Coming soon on The Daily Vault: Wilco, Clapton, The Subways and more

Wilco is back and today we've got a look at new album The Whole Love courtesy of new contributing writer Richard Fulco.  Coming soon, look for reviews of Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton, The Subways, Phil Spector, Color Radio, Switchfoot, Spottiswoode & His Enemies, Last Charge Of The Light Horse and more, plus a concert review of Opeth and Katatonia.  Who said things slow down when fall comes??

Artist Spotlight: Eric Clapton

This week we turn the Artist Spotlight on a fellow who's been called a lot of things over the years -- Yardbird, bluesman, E.C., genius, junkie, even, for a time, God. Eric Clapton has worn many musical guises, from the Yardbirds to Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominos and his long and intermittently successful solo career. This week, Staff Writer David Bowling takes on one of the more neglected corners of E.C.'s career, those pesky late '70s and 1980s albums where Clapton floundered a bit, searching for the right sound to satisfy both his muse and the times. The going won't always be smooth, but it will most assuredly be interesting, so tune in...

Sunday Roundup

You just never know when a batch of new items is going to pop up around here...

• Blind Melon's early 90s run was notable both for the immediate buzz it generated on MTV and elsewhere, and for the rock tragedy cliche it turned into when talented frontman Shannon Hoon overdosed on tour just as the band was hitting its stride. Fastforward to 2006 and you find guitarist Christopher Thorn and bassist Brad Smith producing singer-songwriter -- and diehard Blind Melon fan -- Travis Warren. It didn't take long for the idea to be hatched, the remaining members to be contacted, and Blind Melon to be reborn. On February 28th the reconstituted Blind Melon are set to embark on a five month U.S. tour in support of their forthcoming CD For My Friends, set for release on April 22, 2008. Welcome back, guys.
• The latest Aussie import to these American shores is Down Under superstars The Cat Empire, who will release their latest album, 'So Many Nights,' on April 22 via Velour Music Group. Lead-off title track "So Many Nights" sets the mood for this genre-defying album, which is already certified platinum down under. Listen here.
• Steve Winwood has released the first single, “Dirty City” (featuring Eric Clapton), from his upcoming album Nine Lives, due in stores on April 29. Check out Winwood’s official site starting Monday, February 25th, for an exclusive “Dirty City” video clip and a chance to pre-order Nine Lives. Winwood will also be appearing with his former Blind Faith band-mate Clapton on-stage at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for three sold-out performances on February 25th, 26th and 28th.