Cass McCombs Announces Winter Tour In Support Of Humor Risk; Listen To Humor Risk Bonus Track, “Robin Egg Blue” (Gun Drum Mix)

November 8th sees the release of Cass McCombs’ Humor Risk, his second album of 2011, following WIT’S END (out this past April). Further proving what an incredibly versatile and prolific songwriter McCombs is, Humor Risk is more rhythm-based, and with a heavier lyricism, than its sparse predecessor. Both were compiled from recordings made over the course of three years, in various places such as New York City, New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles and mixed in a single session and divided into albums.

In contrast to his persona, McCombs’ music is generous, the melodies always infectious, the production and musicianship first-rate. And at the forefront of his craft is always the lyrics, which more than any songwriter today propels the avant-garde. Evident in Humor Risk’s “The Same Thing,” McCombs presents morally ambiguous situations for the listener, allowing them to interpret however they choose. He now gives another glimpse into this new album with the bonus track, “Robin Egg Blue” (Gun Drum Mix), which features additional production by Rostam Batmaglij. It was premiered yesterday via SPIN.com.

Listen to Cass McCombs’ “Robin Egg Blue” (Gun Drum Mix)

Cass McCombs will tour the west coast in support of Humor Risk with White Magic. Dates are below.

Sun. Nov. 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Tue. Dec. 1 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Fri. Dec. 4 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
Sun. Dec. 6 – Vancouver, BC @ Electric Owl
Mon. Dec. 7 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Tue. Dec. 8 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
Wed. Dec. 9 – Eugene, OR @ Cozmic

Praise for Humor Risk’s “The Same Thing”

“the opening major-key strums of ‘The Same Thing’ are warm and welcoming, immediately setting up what plays out (sonically, at least) as a long sigh of relief, a cruising acoustic motorik spackled with bursts of playful, Latin-tinged keys, chiming lead guitar and an earthy bass thump.” – PITCHFORK [BEST NEW TRACK]

“He’s also insanely talented, as he proves on this throwback chamber-pop gem that’s half-Zombies, half-Hollies.” – ROLLING STONE [THE HOT LIST]

“twitchier tempo, more roguish vocals, but just as masterfully modulated sense of ’70s soft-rock unease.” – SPIN [THE SPIN MIX]

“Unequivocally excellent, the tune moves along at a mid-tempo marching beat as the lyrics reason ‘pain and love are the same thing.’ . . . It feels like a classic and we’ve only just met.” — VMAN

“Humor Risk finds the clouds open up with movement, melody, and for – we hope – a bright day for all of mankind. Thanks, Cass.” – NYLON GUYS

“It’s snappy and swinging proof the sun still shines on Cass McCombs.” – THE FADER

“it drives home his knack for enveloping you in delicious melancholy while leaving you uncertain as to whether the sentiment is tongue-in-cheek. Until we’ve listened enough times to wrap our minds and hearts around it, let’s call ‘The Same Thing’ a surprise endorphin rush from a guy unpredictable enough to release two full-lengths within one year.” – ALTERED ZONES

“At this rate McCombs may land two slots on my best of 2011 list.” – AQUARIUM DRUNKARD

“Brilliant new track” – GORILLA VS. BEAR