1. Sufjan Stevens has come out saying that his plan to write an album for each state was a result of him becoming a “cliche” and in looking back on the project idea he has claimed that it is now a “joke”. This is after he released “Illinoise” in 2005 and “Greetings from Michigan: The Great Lake State” in 2003. He would go on to say the project seemed a bit silly. via (Paste Magazine)
2. According to the Matador Records‘ Web site they have acquired True Panther Sounds. This comes after Matador helped promote True Panther Sounds’ band Girls’ new album. via (Matador Records)
3. In what seems to be a growing trend among band front men, Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke has announce plans to release a solo album while the band is still on hiatus. Complete detalis on the record are yet to be released.via (NME)
4. Friendly Fires has announced the follow up to its self-titled debut album. The album, which has yet to be named, is planning on being released next May. Accoring to member Ed MacFarlane the band already has four tracks they have already completed for the album. Ed MacFarlane also said, “We’re going to hopefully have all the songs finished by the end of the year, record in January and have the album ready for May time, and do some festivals around then." via (NME)
5. The side project of Art Brut’s Eddie Argos and The Bloody Arm’s Dyan Valdes called Everybody Was in the French Resistance…Now are set to release its debut album, "Fixin’ the Charts,” in January. The album was produced by David Newton, and the full track listing is available. via (NME)