Cracker has been in the studio working on their follow-up to 2006’s critically acclaimed ‘Greenland’ album and early reports from the band already indicate that many of the key elements are in place for another brilliant effort from this influential rock act.

As co-founder and guitarist, Johnny Hickman recently revealed about these sessions, “This time around we decided to revisit the Kerosene Hat method of making a record. Instead of inviting a lot of musical friends to the party, it’s back to four guys in a room…beak to beak, firing on all cylinders. Riffs, beats and song titles are flying around like rockets. The energy in there is palpable, combustible…even frightening! Exactly as it should be!”

The band’s frontman and other co-founder David Lowery also added, “Last year in support of the Greenland CD we did something like 160 shows in 15 countries. It occurred to us that this year we would put the same intensity and energy into writing and recording a record. We don’t do anything half-assed in Cracker. So don’t expect us to emerge until we’ve penned 100 new tracks! Okay that’s an exaggeration, but not too much of one. I think we have 25 pieces of music already. We might even get out and play the occasional show this year.”

As it turns out, these ‘occasional’ shows are already starting to materialize with confirmed dates in May 2008 for Atlanta, Columbia and Charleston, with additional shows slated this summer in Albuquerque and Chicago, with other cities to follow.

They’ll also be hosting their 4th Annual Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven Campout in Pioneertown, CA on Sept 11th, 12th and 13th, 2008 with an extensive line-up of other great acts to be announced soon.

To tide fans over until their new studio effort drops, Cracker has just released a limited edition website-only CD entitled ‘Live in Berlin’, expertly recorded by German National Radio in December 2006. This ten-track CD is currently available to purchase exclusively online through Pitch-a-Tent Records

In addition, the band also has plans to release a series of limited edition website-only rarities CDs - the first which should be available later this summer. As David explains, “It’s gonna be the first in a series tentatively titled ‘How, Hi Are You’. Yes, the Daniel Johnston reference is intentional. This will be a collection of unfinished demos, aborted commercial jingles, and other miscellany woven together into some kind of mash-up ala Camper Van Beethoven Is Dead. Long Live Camper Van Beethoven.”

And if that’s not enough this year, Cracker’s song “The World Is Mine,” from their 1998 ‘Gentleman’s Blues’ album, is featured alongside golf pro Tiger Woods, tennis player Roger Federer and soccer pro Thierry Henry in Gillette’s latest ad for their new Fusion Power Phenom razor.

David and Johnny will be joined on both their forthcoming studio release and live shows with fellow Cracker band mates, bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music / Sparks / Runaways) and drummer Frank Funaro (The Dictators / Joey Ramone / Del Lords).

Cracker “Occasional” 2008 tour dates (with more to be announced):

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Cracker’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

May 2 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
May 3 Columbia, SC Rosewood Crawfish Festival
May 4 Charleston, SC Live X Mayday / Exchange Park
July 3 Hobart, IN Hobart Jaycee Fest
July 12 Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Summerfest / Harry Kinney Civic Plaza
July 20 Chicago, IL Sheffield Garden Walk
September 11 Pioneertown, CA 2008 Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven CAMPOUT
September 12 Pioneertown, CA 2008 Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven CAMPOUT
September 13 Pioneertown, CA 2008 Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven CAMPOUT

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