We recorded a Christmassy song for a project that Darren Hayman and Fika Recordings were working on.  It's a cool idea - every day in advent a free split single is released with a Xmas theme - and, besides, it's good to get out of the house (except that there are evil, evil people lurking around every corner who want nothing better than to steal all your joy and all your hope.  And your iPhone).

We'll be playing a set in Camden on Sunday at the Proud Galleries.  You should come along, it is free (but keep to the well-lit parts of the street, avoid/stay-in crowds and pray you get out alive.  There are people everywhere who have no conception of right or wrong.  They would slit your gizzard just to sell your gall-stones).

Have a happy Christmas with your family and friends and if you are a mugger know that I will find you and I will end you and that iPhone didn't even work properly anyway and I'm glad you got it but give it back give it back give it back.

We've just finished our dates with the Travelling Band and very fun they were too.  The Travelling Band went on to complete a 6 week tour, so kudos to them (though I did have to spend 2 hours on a train, sprint across Bristol, play for 30 minutes and then race back for the last train.  So, you know, different.)

We've got a few festive plans boiling away.

1) We think it'd be cool to REDACTED.  So look out for that

2) REDACTED are doing REDACTED and we're going to take part.  Very fun, I'm sure you'll agree.

3) And finally, and equally excitingly, we're playing an all-dayer with the rest of the guys from Clubhouse at the Proud Galleries in Camden.  Camden sounds glamourous doesn't it?  Full of punks and Amy Winehouse.  Well, I work there and it isn't.  The punks all buy their clothes from Next and Amy Winehouse is dead.  Camden is actually full of disturbed maniacs and accountancy firms.  Come along and see for yourself!  The Dreaming Spires will be there, the Cedars will be there, and the Hi and Lo.  I don't think Matt Gibson will be there (which is a shame as he owes me a pint) but all sorts of other fun will be had.  

Check out the band website or a snippet from Jo’s tour diary in the Independent earlier this week.

We’ve got three more dates together next week followed by the Borderline on November 3rd. Hope to see you sometime soon.

We've got some new dates up.  We're supporting the always excellent Travelling Band on some of the dates of their UK tour.  

Don't forget that we are having a party tomorrow at the Albany on Great Portland Street and you are invited.  And you, and you, but not you at the back.  Not after what you did last time.

Don't forget 'Songs To Listen To' is out on Monday. Join us for a celebratory pint at The Albany on Tuesday night if buying too many copies has made you thirsty.

JULY with James Walbourne and The Dreaming Spires

Sun 3 JULY TRUCK STORE OXFORD
Mon 4 JULY THE LEXINGTON
Wed 6 JULY SOUTH STREET, READING
Thurs 7 JULY PRINCE ALBERT, BRIGHTON
Fri 8 JULY BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

You might have caught the Dreaming Spires headline at The Old Bookbinders earlier in the year or at the Clubhouse acoustic review. If you haven't checked them out yet, be sure to have a listen, they have some great songs and sounds.

www.myspace.com/dustyandthedreamingspires
http://thedreaminspires.tumblr.com/

James Walbourne has played alongside Edwyn Collins, The Pogues and Son Volt amongst others. His debut, out on Heavenly, has been getting some tasty reviews.

http://www.myspace.com/jameswalbourne

All three bands will also be appearing at this year's 14th annual Truck Festival, which looks to have one of the best line ups of the summer. It'll be a great weekend, here are a few of the highlights from the acts appearing:

Gruff Rhys
Graham Coxon
Caitlin Rose
The Duke and The King
The Rockingbirds

www.thisistruck.com

SONGS TO LISTEN TO OUT MONDAY 16th MAY ON CLUBHOUSE RECORDS . www.clubhouserecords.com

Finally, after over a year of recording, mixing, finessing and lute overdubs, we are able to announce a release date for our new album, "Songs to Listen to".

The album is released on CD and iTunes on the 16th of May

 Prior to this, we are releasing "State of Daydream" as a single, together with acoustic versions of "All Echoes Fade" and "Loud/Quiet".  This single will be available from iTunes on the 3rd of May, from us at gigs and also from the Clubhouse records website.