New Songs From Omaha

And by that, I really mean, new songs from musicians who used to record their music with their folk bands in Omaha on Saddle Creek, but are now signed to major labels and write songs titled "The Moneymaker" and "Souled Out".

This week, Jenny Lewis posted this video on her website, urging fans to call 888-717-2243 (ACID) to hear the title track of her new album, Acid Tongue. (Out September 23 on Warner Bros.)



On Acid Tongue, Jenny collaborates with Johnathan Rice, M Ward, Elvis Costello, Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Zooey Deschanel, Whisptertown 2000's Vanessa Corbala, one of the guys from A Perfect Circle, and lots of other big names. Jenny's family will play on the record, too. Her sister, Ana, plays strings; her sister, Leslie Lewis, does backing vocals on two songs; and her father, Eddie Gordon, plays bass harp. On the title track, Jenny sings over her acoustic guitar, and a group joins her with harmonies on the chorus.

Jenny is set to tour the country with Conor Oberst this fall, and though there are no Boston dates, I'd say it's worth making the trek to Apollo Theatre in New York on October 4. This week marked the official release of Conor major-label debut, with his self-titled album out on Merge Records. Download "Danny Callahan" here and check out the video for "Souled Out!!!" here:



Major labels or not, both artists still seem to be producing essential songs and records that are distinctly Omaha--perhaps the best music of their careers--and that is entirely worth celebrating. Wooo.