The New Pornographers Challenge Themselves On New Album

Vancouver collective The New Pornographers were a little secretive in February when they first talked about their upcoming album, but Carl Newman has let his guard down about their expected August release, tentatively titled Challengers.

The New Pornographers will start mixing their fourth LP — the follow-up to 2005's Twin Cinema — next week, and hope to finish it by the end of April.

Newman told Pitchforkmedia.com the titles of some of the songs that will appear on the record, one of which is an unreleased Sub Pop single B-side from a long time ago titled "The Spirit Of Giving." Others include "Myriad Harbor," "Entering White Cecilia," "All These Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth," "Go Places," "Challengers" and "All The Old Showstoppers."

Newman said the new album will have more instrumentation than previous albums, including a string quartet, flute and trumpet. Todd Fancey also played more guitar, banjo and mandolin than on past efforts.

The New Pornographers have European tour dates scheduled for June, and shows planned for New York City and Chicago in July. The ensemble have a North American tour for September and October in the works.

Newman didn't specify if Dan Bejar will join them on tour, but Neko Case will be on board in the fall.

Newman also has a few ditties floating around in his head that may fill a possible solo album.

"I don't know when I'll get the time to do it, but I really want to do one," he said.

If the solo effort doesn't happen for Newman, he can always call the University Of Phoenix and offer his services, as the school is using The New Pornographers' "Bleeding Heart Show" in its commercials.