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from Billboard.com:

Blind Melon Preps First Studio Set Since '95

January 22, 2008, 10:45 AM ET

Greg Prato, N.Y.
The recently reborn Blind Melon will release its first studio album in 13 years this spring. "For My Friends" is due April 22 via Adrenaline and introduces new singer Travis Warren as a replacement for late frontman Shannon Hoon, who died in 1995.

Warren joins original members Rogers Stevens (guitar), Christopher Thorn (guitar), Brad Smith (bass) and Glen Graham (drums). "This record's a great rock'n'roll record," Warren tells Billboard.com "It's kind of like [1995's] 'Soup' -- the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you."

The frontman says the title track "has got a special place in my heart" since it "was the first that we worked on together." Stevens sent him the song at 9 or 10 p.m. ET, and upon first listen, Warren "heard a melody for it, threw it on ProTools and literally wrote the lyrics right there. Recorded it, and when Rogers woke up the next morning; I had sent the song back to him with vocals on it."

Without eschewing familiar Blind Melon sounds, the album ventures off on tracks like "Sometimes," according to Warren. "We definitely want to experiment and do different things with music," he says. "Hopefully with the [next] record, it'll go completely left field from where this record took off."

The album's first single will be the track "Wishing Well," and a U.S. tour in support will begin Feb. 28.


Also in the works is a book that will focus on the Hoon era of Blind Melon, tentatively titled "Caramel Cake Covered Christmas: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon." Updates about the book will be included on the group's official Web site.

Hey guys, I'm back to posting and it's good to be back. I am a big fan of the Blind Melon with Shannon Hoon era. Their sound was so unique and cutting edge. It complimented well with other bands like Nirvana, STP, and Smashing Pumpkins. I will admit I am skeptical of the new sound as I have not heard it yet. I will give it a shot soon as I do most everything I hear.

I've already posted a review of the album and saw them live the day after the album was released.

This new singer is the real thing. The new album is stellar and the music is just as good as it ever was. This definitely isn't some kind of lame tribute. Go buy it!

blind melon rocks, i'd be so down to see them live. any news on tour dates?