The first new track from London royalty Blur, “Fool’s Day” was released as a Record Store Day exclusive that was limited to 1,000 copies.  The single is Blur’s first in nearly seven years.

”We want independent record stores to continue — they’re an important part of our musical culture.”

Damon Albarn told the Sun the above, despite the single only being released in London record shops and not in the States.  The band has, however, decided to release the single as a free download for the price of an email address at Blur.co.uk.

The single is pretty mellow and pretty repetitive but I, for one, am excited to hear what follows in the coming months as Blur go back into the studio according to NME.

Seattle’s favorite sons (presumably) Band Of Horses, just announced a new album due out May 18.  Details are still a little sketchy other than the fact that the album will be called Infinite Arms.  There hasn’t been any other announcements on what label the album will be released on or whether or not the beards will be shampooed before the tour.[KnoxRoad via P4k]

I’m not going to lie; one of the first times I heard Band Of Horses was via one of my favorite skate video parts of all time (below).  Guy Mariano . . . choose your next music as wisely, please.

What is for-sure are the Denver dates on the upcoming lineup.  I’ll be working on getting a spot at the show for pics and such, so keep your fingers crossed.

03-15 Boulder, CO – Fox Theater
03-16 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
03-18 Austin, TX – Stubbs BBQ
03-19 Austin, TX – Central Presbyterian Church
04-08 Paris, France – La Fleche D’or
04-09 Brussels, Belgium – Orangerie
04-10 Rotterdam, Netherlands – Motel Mozaique
04-12 London, England – Koko
04-14 Cologne, Germany – Kulturkirche
04-16 Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
04-17 Gothenburg, Sweden – Tradgarn
04-18 Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega
04-23 Raleigh, NC – Walnut Creek Amphitheater *
04-24 Raleigh, NC – Walnut Creek Amphitheater *
04-27 Gainesville, FL – University of Florida’s Rion Ballroom
04-28 Miami, FL – The Fillmore
04-29 Orlando, FL – House of Blues
05-01 New Orleans, LA – Jazzfest
05-30 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater #
05-31 George, WA – Sasquatch
06-05 Bangor, Ireland – Ward Park !
06-09 London, England – Roundhouse
06-12 Glasgow, Scotland – Bellahouston Park !
06-19 Toronto, Ontario – Olympic Island $
09-25 Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

* with Widespread Panic
# with She & Him
! with Snow Patrol
$ with Pavement, Broken Social Scene