Headlines for July 1, 2009
By: Christina Ivanowich
MGMT and The Flaming Lips Co-Mingling
MGMT are doing very well for themselves in 2009. Not only are they opening for Paul McCartney in August, but now Wayne Coyne has announced that they are making a guest appearance on The Flaming Lips' upcoming double album, Embryonic. Also contributing to a couple of tracks on the album is Karen O, lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. With stellar talent like this all working together, the album has the potential to be both weird and beautiful. They still haven't announced a release date, but pitchfork.com expects it sometime in the Fall.
Jens Lekman Quarantined with Swine Flu
Swedish inde-pop star Jens Lekman has apparently contracted a serious case of swine flu while on tour in South America. He Twittered about his experience, saying; "I was crossing the Atlantic when things started getting really bad, the fever was hallucinogenic". Lekman is now quarantined for ten days and recovering at his home in Sweden, according to pitchfork.com. His illness is not expected to interfere with his scheduled July appearances at Norway's Treena Festival, as well as two shows in Portugal.
Vampire Weekend's Second Album has a West Coast Vibe
The highly anticipated second album from New York rockers Vampire Weekend is well under way, and promises to show the group's sunnier, California side. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the band discusses their recording process, their influences and their new direction (expect to hear more afro-pop, as well as punk, power ballads and reggae). The new album is being produced by guitarist/keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij (who also produced their self-titled debut). The album is, as of yet, still untitled, and is expected to be released this Fall (what a happy season for new music).
