In 2006, I made a solo record. It was never released. During the mixing process the source files were effectively lost, leaving the record in a state of semi-completion, existing only in MP3 form.

I'm proud to say, these masters have finally been found, sequenced, and published to iTunes and beyond. Check it out.

Even though it was recorded while I was a lot younger, I'm still very proud of the music that came out. The lyrics? Not so much, but I think that the songs are all there. I think you'll enjoy it.

Check it out...

We wanted to let everyone know that we'll be opening a show at the 7th St. Entry on Saturday for our good local friends in Unsound Logic.  Doors are at 8 and we're on at 9.  It's 5 bones to get you in the door. Get your draank on and we'll kick it together.  See you there!

-Layne

We want to first thank all of you that were kind enough to come check out our intimate acoustic set at The Aster cafe last month.  You guys all made it a memorable night for us.  If you're interested, we've posted some audio of a few performances at www.soundcloud.com/theusualthings

Now for the bigger news. We're releasing our debut album "Middle Coast" at the 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis on Friday, May 13th.  Everything gets started at 10PM.  This show is FREE!  That means you can spend all your hard earned cash on our new disc.  If you haven't yet, check out our music video for the title track in our "Videos" section (or at YouTube), and stream the record in its entirety at the top of the page to get acquainted with some songs.  Opening bands for the show are still TBA, but we'll get those announced when we have more details.

We worked incredibly hard on this debut, and have been waiting entirely too long to release it, so you can imagine how excited we are.  Bring some folks along and have a good time.  We'll see you there.

Anyway, it'll be a great time at a great local hot-spot, and will only cost you $5.  You wont even have to stand, and we may have some pre-release discs for a lucky few of you.  Eric Lovold from The Alarmists will be opening too!  Basically, you can't miss it and you wont miss it.  See you there.

4.6.11 - Aster Cafe from The Usual Things on Vimeo.

P.S.  check the "Shows" section or Aster's website for any other info you may need.

He took the genesis of the title track and turned it into the most beautiful song I've ever had the pleasure of writing and recording. It's incredibly moving. We shot a video for it. You'll see it soon enough.

The record will predominantly be a digital release. We'll still have physical copies at the shows, but you'll be able to buy the record everywhere you can buy mp3s. We'll be selling the physical copy online too, if you want to pay for shipping and all that jazz.

We'll be celebrating the release at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis on February 18th, 2011.

Before then, you'll be able to see us on January 19th the the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis.

Thank you for sticking with us... whether limping or leaping. I can't tell you how great it is to be back.

Free as always. Other bands to be announced.

Our first show at the 7th Street Entry. Let's kill it!