Lucero frontman Ben Nichols recently spoke to Unlikely Words about their new full length for Universal/Republic. Regarding the album, he had this to say:

New album should be out in October of 2009. On this new one we had a lot of help from producer Ted Hutt. He did the last Gaslight Anthem record. He really pushed me songwriting wise. It was cool having somebody that involved in the whole process.

He also commented on the “Sailors and Soldiers” theme of the record:

The ocean and ships are romantic. Maybe especially so because there aren’t either anywhere near Memphis. The army songs are mainly inspired by my grandfather who served in an infantry unit in Europe in WWII. But since then I’ve met a lot of guys in the service and some of them have worked their way into songs as well. Like “Last Night in Town.

Check out the entire interview here.

The record is the follow up to Rebels, Rogues, & Sworn Brothers from 2006. In the intervening years, Nichols released a solo EP. The EP is based around the novel, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.
Source Continue reading Ben Nichols from Lucero talks about new album →

The legendary The Specials have announced another block of tour dates in the UK. These shows are set to kick off on November 1st and coincide with the band’s 30th. Original members of the band including Hall, Neville Staple, Sir Horace Gentleman, Roddy Radiation, Lynval Golding and John Bradbury are all confirmed to play the shows. However, as with earlier reunion shows, founding member Jerry Dammers will not be participating.

Source Continue reading The Specials →

Our stream today comes from Philadelphia, PA-based Lighten Up. We’ve got a stream of the band’s new full length, Absolutely Not.

You can check it out on their Punknews.org Profile
Source Continue reading Lighten Up: “Absolutely Not” →

Vancouver’s Japandroids have signed to Polyvinyl Records shortly after the release of their critically acclaimed debut, Post-Nothing in 2009. The label will begin by reissuing the band’s debut digitally today via iTunes and are planning a CD and 180 gram vinyl release in August.

Check out some music on their myspace page.
Source Continue reading Japandroids sign to Polyvinyl →

According to a Billboard report, Evan Dando of Lemonheads has filed a lawsuit against General Motors, claiming that the struggling auto manufacturer copied a Lemonheads track for an ad.

Dando alledges that GM used a soundalike version of “It’s a Shame About Ray” in a commercial for Chevrolets and Buicks.
Source Continue reading Evan Dando (Lemonheads) sues General Motors →

Blink 182‘s recent live performance/interview on The Daily Habit is available for viewing online. The band appeared on the Fuse program to perform their song, “The Rock Show” from 2001’s Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.

Source Continue reading Blink 182: “The Rock Show (live on the Daily Habit)” →

Rise Against‘s new video, “Hero Of War,” as directed by Meiret Avis has been selected by iTunes as Video of the Week which means that the video can be downloaded for free from the digital service.

You can grab it here.

The song comes from their 2008 album, Appeal to Reason.
Source Continue reading Rise Against’s “Hero of War” video is iTunes Video of the Week →

The first few details about The Fest 8 have been unveiled. The annual punk rock extravaganza is set for the October 30th – November 1st weekend and the first batch of tickets will be made available on July 1st for $60.00. While the band list has not been announced, more than 200 bands are expected to participate with performances spread over eight venues and three days.

As always, the Fest will take place in Gainesville, FL.
Source Continue reading The Fest 8 announced →

Classics of Love have posted a new song recorded live during a recent BBC appearance. The band, which includes Jesse Michaels of Common Rider and Operation Ivy visited the UK last month.

Check out “Pick Your Classics” on their myspace page.
Source Continue reading Classics of Love: “Pick Your Classics (live on the BBC)” →

Detournement, which includes Zak Kaplan (Worthless United), Tom Petta (Bigwig), Scott Golley (Lifetime), Dan Desimoni (Plan A Project) and Nate Gluck (Ensign), have entered the studio to record their follow up to Screaming Response.

The band is working with Pete Steinkopf of Bouncing Souls. Zak commented on the process:

When Pete offered to record us I just thought it would be cool to just go and hang out, get wasted, and whatever. I figured at least it would be a fun way to demo some new songs. I had no idea that the guy actually knew what he was doing! It really sounds great and it’s been a lot of fun just hanging out at K8’s house and making music.

The band released Screaming Response [7 inch] this year.
Source Continue reading Detournement recording with Pete Steinkopf →

Fallen From The Sky will be touring with Energy and Debaser this summer.

Source Continue reading Fallen From The Sky / Energy / Debaser →

A stream has been posted of the new album from So Many Dynamos. The record, The Loud Wars, is their debut for Vagrant Records and follows Flashlights from 2006.

Check out the stream here.
Source Continue reading So Many Dynamos: “The Loud Wars” →

New York City’s Black Anvil have signed to Relapse Records. The band commented on the deal on their myspace page:

It may seem like an odd combination to some, but we look at it as a good fit. They’re there to do what they do, and we are here to do what we do. We have respect for them as people, and as a label & their approach was more than enough to sway us to their corner. We function on trust & connections with beings outside of the band itself.

The label will begin by reissuing the band’s debut, Time Insults The Mind this fall and a new full length on the label will follow soon after. Check out some music on their myspace page.
Source Continue reading Black Anvil joins Relapse →