The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order..Oh My!

So yesterday saw a lot of buzz going on over in Cure camp as Robert Smith announced that while the current touring line up is taking a month long break from playing European summer festivals, they plan to do some recording of new material.  RSX also said that Cure fans should expect the long awaited Mixed Up 2 to be released right around Christmas of this year, hopefully just in time to be the perfect stocking stuffer! This time around, Robert is giving some of his favorite bands such as Mogwai and Cranes an opportunity to do the remixes rather than producers as was the case on the previously released Mixed Up.  Take all of this surprising news however you wish.  We Cure fans know to be a bit hesitant to believe everything RSX says.  Just where is that "dark" album follow up to 2008's 4:13 Dream and those DVD releases of In Orange and Show?! I for one hope he's going to give us something we've been waiting four years for!

Over in Depeche Mode land, manager Jonathan Kessler confirms that the new album will be released in April 2013 with a "full world tour" to follow.  Martin Gore had previously mentioned this year that the album would be released in the early part of next year and it looks like it's actually happening.  Frontman Dave Gahan has been somewhat busy with a side project with band Soulsavers with whom he performed a surprise show this past weekend, but mates say he's back and focused and ready to work.  I'm excited to hear where the band is going with this album.  I liked Sounds of the Universe, but I also miss their old sound.  Doesn't matter, I'll be at the concert because they put on a hell of a performance.  Let's start a petition to get DM and The Cure to tour together! How awesome would that be!!

Finally, news that I think just about every one I know is excited to hear and that is that after seven years of being away, New Order has announced a handful of North American dates set for this fall.  After much excitement over the reunion of Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, the band has played select shows in Europe and is even tapped to play a closing ceremony gig for the 2012 Olympics in London with fellow country mates, Blur.  Much has been said about the band touring without bassist Peter Hook, but I think fans will still flock to see this lineup.  The tour will only take them to a few select cities ranging from California to Texas to Canada, so you better snatch up your tickets as soon as you can.  Tour dates are below.

New Order North American tour dates:
Oct. 5: Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
Oct. 7: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 10: 1stBank Center, Broomfield, CO
Oct. 12: Palladium, Dallas, TX
Oct. 18: Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY
Oct. 21: Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL
Oct. 23: Sony Center, Toronto, ON

World, Meet Blouse

I recently fell in love with this band from Portland, Oregon.  I was actually supposed to see them at Fitzgerald's the night I was in my car accident so I totally hope they make it back down here soon. 

The group is made up of Charlie Hilton (vocals), Patrick Adams and Jacob Portrait.  The trio started laying tracks down in Portrait's warehouse studio and their ethereal, electronic pop sound was born.  In 2011, Blouse was signed to Brooklyn-based label Captured Tracks and have since released a bunch of singles as well as a self- titled debut album that was released last November.  If you like their stuff, check them out on Facebook. 

I love them.  I hope you do too! This is one of the singles off their self-titled album.  Enjoy!