Eric P. Johnson’s folk rock-band, Fruit Bats, has stayed relatively under the radar for over ten years now. While always lurking in the shadows of Sub Pop’s heavy (folky) hitters (The Shins, Iron & Wine, etc.), the band has consistently puts out great albums. Over the weekend, Johnson & company dropped the first single from their new record Tripper, out August 2nd on Sub Pop. “Tangie and Ray” features no drastic changes from past recordings, but it does sound like the Bats have been listening to some 80′s Tom Petty. Pass over your email to download the track below and look for Fruit Bats on tour this summer with S.P. buddies Vetiver. Dates after the jump.

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Because some songs are just too catchy not to post….

MP3: Walk The Moon: Anna Sun

Buy they album @ bandcamp. Video and tour dates below.

[Edit: We we're asked to take this track down.]

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A Monday doesn’t get much better than this. The kings of Northwest folk have just announced the details of their second album. Look for Helplessness Blues May 3rd via Sub Pop. Stream/download the album’s title track below. Pastoral gold.

Catch the group in support of their new album starting this April. Dates after the jump.

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One of Sloane’s favorite new bands of 2010 is hitting the big time (for an indie act anyways). Seattle’s The Head and the Heart has just inked a deal with their city’s premier label, Sub Pop Records. If you haven’t tuned in to the folk-pop group, now is as good a time as ever to jump on the wagon.

This past Tuesday, Sub Pop digitally re-released the band’s self-titled debut (vinyl copies will be available April 16, Record Store Day). The remastered set features new versions of standout tracks “Rivers and Roads” and “Sounds Like Hallelujah.” Use the widget below to stream/download “Down In The Valley” and the brand new track, “No One To Let you Down.” As if that wasn’t enough, the band is touring over the next couple of months with Dr. Dog and The Walkmen. Woot! Dates after the jump.

Thanks Fuel/Friends for the tip.

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I had off from work yesterday, so that means today is my Monday. Pity me. Thankfully NPR decided to strap on a cape and save the day. Take a listen to the new Decemberists’ album The King is Dead, which is due out on the 18th of January. Stream the whole album here via NPR Music.

Thoughts? I am digging it so far.

EDIT: Updated to include Tour Dates, which of course can be found after the jump.

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Gregg Gillis seems to care about our well being. Not only did he drop his new album on a Monday to help us all cope with the work week blues, but he also is giving it away for free. Download All Day (Illegal Art) for free by following this link.

Girl Talk will be gracing his fans on a mega nation wide tour that was recently announced, so get your dancing shoes polished and check the tour dates below.

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Don’t fret you workday warriors, this Monday is not like the rest. While you grind your way through the start of this work week take comfort in the good things of life; in this case live acoustic videos from everyone’s favorite falsetto rockers. Passion Pit took part in the “Inside With” series, and played an acoustic show to some lucky fans in the L.A. region. Take a peak at Moth’s Wings above, and follow this link to hear Sleepyhead. Passion Pit recently released some new tour dates, which you can find after the jump. From past experiences these dudes put on one heck of a show, so be sure to check them out if they come to a city near you. More on how to get through the week later…

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Philadelphia psych-rocker Kurt Vile brings us a new track from his forthcoming John Agnello produced LP, due sometime in 2011 on Matador Records. Like much of Vile’s music, “In My Time,” channels an FM classic rock sound through a more modern, fuzzed-out progressive folk filter. The new single will be available for purchase at digital retailers on October 25th and on 7″ vinyl on November 9th. In the meantime, catch Vile on tour this fall with The Soft Pack and Purling Hiss. Dates after the jump.

MP3: Kurt Vile: In My Time

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