Pitchfork

DJ Shadow takes his name seriously. He's the kind of guy who doesn't demand attention, quietly releasing live CDs/DVDs and mixtapes that garner pretty good reviews while we all wait for an official follow up to his 2002 album The Private Press. And if the rumors are true, he's getting in touch with his crunk side.  

Well, we're one step closer, as it was announced today that the still-untitled album now has a home at Universal Records. Everyone involved in the deal seems thrilled about it, and Shadow is quoted in a press release as saying, "Finally, after years of feeling like an orphan I feel like I finally have a home." Aw! According to Shadow, the album, which is scheduled for release later this summer, is "one of the most fun things I've ever worked on." It will be his first release featuring guest vocalists and will include heavy hitters such as Q-Tip and David Banner as well as Yay Area upstarts Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk.

DJ Shadow will also play his first live gigs in almost four years this summer, and he plans on scheduling a full-blown tour in support of the new album. The first show, taking place May 25 in L.A., will be a benefit concert for his art director Keith Tamashiro, who suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm about a month ago. It will feature Shadow and fellow turntablist Cut Chemist reprising part of their "infamous" (according to Shadow's website) Brainfreeze set. (Is that poignant or tasteless?) There are also a ton of other indie superstars on the bill.

Not-so-private press:

05-25 Los Angeles, CA - Mayan Nightclub *
06-23 London, England - Wireless Festival ^
06-24 Leeds, England - Wireless Festival #

* with Cut Chemist, MF Doom, Madlib, Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Money Mark, Beat Junkies, MC Supernatural
^ with Massive Attack, Pharrell, more
# with the Who, Super Furry Animals, the Zutons, more