It’s hard to ignore the infectious sound of Fool’s Gold. Continuing the trend of amazing artists in massive bands (they have 12 members) coming out of Los Angeles (see also Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros).

Fool’s Gold will release their self-titled release next week. We recommend you check out this review over at the Drunkard and don’t miss the above video for “Surprise Hotel” with an MP3 of the same available below.

Buy: Fool’s Gold
MP3: Fool’s Gold – “Surprise Hotel”

I’m on a pretty big Built To Spill kick in anticipation of the release of Know Your Enemy (October 6th). The above video finds a solo Doug Martsch doing “Save Me” in Garden City, Idaho for the Rotating Tongues 2 Compilation. It’s a great tune. Take a listen and tell me it wouldn’t have sounded right at home on My Morning Jacket’s Evil Urges release.

Built To Spill are all over the Midwest this week. If you’re lucky you just may be treated to a Doug Martsch post-show DJ set.

Pre-Order: Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy

Discuss: Favorite Built To Spill album/song/cover?

I have been steadily making my way through this week’s solid list of new releases. It’s hard to dislike the highly anticipated Monsters of Folk album featuring M. Ward, Jim James & Conor Oberst. It’s got some super catchy songs that warrant repeated listens. Above, get a look into studio through this great video set to “The Right Place.”

Update: Monsters of Folk performed “Say Please” on Conan last night.

Buy: Monsters Of Folk (Only $7.99)

Wisconsin bred Cory Chisel brings material from his new album Death Won’t Send a Letter back home with performances at the Majestic Theatre in Madison on Friday, September 25th and the following night at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel in Appleton.

Ticket Giveaway: We have two (2) pairs of tickets to give away for both of Cory Chisel’s Wisconsin shows. To enter, drop a comment below with your favorite concert of 2k9. Please be sure to indicate Madison or Appleton in your response. We’ll notify the winners on Thursday via e-mail.

Previously: Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons perform “Tennessee” in the Turner Hall attic.

Buy: Cory Chisel – Death Won’t Send a Letter
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Myspace: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
MP3: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons – “Born Again”

Yesterday Pearl Jam released their new album Backspacer with a huge promotional push from Target. I’ve seen the band twice in the past month (Chicago & San Francisco) and felt they’re just as vital live as they’ve ever been.

We’re pleased to be giving away a copy of Backspacer on vinyl! To enter, drop a comment with your favorite Pearl Jam album. We’ll select one winner at random and notify them next week via e-mail.

Video: Pearl Jam – “The Fixer”

Here are the Wisconsin and Chicago shows we recommend you take in this week. Check them out below and let us know which ones you’ll be attending or ones you think should really make our list. This week’s recommended new releases includes a long list of great stuff including Volcano Choir – Unmap, Monsters Of Folk, J. Tillman – Year in the Kingdom, Early Day Miners – The Treatment, Kyp Malone – Rain Machine and Pearl Jam’s self-released, Backspacer.

Upcoming Wisconsin Shows:

9/21 – Brandi Carlile – Barrymore Theatre, Madison
9/24 – Chairlift /Micachu & the Shapes/The Soft Pack – Der Rathskeller, University of Madison
9/25 – Built to Spill + Disco Doom – Barrymore Theatre, Madison
9/25 – Cory Chisel + Joshua James – Majestic Theatre, Madison
9/26 – Cory Chisel – Lawrence Memorial Chapel, Appleton
9/26 – Mike Gordon – Barrymore Theatre, Madison
9/26 – Kings of Leon/Glasvegas – Bradley Center, Milwaukee
9/26 – Gary Jules – High Noon Saloon, Madison
9/26 – Arctic Monkeys – The Rave, Milwaukee
9/26 – Son Volt – Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
9/26 – Trail of Dead – Majestic, Madison
9/27 – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Memorial Union, Madison
9/27 – Built to Spill – Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee
9/27 – The Weakerthans + Rock Plaza Central – High Noon Saloon, Madison

Upcoming Chicago Shows:

9/21 – The Antlers/Holly Miranda – Subterranean
9/23 – Ani DiFranco – Vic Theatre
9/23 – Eyedea & Abilities – Reggie’s Rock Club
9/25 – The Weakerthans – Bottom Lounge
9/26 – Built To Spill – Vic Theatre, Chicago
9/26 – Allen Toussaint – Old Town School Of Folk Music
9/27 – Grizzly Bear + Beach House – Metro

Just Announced:

10/9 – Crocodiles/Netherfriends – Der Rathskeller, Madison
10/26 – Ben Gibbard + Jay Farrar – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
10/28 – Noah & The Whale + Richard Francis – Majestic Theatre, Madison
11/27 – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
11/28 – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – High Noon Saloon, Madison
12/13 – Bela Fleck & The Flecktones – Orpheum Theatre, Madison

New Releases:

Monsters Of Folk, J. Tillman – Year in the Kingdom, Early Day Miners – The Treatment, Brother Ali – Us, Girls – Album, Kyp Malone – Rain Machine, Le Loup – Family, Richard Hawley – Truelove’s Gutter, Sea Wolf – White Water, White Bloom, The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa, Twilight Sad – Forget the Night Ahead, Volcano Choir – Unmap

+Bookmark our Wisconsin and Chicago shows pages for all your concert announcements+