Sufjan Stevens has announced that his Illinois LP, official follow-up to 2003’s Michigan, is due out July 5 via Asthmatic Kitty. The album will feature contributions from members of Ester Drang, Volcano, I’m Still Excited! and Daniel Smith (Danielson Famile).
Yo La Tengo have announced a series of dates scattered throughout March, April and May including an April 21 engagement at the Vic Theatre in Chicago.
Trey Anastasio has announced a spring tour lasting from April 26 to May 14 with an engagement at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre on May 10.
Built to Spill will be touring the United States from May 4 through May 29, including two nights at Chicago’s Metro May 7-8.
Bob Mould, former lead singer/guitarist of Husker Du and Sugar, will be releasing his latest album, tentatively titled Body of Song, via Yep Roc on July 26. The album will feature Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty.
Cartoon hip-hop group Gorillaz will release their sophomore effort Demon Days via Virgin on May 24. The album will feature guest spots by De La Soul, MF Doom, Ike Turner and Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays).
Founding member of The Blind Boys of Alabama George Scott passed away at 75 on March 9 at his home in Durham, N.C. He will be missed.
What The Hell?
According to Punkbands.com, a family in South Wales is claiming that their boy was awoken from a coma by Green Day’s new album. Corey George had been on life support for two weeks when his mother played him GD’s latest LP American Idiot and within less than an hour he had opened his eyes and was able to move his fingers. He was out of the hospital four days later. I have seen the new Messiah. His name is Billie Joe. He shops at Hot Topic.
