The Culture Of Me — (photo by Konstantin Sergeyev) Former keyboardist for The Hold Steady and wearer of an excellent mustache, Franz Nicolay released a story-telling solo effort called Major General and is gearing up for another, Luck & Courage (out October 12), but in ... more info

DrownedInSound — As part of our 10-week "DiS is 10!" celebration, we have asked 50 of our favourite people to tell us about one of their favourite albums of the past 10 years. In our second "favourite 50" installment, DiS contributor and 'My Name Is Emo' columnist Da... more info

LargeHeartedBoy — The Hold Steady's Craig Finn talks to Spinner about his early love for hardcore music. Writers on Process is my favorite new blog, featuring interviews with authors and musicians on the craft of writing. As part of the A.V. Club's... more info

NME — Bands set to perform at the Texan bash in November more info

Silent Uproar — Wintersleep will join The Hold Steady for a three-week stint, beginning September 20th in Richmond, VA. The band is out supporting its latest album, New Inheritors. Stream five album tracks on the band's website. [wintersleep.com] more info

The Good, The Bad and The Unknown — I'm a sucker for a request.  Had no intention of doing this...but if the fans want it...then... Here are the 11 Best Songs of the Year (so far): 1.  I Was A Teenage Anarchist - Against Me! (White Crosses) 2.  25 To Life - Eminem (Recovery) 3. ... more info

NME — Group add extra dates in September and October more info

Altsounds — With a rousing new collection of songs and an inspirational live show that has captivated audiences and critics worldwide, Wintersleep are proud to extend their US touring schedule and join The Hold Steady for a three-week tour. Beginning Septemb... more info

Radio Exile — Uh oh, I am swamped so it’s “cut-and-paste” news time! “With a rousing new collection of songs and an inspirational live show that has captivated audiences and critics worldwide, Wintersleep are proud to extend their US touring schedule and j... more info

Pitchfork - Tours — 07-14 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall ! 07-15 Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit !@ 07-16 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre ! 07-17 Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Bluesfest 08-18 Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market ^ 08-19 Vancouver, British ... more info