The Alternative Tone

New Tales by Papermoons (2009)  Indie rock from Deep Elm Records. With New Tales, the duo that is Papermoons have created one of the hidden gems of the past few years. Each track could be on a soundtrack, with the album maintaining a rock vibe without losing it's chilled out air. Stream/Download                                                                                           Narrow Stairs by Death Cab For Cutie (2008) One of the most underrated albums in the Death Cab For Cutie arsenal, Narrow Stairs moved Gibbard and his merry band of men into the world of narration and indie rock. Every song could be a mini-novel, and the album built on the sound touched by Death Of An Interior Designer from 2004's Transaltanticism. Gibba...

Ben Gibbard has revealed the artwork for his upcoming solo album 'Former Lives'.  He's also announced tour dates. 9-26 Big Sur, CA - Henry Miller Library 10-14 Toronto, Ontario - The Danforth Music Hall 11-01 Minneapolis, MN - Assembly Hall at The Women's Club * 11-02 Chicago, IL - Athenaeum Theatre * 11-04 Somerville, MA - Somerville Theater * 11-05 New York, NY - Town Hall * 11-07 Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre * 11-08 Washington, DC - Sixth & I Historic Synagogue * 11-10 Saxapahaw, NC - The Haw River Ballroom  * 11-11 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse * 11-13 San Francisco, CA - Palace of Fine Arts Theatre & 11-14 Los Angeles, CA - Wilshire Ebell & * with Advance Base & with Damien Jurado

Acoustic covers album from Plattsburgh. Features covers of the likes of; Jimmy Eat World, Brand New, Bright Eyes, Death Cab For Cutie, Blink 182, Saves The Day Jawbreaker and The Get Up Kids. http://forthekidintheback.bandcamp.com/album/you-can-kinda-play-these-songs-with-chords-a-cover-album RIYL: Acoustic pop punk and emo.

Death Cab For Cutie's eloquent front man has decided to release a solo album. This is rather surprising news as it is not only less than five years since Ben Gibbard had revealed any of his artistry to the world at large, but it is indeed a mere year since 2011's  Codes And Keys. Oh, how Benjamin treats us. The album will be called Former Lives  and will be released on October 15th in UK/Europe on City Slang and on October 16th in North America via Barsuk. Here's a photo of Benjamin looking thoughtful.