Last time we checked in on the New Pornographers, we didn’t have many details about their anticipated Challengers followup. Now we do: The band’s fifth album, Together, comes out in early May. It was produced by the band with Phil Palazzolo and was put to tape in Vancouver, Brooklyn, Woodstock, and Catskill, New York. As far as the songwriting breakdown: Nine songs by A.C. Newman, three by Dan Bejar. The lineup: Newman, Bejar, John Collins, Neko Case, Kurt Dahle, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey and Blaine Thurier. In addition to the eight-person core lineup, there are guest spots from Annie Clark, Zach Condon, Will Sheff, the Dap-Kings Horns, etc. So far we don’t have any sounds from it, but you can look more closely at the album art if you want.
The band’s new website includes a bunch (i.e. almost 100) of photos from the recording sessions. Spot Bejar behind the piano, etc. Matador says an MP3 and pre-order info will arrive soon.
Together is out 5/4 via Matador. As a reminder, Newman’s part of the Bell House Haiti Benefit we mentioned at the end of today’s Sondre Lerche post.
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Woo!! I’d been wondering about a NP/Will Sheff collaboration ever since I saw the Newman/Sheff “Lost Coastlines” video on youtube. Dreams can come true.
I don’t think any news can top this today. I’m really excited to hear this album, and super glad Neko found time to contribute.
Very excited for this album.
With all the deaths and breakups and shutdowns lately, FINALLY, some good news. Between this and Shearwater’s The Golden Archipelago, Matador is really coming up strong this year.
I’m so excited about this!!! Neko and Bejar still in the project!!!
With all these guest stars, is this shaping up to be Canada’s answer to Gorillaz?
Also, aren’t the Dap-King Horns just, you know, the Dap-Kings?
If it’s anywhere near as good as previous albums (especially Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema) we’re in for a treat.
Their album covers are always so dreadful though!
Agreed. The album sounds like it’s going to be amazing, but that is a god-awful cover.
Nope…
If it’s half as good as AC Newman’s genius solo record from last year, then…well, then it’ll be twice as good as Challengers!
true that. they better step up this year
man, the thought of bejar and horns has always made me swoon.
true that. they better step up this year
true that, they better step it up this year