It's not exactly like Colin & The Gang have been out of sight since dropping The Crane Wife, but sure and yes, a new batch of Decemberists songs sounds great thank you. As far as we know the promise for an album in 2009 still stands, although this is not it; the project's dubbed Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series, and will unfold in three volumes, beginning this October. As you already read a few inches above, it includes a song about outed C.I.A. operative Valerie Plame, entitled "Valerie Plame," press-release described as being from "the point-of-view of one of Plame's inside contacts. Source

Last week we were treated to the "leaked" Oasis song, "Falling Down." Now the lads have released the official video for "The Shock of Lightning." The opening shot kinda reminds of of the cover art - Source

The Verve closed V Festival 2008 by playing a headline show at the Chelmsford leg of the bash at 9.20pm (BST) tonight (August 17). - Source

Ever since Richard Ashcroft flashed us his impressive cheekbones along with "Sit And Wonder" during the Verve's Coachella set, there's been a pretty steady flow of material from the band's forthcoming comeback album Forth. Just yesterday we debuted "I See Houses," along with its age old questions ("How many lives will I waste / how many tears will I taste / before my freedom?") and airy, psychedelic sound. Before that, we grew acquainted with the more upbeat, loopy, and exciting standout "Love Is Noise," which shows up right after the aforementioned "Sit And Wonder" on the album. The pair makes a fairly explosive impression, but then the Verve fall down and can't get up. - Source

Moz frowns at new compilation and explains why his latest solo offering has been delayed. - Source

Segments of all the songs set to appear on the forthcoming new album by The Verve, 'Forth', are streaming online and are available to hear now. - Source

I love it when you guys send polite tips on Wednesday nights. "Falling Down" debuted in Chem Bros Remix form earlier in the summer. This stripped mix is the version on the forthcoming Dig Out Your Soul. I'm more familiar with Oasis's publicity feuds than I am with their catalog at this point, but it's fair to say that no one's reinventing the heathen chemistry here. And while this is not the jockin' Noel G. response track we have all been waiting for, it will give you insight into the LP7 album cover (which, along with the song, is waiting for you after the jump). - Source

No parole for "killer nerd" who gunned down the former Beatle. - Source

Enjoy 'A Thousand Black Cities' below. Download an MP3 at bottom of post.MP3: The National - Fake Empire - Source

Enjoy 'Batcat' below. Download a fabulous Mogwai selection at bottom of post.MP3: Mogwai - The Sun Smells Too Loud - Source