Dead Ends

For Dirty Pop: new Chad Vangaalen courtesy of stereogum.

Previously on too poppy...

Got Your Tape and It Changed My Mind

Despite the focus on a solo album, various side projects, and books, Semisonic still exists. In the Midwest and looking for something to do Friday night? Check out Semisonic live:

In case you haven't already heard, this Friday night, July 14th,the band takes
the stage at the corner of Washington and Hennepin Avenues to play an outdoor
concert in downtown Minneapolis.

Also of note, Dan Wilson's solo album Free Life is scheduled to be released early next year. Why the wait? Well, Dan's been a busy man writing songs with the Dixie Chicks and producing other artists. I guess one smash hit does not a living make. Hear new tunes on hisspace.

All These Days Gone By

It only took eight years, but Sean Lennon is releasing the follow-up to Into the Sun on September 26. Stereogum has more details, a video, and a download of Home. You can also hear new tunes on hisspace.

It's a bit creepy to see Lennon. He's exactly what you'd expect him to look like. Even Conan couldn't do it better. His music, though, doesn't quite live up to that legacy. His squeaky voice doesn't have quite the conviction his father's did. On the other hand, he doesn't quite suck either. Thankfully his music is more influenced by Dad than Mom.

Not much going on with John's second favorite son (that'd be Julian Lennon, Mr. Much Too Late For Goodbyes). He's notoriously slow in getting new music released. His last one, Photograph Smile, was a nice listen. Got to see him live in Chicago when he toured to support it and it was a fun show. It was just amazing to see the Lennon bloodline performing, particularly when he has his own talents. Hopefully Jules will be releasing new stuff soon. In the meantime, Sean will do.

Nothing to Say When There's Nothing to Do

Interpol is working on its third album, but it won't be released until next year. Liked the first two. Great ping-pong-playing soundtracks.

You Cried for the Moon

Syd Barrett: 1946-2006 (via)

In honor, download his Octopus and Pink Floyd's Bike at fluxblog.

When You Were Young

Check out 40 seconds of the new Killers tune. With only 40 seconds, I will refrain from judging (unlike the commentators on stereogum who have completely dismissed the WHOLE ALBUM based on these 40 seconds and previous comments Killers' frontman Brandon Flowers has made about how great the album is - because personally I would prefer an artist who feels shitty about his music). I will say I'm looking forward to hearing more.

MP3 preview: The Killers - When You Were Young (via)

UPDATE: Billboard has more details about the single and the album to be released in September and October respectively.

I've Never Been Too Good With Names But I Remember Faces

Looks like Evan Dando has reformed the Lemonheads. Self-titled CD will be released September 26 and watch for tour dates. I've always been a moderate fan, but the tunes never did much for me other than being ridiculously catchy, which is something. The pointless cover of a Garmon & Sifunkel classic didn't help matters. We'll see if Mr. Dando can create music that lasts longer than a toothache.

It's a Shame About Ray is a classic, though.