Cursive is releasing a new single via Saddle Creek Records March 9 called “Discovering America,” which, according to their publicist, focuses on the mistreatment of the American Indian community. “Given its content, Cursive has decided to release the song as a standalone single for charity, with all profits to be donated to the American Indian College Fund,” according to the statement. “The single will be available at major digital music retailers.”

Speaking of Cursive, the band is in the heart of a nationwide tour with Alkaline Trio. Bassist Matt Maginn is providing updates from the road via a Facebook page titled Matt Cursive. And did anyone else see this story in the Salt Lake City Tribune where Ted Stevens commented on the “darkness” of the Mama, I’m Swollen? Here’s an excerpt:

“It reflects people who are in a dark place,” said Ted Stevens, Cursive’s guitarist. “I’d be lying if I said I was a happy person, or that [lead singer and lyricist] Tim Kasher was in a happy place.”

Some of the bad feelings are a result of fans’ reactions to the band’s previous album, Happy Hollow, a concept album that was more experimental than ferocious. “We alienated most of our fans with Happy Hollow,” Stevens said. “People are still quick to criticize.”

Has the reaction to Happy Hollow really been that bleak? Are things really that bad? I thought Cursive had a pretty solid 2009, which included an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Maybe not…

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Looks like The Reader and The City Weekly are getting some new competition March 3. That’s when Shout! Weekly hits the news stands, a new arts & entertainment newsweekly that I’m told is from the folks who brought you The City Weekly — Jim Minge and Dan Beckman. The publication already has a Facebook and Twitter page as well as a placeholder for shoutomaha.com. Can Omaha support three alt weeklies and a revitalized Go! Section of the Omaha World-Herald? Time will tell.

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Tomorrow’s column: Tim Wildsmith live review; and Thursday, a feature on Talking Mountain. Join us, won’t you?

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