We get our first listen to M Ward’s upcoming A Wasteland Companion, out April 10th, with this vieo for “The First Time I Ran Away.” It’s a great track with a strong video. Here’s hoping I can catch him live again at SXSW!

You might remember Amanda Mair from my favorite songs of 2011 list. She’s just released a video for her new song “Sense” and they’re both perfect. You can preorder her new album at Laborador.

I can’t claim that I knew much about Don Cornelius, but it’s always sad when the world loses a creative spirit. His death inspired me to watch old clips, one of which I thought was fitting enough to share. Twice in the middle of their performance of the Paul’s Boutique classic “Shadrach,” the Beastie Boys bandied about Don Cornelius’ name. It’s a great way to spice up the track and say thanks to a legend at the same time.

I must not have been paying close attention, because I didn’t know that Cursive’s new album I Am Gemini was a concept album about Gemini. Don’t forget that Cursive have a tour coming up — including an April 8th date in Lexington with Cymbals Eat Guitars.

[via SG]

Party machines Still Flyin’ have announced their next record. On A Bedroom Wall is due out May 21. Here’s our first listen, the energetic track “Cleat Talking.”

MP3: Still Flyin – Cleat Talking
This is my favorite Still Flyin song since “Runaway Train II.” It’s got a bouncy melody, positive lyrics and a strong spirit. Here’s hoping I can sing along to this one live soon!

Still Flyin also have an interesting contest going on to win some custom-made Still Flyin cleats.

UPDATE: Hear “Love Interruption” now!

Jack White just dropped a load of information at his site. He’ll be releasing a solo album Blunderbuss on April 23 via Third Man Records.

Third Man Vault members can stream “Love Interruption,” the lead single, today. It gets a digital release tomorrow, Jan 31, and a 7″ release on Feb 7th.

Air’s upcoming album Le Voyage Dans Le Lune is a soundtrack to the influential early 1900s film of the same name. You might remember it from the capsule in the moon’s eye photo (seen above). The album’s out 2/7, but you can stream “Parade” below.

Matinee is releasing a new Strawberry Whiplash 7″. Here’s the title track.

MP3: Strawberry Whiplash – Stop, Look And Listen
Matinee Records stuff will always remind me of my freshman and sophomore years of college. I was never absolutely mad about most post-C86 bands, but it’s just such a fun scene in which to spend a little time.

Strawberry Whiplash on Myspace

Oh yeah… and Siri’s in there too. She’s really the star of the whole thing.