Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga will be available on July 10th. The world will have another tasty record from the Texans, Spoon. Always providing fun, poppy indie rock songs, this new one doesn’t let down. Or up. From the moment the piano choppy sound of “The Ghost of You Lingers” plays, you get the feeling that Spoon has still got it. “The Underdog” is vintage Spoon and easy on the ears. It’s hard to imagine a fan of Spoon disliking this record, if they hail Kill The Moonlight and Gimme Fiction among the greats of indie rock. You heard it hear first - We have a winner! So be ready for it in July.

I’m also happy to note that Josh Rouse once again will release a “summer” record that will be perfect for those kidney shaped pools sipping on lemonade and sunbathing. The track, “Sweetie” is reminiscent of the appropriate 70s sounding, 1972. Country Mouse, City House comes out on July 31st, and if you pre-order the record from Aware Store, you receive a 9-song bonus disc packed with demos and unreleased songs. Everyone wins with this one too!

Well, it appears the cartoon hip-hop band, Gorillaz, is calling it quits. The Good, the Bad, the Queen is still functional, I should mention. But like Jay-Z’s “departure” from rap music with The Black Album in 2003, this could just mean a hiatus. And perhaps in a few years - a glorious return.

If you’re like me, you would recognize that the rebellious, teen angst songs of the Arctic Monkeys is ineffably contagious. And if you’re also like me, you would be looking forward to Favourite Worst Nightmare which drops on April 24th. You can preorder the record here, and for now, indulge yourself here.

Those familiar with Sufjan Stevens’ absurd magnitude of releasing music within a diminutive amount of time, can take a deep breath of disappointment (or relief, if you’d wish he would slow down a bit), because the internet-leaking chicanery of It’s Not So Cold in Texas, is in fact, false. No official word from his website, but any google search of the “record” will bring up the conspiracy of someone just putting together some tunes and attempting at fooling all of us. While I do find this a bit humorous, I was in fact, let down to a great extent. But, when the time is right, Sufjan will bring the goods and glee to all!

Ryan Adams is back at it again! It was only a matter of time, right? Filter has a great “first impression” of the record, here. I’ve got a good feeling about this record. Whenever the mention of Suicide Handbook takes place, only good can come of it. So on June 3rd, be ready to hit your local record store up for the goods.

Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s surprised everyone in 2006 with their timeless debut, The Dust of Retreat. They haven’t updated their site recently, but the word is, they’ve been in the process of recording record numero dos. Right now, they are traveling with Page France, which is another great band. Their myspace is here, where you can view the tour dates with the aforementioned, Page France. So, catch them on tour. Did I mention there’s 9 members in the band?

California! California? Okay, so it’s not set in stone, and more appropriately, on the rumor mill, but we can still talk about it amongst ourselves, right? And while we’re at it, what are some of the things, you, the reader, are speculating that Sufjan will write about? I’m thinking… The O.C.? The Lakers? Hollywood peeps? The Gold Rush?

Allow me to introduce you to - Eluvium. My first exposure to them, or him, if you want to get technical (Matthew Cooper), was his 2003 record, An Accidental Memory in Case of Death, which much to my dismay, was not his usual breed. You see, this was a strictly piano record that provided the best scenery whilst sitting on your porch sipping on tea. In the past, his records have been more ambient filled with guitar droning celebrations. But I’m here to write to you about, Copia. This is his 2007 release, which offers more strings and ambiance. I would say it is his most sonically mature album to date. So, without further adieu, check them out here and here. Lastly, if you’re not familiar with ambient music, this may enlighten you.

In closing, I figured I would be narcissistic and pretentious to tell you about my favorite records of 2007 thus far. I know that it’s only 2 1/2 months in, but so far, I’ve been extremely pleased.

The Shins - Wincing the Night Away

Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

So, I haven’t reached a full opinion of Mika, but for now, I’m happy that the songs I’ve heard are not far off from what the people are saying. His Myspace says, “Think Beck via Queen and Elton John and a touch of Rufus W.” Basically, this guy utilizes his incredible high falsetto played over catchy piano tunes. You either like it or you don’t. Did I mention that he’s British? “Grace Kelly” has been all I’ve heard about recently from the zealous fans/critics.

Good news for Wilco fans. On May 15, coming once again from Nonesuch Records, is their always highly-anticipated record. They’ve posted the track list here, and the album is called, Sky Blue Sky. Once again, I can’t contain my glee! But as you may have guessed, I will be checking here frequently for released tracks!

Lastly, one of my favorite rock bands, Kings of Leon, have released their single from their forthcoming record, Because of the Times, on Itunes, called “On Call.” Dig it! If you’re late to the KOL, you need to get Aha Shake Heartbreak, and immerse yourself in their indie southern rock schtick. I like bands that are full of three brothers and a cousin who grew up in a church background and then later go on tour with U2. That flat out rules! So, don’t be behind anymore and get the aforementioned record, then get, Youth and Young Manhood, so you’ll be all prepared for their new April 2nd release.

The Go Find, or more appropriately to some, Dieter Sermeus, have a new record coming out - Stars On The Wall, to be released on Morr Music on April 24th. Those unfamiliar with Deiter, could be considered “Non-O.C. watchers,” which is completely okay by me; anyhow, The Go Find’s song, “Summer Guest” was the song I heard in the background of an O.C. episode that made my fingers press the “Buy” button, a couple summers ago. The songs on their myspace are definitely worth checking out, especially if you are a fan of The Postal Service and Styrofoam.

Next up - Patty Griffin. Can we call her a legend now? Please? I sure consider her one, as every single album she has put out has been innovative, fresh, lush, or whatever adjective you want to throw in that sums up the fact that, “she rules.” If you are new to her, let me just say before you go buy this record, to listen to her full discography. “Flaming Red” happens to be my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with “Impossible Dream” nor “1000 Kisses.” She is simply put, just brilliant. Here is where you can listen to four of her songs, from four different records. “Rain” is probably my favorite from that list.

Lastly, I’d like to take a trip down 2006 memory lane and mention one of my favorite releases, that I happened to discover in early 2007. That last statement might evoke an obvious, “Duh,” since we’re only in the second month of 2007. But alas, you must put aside silly statements of mine to check out Kate Havnevik. First off - she’s from Norway. Second off - she collaborated with Royksopp (who rules, by the way). Thirdly - her song, “Unlike Me” was featured on Grey’s Anatomy. Lastly - her album cover is glorious. Anyways, let’s just say if you like Frou Frou/Imogen Heap, Bjork, or Jem, you will easily like Kate. Trust me. Listen here for corroboration. And be sure to pick up “Melankton” while you are at it!

So, I’m late to the Greg Laswell party, but I don’t care. I discovered his music (approximately 2 days ago) and I think I’m in love. You see, singer/songwriters, can get old, quick. And there’s always yet another one to check out. But I can see, that this guy is worth your time. Here’s the myspace. You’ve got to hear his cover of Cindi Lauper’s, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

Next up… Coldplay! Here is some of the biggest, most exciting news I could imagine right now for any Coldplay fan. One Word. Eno. Yes. The legend, the artist, the producer, the writer. I could go on. Here’s the skinny - He’s going to be producing the always-anticipated, next Coldplay release. I honestly cannot contain my excitement. The only thing we have to go on, is what he said in the interview, in regards to the new record - “will be very original and different from what they’ve done before.” Ooh!!!

I can’t really top that last bit of news, so I will just comment on Benson’s last post and say that the best thing I’ve heard from that list is The Shins’ “Wincing the Night Away.” Get that album now, ya hear!