Ripple News - New Mike Kinsella - Owen Album to be Released - Free song download

We've written several times about Ripple favorites, Joan of Arc and their mercurial alt-rock. Well, never content to lay low, Mike Kinsella has several side projects including his exquisite recordings as Owen. As he began writing his fifth album, Kinsella became a husband and a father. For a musician who has never been afraid to address deeply personal topics in his songs, it would be impossible for such life altering changes not to affect the music he creates. And so, it is not surprising that New Leaves, as its title suggests, finds Kinsella branching off the core aspects that have always characterized his songs - distinct vocal inflections, biting wit and unique guitar playing - by adding fresh flourishes.

On New Leaves, the arrangements are more elaborate, the song structures more complex, and the lyrics more refined. As proof that Kinsella is ready to embrace this new life, the album begins with its title track - one that fittingly sets the tone both musically and lyrically for the next nine songs. Unlike the slow-building introductions on previous records, this driving opener is propelled forward by a backbone of acoustic guitar and melodic piano.

Polyvinyl will release New Leaves nationally September 22nd. For the first time ever, Owen will be performing with a full band at both record release shows at Chicago's Beat Kitchen. The first single, "Good Friends, Bad Habits," is available for download below.

New Leaves Tracklist

1. New Leaves
2. Good Friends, Bad Habits
3. A Trenchant Critique
4. Never Been Born
5. Amnesia and Me
6. Brown Hair in a Bird's Nest
7. Too Scared to Move
8. The Only Child of Aergia
9. Ugly on the Inside
10. Curtain Call

Tour Dates

9/16 Urbana, IL @ Canopy Club (Pygmalion Festival)
9/18 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen* (Full Band Record Release) with Bob Nanna
9/18 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen$ (Full Band Record Release) with Davey von Bolen

* Early Show / All Ages
$ Late Show/ 21+


MP3 Available for free Download:
Good Friends, Bad Habits

Pre-Order New Leaves: http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=912