Not as exciting as a new Old 97's album but it's something. Here's some news from the Old 97's website (an Old 97's Christmas album?):

The guys have been busy, with Rhett (to whom Stephen King gives a shout-out in a recent edition of Entertainment Weekly) in the studio to record the follow-up to 2002's The instigator.

And y'all know that June's shows will see the guys the recording their first ever live CD (of course their first live DVD, "Old 97's Live" was released in January.) Just check the list of upcoming tour dates, and if you can get to central Texas, you really ought to try to hit the guy's shows on June 17 or 18 in Texas oldest continually operating dance hall, the great old Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas.

Then in July, the band reconvenes in the studio to wax what ought to be a treat for both for their little kids, and for overgrown kids like yours truly: an Old 97's Christmas album. Anyone who's ever heard their 1995 takes on "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" knows this idea is a natural. Murry Hammond also hits the studio in the weeks ahead to complete his third solo album.

I would buy another solo disc from him, as well as that Christmas album.

You know, Murry kind of looks like Stephen King.

I enjoyed the last solo album too. Some people think it's a little too poppy, but I like Sat. Rides also, and if that's not pop, I don't know what is.

I'd probably buy that Xmas album too, even though I'm usually not a fan of 'em.

He shoulda buried "Our Love" deeper in the album, because the awesome awesomeness of that song overshadowed the whole album.

And for some good Gotdamn reason I STILL haven't heard the last Old 97s album (hint, hint) after LOVING the last 2 (and introing Busty et al to these guys)

I'd hook you up ysi-wise, Good Senator, but my internet-connection is piss poor right now and probably wouldn't get through the upload without dropping completely. However, if you want to hop on slsk and get it one song at a time, tell me your name and i'll add you to the list.

I liked The Instigator ok but thought it was below Old 97's material. Our Love is the best song on the album, definitely agree there. If they do release that Christmas album it will become the only Christmas CD I own.

I wish I would have known b/c I would have burned that too and included with Love as Laughter.

No worries, I got from Cap'n Squirggle via the ichat.