The new Polyphonic Spree album The Fragile Army isn’t out until June 19, but tracks are begining to leak and the buzz is begining to build. Based on these two tracks, I can see why there may be cause for excitement. If “Light To Follow” (or “Section 29″ if you’re nasty) is any indication, Tim Delaughter’s decision to ditch the band’s trademark robes for black combat kits may not be the only changes ahead for the Spree. Don’t let the slight synth beginnings of “Light To Follow” fool you - you’ll be knee-deep in Delaughter’s sensational orchestral pop before you know it. I can’t wait to hear The Fragile Army in its entirety. Enjoy!

MP3: The Polyphonic Spree - Section 23 (Get Up And Go)
MP3: The Polyphonic Spree - Section 29 (Light To Follow)

If Johnny Cash was the Man in Black, Conor Oberst may be the Wunderkind in White. At least that might be an appropriate moniker following Bright Eyes’ Saturday performance in Tulsa. Dressed entirely in white, Conor & his large band delievered a country-tinged show with a setlist focused primarily on songs from his most recent album, Cassadaga. Despite being peppered with Wentz-groomed emo teens more interested in angst than honkytonkyin’, both the audience and the band were at Cain’s to have a good time.

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On the topic of musicians-turned-actors, My Blueberry Nights opened the Cannes Film Fest and marks the acting debut of Grammy darling Norah Jones. Although reviews of the film were mixed, it sounds like the critics liked Jones’ performance. Despite the mixed critical reactions, this short Blueberry trailer still kind of intrigues me.

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Elvis, Madonna, Britney, Justin Timberlake, Mandy Moore, and Jessica Simpson have all done it. Even Dwight Yoakam & Ludacris have done it. Jennifer Hudson did it and won herself a pretty gold statue.

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Welcome to Hypeful - today is the first day of the rest of my blogging life. The emphasis of Hypeful will be on music, film, and other assorted cultural musings. I hope that you enjoy it and have a good time.

In honor of Hypeful’s launch (and the release of Wilco’s new album Sky Blue Sky), please enjoy this appropriately titled track as I work to get this blog going!

MP3: Wilco - Please Be Patient With Me