Way back in February of 2009 Y La Bamba hit the studio with Chris Funk (Decemberists, Black Praire, etc.) to record a full-length entitled Lupon. And then... nothing. A few shows, some rumors, a cat walks into their promo photo, but that's about it.

A year later the band finally has some news about Lupon, which they made official on Friday night: Tender Loving Empire is releasing the album and it will be out later this Summer. Sure, that's all well and good, but what about the cat?

By now we assume you know all about the All-Age Movement attempting to win $50,000 in grants from those high fructose corn syrup pushers at Pepsi. As part of their "Good Idea" project, Pepsi will give grants to the top ten ideas—as voted by readers—which was all well and good until the All-Age Movement was pushed out of the top tier by a plan to... "bring attention to the tragedy of college student suicide." Oh. Okay, fine, so it's not exactly a mustache twirling villain, but since the 11th place idea wins nothing but a case of Crystal Pepsi*, now is the time to make your voice heard as a music lover. Plus some of the other top ten ideas include less noble plans, such as "Build a High Ropes Course" at a YMCA in Duluth—so please don't think a vote for all-age music is a vote for suicide.

The contest ends this Sunday at 6am 9pm, so vote now.

(Yes, I know it's not ideal to approach Pepsi with hands out—and yes, it really would be "a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber"—but just stop complaining and go vote.)

* Not true.

• Blush Photo

Make way Indigo Girls, here comes Blue Giant. The Americana wing of Kevin and Anita Robinson's global domination mission, has signed on the dotted line with Vanguard Records. The band self-releases their own Vice Voce recordings, but is teaming up with the New York label for their upcoming LP, due out on July 13.

Vanguard is home to the Indigos, plus everyone from the Watson Twins to that guy from Bad Santa. No, not the midget.

If you are wondering why Spoon frontman Britt Daneil is Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga for holding that piece of cardboard, then you really should read all about Winter is the New Summer. WITNS not only lists various shows, but has hidden content throughout, such as a live video from Nurses' Chat Roulette live performance from earlier this week.

Since there are only a few weeks of winter left, what's next? Spring is the new fall? Varsha is the new Shishira? (Why doesn't anyone get my Ritu jokes?)

How great is Have One On Me, the new Joanna Newsom album? Pretty damn great. But is it worth hugging? Evidently it is.

As dumb as that blog is, just be glad it's not humpingthenewjoannanewsomalbum.tumblr.com.
No one needs to see that.

Another week, another Mercury music section to read while you cook up something special from Shane MacGowan's kitchen. I was going to make a shot-glass-as-measuring-cup joke, but then realized MacGowan is probably more of a straight-from-the-bottle kind of guy.

Nerd alert! Jonathan Coulton walks that fine line between parodies and genuine, heartfelt songs. Think Loudon Wainwright III or They Might Be Giants, not "The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun."
LISTEN:

Jonathan Coulton - "Code Monkey"

Former Concretes singer, and the most memorable element (besides the whistling) of that one Peter Bjorn & John single, Victoria Bergsman has moved on quite nicely with Taken by Trees. Although I'm not quite sure why she tried to record an album in Pakistan. Everyone knows Pakistanis think indie rock is the soundtrack of the infidels.
LISTEN:

Take by Trees - "Anna"

Bear Hands are the most hyped blog band of the last three minutes. Bear claws are a doughnut loaded with delicious apple filling. Guess which one we like more?
LISTEN:

Bear Hands - "What a Drag"

Damien Jurado puts his pajama pants on just like the rest of you—one leg at a time. Except, once his pajama pants are on, he makes quality records. In bed.
LISTEN:

Damien Jurado - "Ohio" (It's an older song, but one of his best)

Much like the Hold Steady show last Spring, we are once again teaming with our favorite liquid crutch, Jack Daniels, and offering you a free concert in these tough financial times. This time around it's Okkervil River at the Crystal Ballroom on Wednesday, March 24.

To hear liquor's sweet song, and Okkervil's sweeter songs, just enter here. You must be 21+ to enter, and good luck.

As close to a scholarly take (albiet Caramanica's) on Twiztid and the Hatchet Family as you'll ever find (still not all that scholarly).

• Colin Meloy, frontman of the Decemberists, and boy-toy of Carson Ellis, as it so happens
• The Alialujah Choir, a "supergroup" of sorts consisting of two Adams (Shearer, of Weinland; and Selzer, of Norfolk & Western), plus Alia Farah
• Ah Holly Fam'ly
• Musee Mecanique
• DJ Jeremy Peterson of the excellent OPB show In House

The 2010 PDX Pop Now! festival will take place at Rotture (315 SE 3rd) on July 30, 31, and August 1. Mark those calendars now.