[update: Phosphorescent Van, Gear Recovered by NYPD]

Last night, after an amazing show at Pier 54 in New York City, Phosphorescent’s rental van -along with all of their equipment – was stolen from outside a residence in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Last night’s show was the first night of their scheduled six-weeks US Tour. Among the stolen items was Matthew Houck’s custom, irreplaceable 1955 Gibson ES-125 guitar, vintage amplifiers, and a vintage pedal steel with losses totaling around $40,000. If anyone has ANY information or leads on what might have happened, or if you see any of this gear in pawn shops, on Craigslist, etc, please call the NY Police Department, Vector Management, or anyone you think might be able to help recover this gear. The van rental company is insured – they are covered for their van and are therefore not greatly concerned with recovering it. Phosphorescent DOES care though, greatly, about recovering any of this gear possible, and about right now figuring out how to rally up and make this US Tour happen. Anything anyone can do to help would be simply amazing. We have set up a Paypal account for anyone wishing to donate funds to help replace gear – anything helps. We will be sending updates about the upcoming tour dates ASAP. Thanks in advance for any goodwill and assistance and thank you for your support over the years.

Help the band with a paypal donation in any amount to the following address: phosphorescentgearfund@gmail.com

Phosphorescent will play Mad Planet in Milwaukee on Wednesday, August 4th and the Empty Bottle in Chicago on Thursday, August 5th. J. Tillman opens the Milwaukee show.

MP3: Phosphorescent – “The Mermaid Parade”
MP3: Phosphorescent – “It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)”
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Buy: Phosphorescent – Here’s to Taking It Easy

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Citay’s 2007 release, Little Kingdom. It was pretty much love at first listen. Fans of that record have something to look forward to in 2010, when the band releases their new album, Dream Get Together on January 26th via Dead Oceans.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait that long to get an audio preview of what’s to come. Below, download “Careful With That Hat” that is “propelled by a deep groove and swing that practically begs the listener to stand up and air-drum wildly.” Like the rest of their catalog, it’s the guitar that makes them an engaging listen and, on first listen, Dream Get Together has “the mammoth solo” plus so much more, resulting in what could be their best album to date.

MP3: Citay – “Careful With That Hat”

Ever seen the Northern Lights? I saw them about seven years ago. Incredible. MoB favorites Bowerbirds will release their sophomore album, Upper Air on Dead Oceans on July 7th. Download the first track “Northern Lights” below.

Myspace: Bowerbirds
MP3: Bowerbirds – “Northern Lights”

Bowerbirds + Megafaun are hitting the road hard, sadly no Wisconsin date, but check the full tour dates below. (more…)