CONOR OBERST is set to release his first solo album via Merge on August 5, 2008. You can now stream two new songs, “Souled Out!!!” and “Danny Callahan,” at his website. He and his band, The Mystic Valley Band also recently announced a slew of new tour dates. Most go on sale this week and are expected to sell out FAST. Dates after the jump, get ready to click. (more…)

With the current state of national politics leaving a fog of tension so thick in the air that you could cut it with a chainsaw – a new documentary is making its way around the film fest circuit called Body Of War. Produced by Phil Donahue, it serves as a startling portrait of what’s happening to the brave men & women of the US Armed Forces – after they come home from our current conflict(s).

From the previews available online, it’s a truly touching story, revolving around Tomas Young, an Iraq War veteran, and his struggle to have something verging upon normalcy after returning home to live the rest of his life in a wheelchair. The film has also sparked an amazing two-disc soundtrack compilation cd, available today in stores – Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq War Veteran.

This set was put together by Young himself, as a collection of songs which he says were – “tracks that inspired, motivated, and at times, literally saved me over the past few years.” All proceeds from sales will go to the non-profit organization IVAW (Iraq Veterans Against the War).

In September, Sire records donated $100,00 to the group in Young’s name, help support the fund’s message of giving a voice to past and current members of the armed forces who are against the war, but are under pressures to maintain silence about it. Shepard Fairey of OBEY fame donated the artwork for the album, and the discs feature a large number of fantastic bands, including Tom Waits, Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, Against Me!, Public Enemy, and more. Hit the jump for a full tracklisting. (more…)

BRIGHT EYES finished their seven-night stand at New York City’s Town Hall Friday night with special guest performances from Britt Daniel of Spoon (above) and Ron Sexsmith. The set finished with a rousing rendition of “Road To Joy” from I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning with over twenty people on stage, and nearly no instruments in one piece at the conclusion. The audience featured a bevy of indie rock superstars including Jenny Lewis, Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, James Iha, and Matthews Caws of Nada Surf.