This is bizarre: I bookmarked these 2 links, for completely different bands, and then when I went back to look at them this morning, I noticed that they both featured a bear on the front page, and a bat on the subsequent page. Check it: The Spinto Band (then click on ‘News’), and Grumpy Bear. But anyway, they both good, and worth checking out:

::: The Spinto Band – Oh Mandy :::
::: Grumpy Bear – Keepsake (Pt. 1) :::

(props to kaleb for both of those)

Hey, I didn’t know that was Audrey Melodynelson on the cover of that I Turn My Camera On single. Is that also her on the GF cover? How about the new Sister Jack single? Update: Dan says the GF cover girl is actually named Annie.

Finally, Hey: Columbus folks, don’t forget to come out to Cafe Bourbon Street tomorrow night (7/12), for Get Him Eat Him. Should be a v. good time.

Tim notes that D. Berman is so pleased with the new Silver Jews album that they will likely tour in 2006.

I got some really nice stuff sent over from Tom Thumb & The Latter Day Saints. Some folks may have heard “Atlantic City” a while back, over at Said The Gramophone, but if you missed it, then here’s your new chance to check this stuff out. I love his voice. Anyway, here are a few tracks:

::: Boot Camps :::
::: Preach :::

You can pick up Tom Thumb’s full-length, …Songs From Holiday, and the new EP, Kindermusik, over at Tom Thumb Music dot com.

Startime is reporting that both the new Dios Malos record and the new Joggers record are ready to go for fall release. Also, I don’t know when it got posted, but note also that you can now download that dios cover of the Beck track “Asshole”.

I think Mill Pond‘s lookin’ to corner the market on the skillfully poppy singer-songwriter types: check out these tracks from their newly added guy, Josh Ottum:

::: It’s All Right :::
::: The Easy Way Out :::

Everyone on the web has linked it already, but anyway, here’s that new Sufjan song from NPR:

::: The Great God-Bird :::

And you didn’t even have to pay $75 on eBay to get it, how nice!

Holy shit, I just totally got freaked out for a second when I went to the Touch and Go site and was presented with this giant Braniac banner. I thought for a second maybe they were doing some rarities disc or something, but there doesn’t appear to be any news or anything. Curse you, o’ random banner-swapping code!

RARE SUFJAN SUPERMAN BANNED COVER!!!! LQQQQK!!!

Owen has posted a few live Final Fantasy tracks, “Illusion Song” and “If I Were A Carp”.

I got sent some nice new Phil Ek-produced tracks by Irving, so there must be a new record of some kind in the works. Keeps your ears peeled.

I’m as confused about what’s what as Frank is, regarding these upcoming Billy Bragg reissues being put out by Yep Roc, but I’m sure things will become clearer as release dates draw nearer. That rhyme was unintentional, btw.

July Mix! Tracy Maurice turned in a great banner for this one. I’m sure you’re all familiar with Tracy’s work, right? And note that Tracy’s Tiny Showcase print has less than 20 copies left, so if you want one, you’d better get on it pretty damn soon.

Enjoy the long weekend. NYC-ers, don’t forget about that free Malkmus/Cantrell/YLT show at Battery Park on the 4th.