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal sits down with her to discuss a think or two, including her thoughts on Feist. :: more ::

Elan Vital, the new album by Pretty Girls Make Graves which reaches store shelves tomorrow has much to be praised about. The third album by the Seattle group takes some risks with their instruments, which paid off in many ways, but the end result is that listeners will be hitting the play repeat button more often then not. Don't just take our word for it, get a second opinion and to help you along here are some additional reviews of the album by other sources. :: Jamil Ahmad, musicOMH.com :: Matt Schild, Aversion :: Stephen Thompson, Online Scene :: Fred Mills, Harp Magazine

Wicked New Release

Los Angeles duo Giant Drag have released their debut album Hearts And Unicorns. This time around the album will contain a live cover of "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaac. As mentioned previously, Giant Dragis about to hit the road with Pretty Girls Make Graves on a cross county tour of the United States. Have a listen to the track here, courtesy of Music Remendy. :: Giant Drag - Wicked Game (Real Medium) :: Giant Drag - Wicked Game (Windows Media Medium). Sam Roberts next album entitled "Chemical City" will be on store shelves as of April 11th, however your one of those fans that would love to have an autographed cd Maple Music has 300 copies of the album available on a first come first gets basis. :: here ::

A Shock to the New Muse Album

• Muse has announced that their much anticipated new album will be released worldwide on July 3rd, while those in North America will have to wait a little longer. Drummer Dominic Howard has been quoted as saying that "the diversity of the album and some of the directions we've discovered and gone for might shock (our fans) in some way".
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• Sub Pop artist The Shins were originally expecting to get their third album on the record store shelves this summer. However, the timeline for release has now changed for the yet to be titled album. You can hopefully see signs of it in October 2006.
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• Seattle's own Pretty Girls Make Graves will be hitting the road starting April 26th in Portland, Oregon to begin promoting their new album "Elan Vital". It will be available starting April 11th (April 3rd for those in Europe). Giant Drag and various other guests will be supporting the quintet across the United States. There has yet to be an announcement if they will make a trip north of the boarder to Canada on the same tour. Their first single off the album called "The Nocturnal House" can be heard on the Matador Records website - :: here ::