If you stop by this site on the regular, you’d know we’re big fans of Lucero.  Today, we wanted to give you a look back at lead singer Ben Nichols’ previous band, Red 40.

Towncraft unveiled this quicktime video from February, 1995 of a bass playing and brit accented Ben Nichols fronting his previous band.  Nichols has come quite a way since then, and while the video is great for nostalgia the factor, we definitely dig his cigarette and whiskey soaked voice that we’ve come to enjoy with his contributions to Lucero.

You can purchase the Red 40 Discography at the Lucero store for $8.

Lucero is currently touring across Spain and will be performing at SXSW.  After that, they team up with Catfish Haven and American Princess for a jaunt across the US. 

Myspace: Lucero
Myspace: Catfish Haven
Myspace: American Princess

There are a bunch of concerts we recommend you take in this week. Check them out below and let us know which ones you’ll be attending.

2/26 – The Apples In Stereo – High Noon Saloon, Madison
2/27 – Richard Buckner/Six Parts Seven – High Noon Saloon, Madison
2/28 – Denison Witmer – High Noon Saloon, Madison
2/28 – The Autumn Defense – Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee
3/1 – The Autumn Defense – Cafe Montmartre, Madison

Myspace: The Apples In Stereo
Myspace: Richard Buckner
Myspace: Six Parts Seven
Myspace: Denison Witmer
Myspace: The Autumn Defense

Let’s start the day and week off with a sweet song by Minneapolis songwriter, Haley Bonar. We’ve been fans of Haley since we first saw her open for Mason Jennings and later Andrew Bird.

Haley writes gorgeous folk songs that are tenderly arranged and fit perfectly against the snow covered landscape that is blanketing the upper Midwest today. Last year she released Lure The Fox on Afternoon Records to high praise, but never got the online stamp of approval I think she deserves.

If you live in the Twin Cities area check out her myspace page for her current tour schedule, and we’ll keep you informed of any future tour plans across the US.

Buy: Afternoon Records
MP3: Haley Bonar – Captain Captain
Myspace: Haley Bonar
Review: Andrew Bird and Haley Bonar in Madison (2/18/2006)

The first pass with Nurse & Soldier’s Marginalia, I was less than impressed. I had some time to revisit the album over the weekend and am glad I did. Marginalia is another stellar release from Jagjaguwar already this year, and if you find yourself hearing similarities with this album and Oneida, it’s for good reason because Bobby Matador holds down the reins for both. In addition to fellow full-time collaborator Erica Fletcher, Matador also recruits fellow Oneida member and Milwaukee resident (?) Kid Millions to lend a hand.

I can’t find any upcoming tour appearances, but am hoping the band makes its way through the Midwest as I imagine their music would translate well in a live setting.

MP3: Nurse & Soldier – Green Tea
Myspace: Nurse & Soldier
Related: Pitchfork review of Marginalia [7.0]

Unrelated: Arcade Fire played SNL last night, check out the videos for Intervention and Keep The Cars Running.

There are a lot of albums worthy of your dough on March 6th, but one that we’re most excited about is Air’s Pocket Symphany due out on AstralWerks.

I’m anxiously awaiting the release as the only track I’ve heard is “Once Upon A Time,” which we’ve linked to below in MP3 and video formats.

I’ve always thought that Air made the best late night albums including of course, Talkie Walkie and their very own collection of LateNight Tales.

Anyone heard the whole thing?

Buy: Insound
Myspace: Air
MP3: Air – Once Upon A Time
Video: Air – Once Upon A Time [ram]

There are two shows you should see on April 20th; it’s up to you to make the decision on which to see, or, if you’re like us, how you can manage to see both.

We’ve already mentioned that the Decemberists and My Brightest Diamond will be playing the Orpheum, but we’d also like to recommend you check out Brother Ali at the High Noon Saloon that same night. I’ve been enjoying the “clean” version of Brother Ali’s The Undisputed Truth for some time now, mark your calendar for its release date of April 10th.

I think there’s a good chance you’d be able to hit both if you play your cards right seeing that the Brother Ali show doesn’t kick off until 9:30, while My Brightest Diamond is scheduled to hit the state at the Orpheum around 8.

Myspace: Brother Ali
MP3: Brother Ali – Truth Is