February 20, 2008

The 'Gum Drop Volume XXV: Hear New Howlin Rain, Win A White Stripes Scarf

Like a mash between a crusty noise troupe and a classic rock crew, Howlin Rain's self-titled 2006 debut mixed roots rock with fried psychedelics. Now, expanded to a quintet minus Sunburned Hand Of The Man drummer John Moloney, but still fronted by Comets On Fire's Ethan Miller, Howlin Rain returns in March on Birdman/American with Magnificent Fiend, a truly magnificent album that tones down the feedback on its path to concocting a denser vibe with bigger, more boogie-worthy CCR-on-Crowes hooks (and horns). This week we dropped "Calling Lightning Pt. 2," a song that links directly to "Calling Lightning With A Scythe," the best song on the debut. We asked vocalist/lead guitarist Ethan Miller for the lowdown. You can read his responses while you listen, over here. Rockin'.

We also offered the chance to win a super limited-edition 100% wool White Stripes tartan scarf. There were only 60 made! More details post jump.

Howlin Rain

The unisex scarf's pattern is the Official Tartan of the White Stripes, registered with the International Tartan Index. Trust us on this. It's also 100% wool and measures approximately 56" long by 11" wide with 1 1/2" fringe, if you're a details person.

Remember: Only 60 of these scarves were made. So wear it with pride. Or you can be all Jack-like and use it as a bullfighting cape. Surprisingly, Jack and Meg aren't wearing any plaid in this Autumn de Wilde pic. But that's only because these scarves are so hard to get. We have one to give away to one winner. Sign up to win here. There's also still more time to enter to win the Paul Frank bike and other gear and Steve Aoki CD. Go for it.