When our parents were growing up, "pop" music was the norm. For the most part, it was really good too. Besides the obvious Beatles and Beach Boys catalogs, there were also bands like The Kinks and The Zombies making great strides in keeping that three letter term more refreshing than the processed and stale state some of us see it as today. I remember buying The Format's Dog Problems and remembering how it pulled me out of the general radio gutter. I might be connecting the dots too much seeing how frontman Nate Ruess is the only line between his former band and fun., but Some Nights is one of the best tastes of the genre I've heard in some time (no pun intended). Like most of what Ruess...

Today we're bringing you an exclusive stream of Great Cynics' new EP, In The Valley. Listen to the three-song release on their AP.net Profile, and if you like it, take the plunge and order the 7" vinyl here from Kind Of Like Records. The band comes personally recommended, especially if you think you might like an intuitively catchy English punk rock and roll band.

Jesse of Brand New was recently interviewed by a UK publication.

From the Interview

Well we probably started writing new material as soon as we were done with the last record, it’s just lately we’ve all been exploring our peripheral projects outside of ‘Brand New’. It’s been nice to get back together again, because you’ll hear something that Brian’s done, or Vinni’s done, you almost get jealous of it, because you wish you had been part of that, so we’re definitely excited to get back in the studio together. We have studio time in April but we’re not really sure how that will turn out, unfortunately for our fans, it’s really ‘see how it goes’ for now. But we are intent on getting...

Thrice's farewell spring tour dates have been announced. Pre-sale begins tomorrow Thursday, February 23rd at 12pm local time. The band will be recording live audio at select stops along to the tour for a proposed live album slated for release in late 2012. Supporting Thrice on all dates will be Animals As Leaders with more information including the announcement of additional support bands and details of commemorative merchandise available at the shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Sister Maya, was this an act of malice?” “No, Brother West. It was an act of whimsy.”

Staff Reviews 2.22.12

fun. - Some Nights (Drew Beringer)
Porcelain Raft - Strange Weekend (Matt Linden)
Cheap Girls - Giant Orange (Chris Cleary)
Winterpills - All My Lovely Goners (Broden Terry)
Fucked Up - Year of the Tiger (Tyler Hanan)

Useless ID's music video for "Before It Kills" can be seen here.

Nettwerk Records have signed Family of the Year. The band will release their St. Croix EP on March 6th; check the video for the title track in the replies.

Kishi Bashi (of Montreal) will release a solo album titled 151a on April 10th via Joyful Noise Recordings. Listen to the songs "It All Began With A Burst," "Bright Whites," and head to the replies to watch a video for "Manchester" in the replies.

fun.'s new album, Some Nights, is expected to sell 50-60k in the first week.

Morrissey would ask that people do not buy any merchandise by the company Bravado, whether retail or online. Bravado do not have any legal right to sell Morrissey t-shirts, etc., but are doing so despite legal warnings that they must stop.

The Menzingers' sessions with Philadelphia's The Key, can be heard here.

A Wilhelm Scream are almost done with their new full-length. Resounding: FUCK YES.

From the Interview

Well, let me just start by saying that I, maybe more than anyone, can’t fucking wait to release this record. The actual music/vocals are all done. From my understanding we’re just waiting to get the record mixed and mastered at the Blasting Room, and then we’ll be at the mercy of artwork/record label business. So, short answer..it’s done when it’s done.

At the Drive-In won't be recording any new music during this reunion run. The band was extremely honest with NME, and admitted it's about nostalgia and money.

Metric will release their new album Synthetica on June 12th.

Shambles are doing a limited run of their recent EP on cassette tapes, which they will be giving out for free to those that email them.

Submitted by Huts

Check out Murder by Death playing a new song entitled "No Oath, No Spell" in the replies.

Submitted by thesinkingship

Check out Title Fight covering Nada Surf's "Popular" in the replies.

Watch Dr. Dog's music video for "Warrior Man" in the replies.

The first batch of dates for The Maine, Lydia and Arkells' upcoming North American tour can be found in the replies.

A new Cancer Bats song titled "Road Sick" can be heard in the replies.

Eminem's "Space Bound" has been certified gold.

Submitted by WhoSaidThat?

Taking Back Sunday are teasing their concert in Manilla, Philippines.

Submitted by jericks2

Check out fun. performing "We Are Young" on Conan last night -- in the replies.

Submitted by Kurt Retenauer

Doug Rockwell (ex-Someday Never/Driver Side Impact) and his new band just released a mash-up cover of Madonna's "Express Yourself" and Lady GaGa's "Born This Way."

Chiddy Bang's "Handclaps & Guitars" is free on iTunes this week

Submitted by maxswellrevenge

Guitarist Christopher Reimer of Women (and touring member of The Dodos) died in his sleep on Tuesday at the age of 26. The cause of death has not been determined yet.

Papa Roach are in the studio recording a new album.

Submitted by UnderclasHero

Crystal Castles video for "Suffocation" can be found in the replies.

Submitted by Who Is Ryan?

Breathe Carolina, You Me At Six, Fireworks, Hostage Calm, I Call Fives, and Matt Toka have all been added to Warped Tour this year.

Amazon has posted the artwork and a preview of MxPx's new song "Far Away" from their upcoming album Plans Within Plans due out April 3th. The single will be released on February 28th.

Submitted by nick19

Stream a new Bruce Springsteen song, "Jack of All Trades" on Spin.

Submitted by daftpunker45

All Time Low will be on Warped Tour this year.

Submitted by fuckyourscenes

The Damnwells (so underrated it hurts my soul) are in the studio working on a new song called "Help."

Eve 6 are looking for some extras for their new video for "Victoria" and are inviting fans to apply. If you like to party (and are at least 21 years of age), email the band here by noon (PST) on Friday, February 24th.

Information to Include

1. Full name
2. Age
3. Location (you must be available to shoot on February 27th in a central Los Angeles, CA location, between 6-11pm)
4. Picture

The World is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die and Deer Leap will be hitting the road together. Dates in the replies.