Release Roundup: Courtney Barnett, Les Claypool, Afghan Whigs News and Tours

Explore the latest buzz and exciting plans from Courtney Barnett, Les Claypool, and Afghan Whigs with fresh music releases and tour announcements.

Courtney Barnett’s New Chapter: Creature of Habit and “Site Unseen” Featuring Waxahatchee

There’s a fresh wave of Courtney Barnett magic on the horizon. The Australian singer-songwriter is gearing up for the release of her fourth album, Creature of Habit, set for March 27 via Mom+Pop Music. And to get us all hyped, Barnett dropped a new single titled “Site Unseen” featuring the soulful vocals of Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield.

Courtney Barnett’s contemplative energy captured in this lush portrait by Lindsey Byrnes.

This album marks a significant turning point for Courtney. Written during her relocation from Australia to Los Angeles and the closure of her beloved Milk! Records, Creature of Habit captures the emotional upheaval and transformation that accompanied these big life changes. She’s candid about the challenges this period presented: “I grappled with changes that put the future of both my life and career in question.”

The single “Site Unseen” has its own tale of persistence. Barnett shares, “I tried three separate times over two years to track this song, and each time it either wasn’t finished or didn’t sound right and each time we had to start again.” The breakthrough came when she invited Katie Crutchfield to add harmony vocals: “I’m a big Waxahatchee fan. I really love Katie’s songwriting and her voice, so it was an honor to have her sing on ‘Site Unseen.’”

If you want to catch this dynamic duo in action, check out the official video for “Site Unseen” available online.

Barnett will also be hitting the road for a North American tour starting May 1 in Austin, Texas. Fans can expect lively sets supported by bands like Momma and Built To Spill at various dates — definitely a lineup worth seeing.

Les Claypool’s Summer Extravaganza: Claypool Gold Tour and New Music

Switching gears to the wonderfully weird world of Les Claypool. This summer, the bass virtuoso is kicking off his Claypool Gold tour, promising a “fluid show featuring wildly different set lists and surprises.” The tour runs from May 20 in Reno, Nevada, through July 4 in Napa, California, and features performances from his eclectic projects: Primus, Claypool Lennon Delirium, and Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade.

On the music front, Claypool Lennon Delirium (Claypool and Sean Lennon) have unleashed a new track, “WAP (What a Predicament),” a teaser for their anticipated album due later this year. It’s a perfect blend of Claypool’s signature eccentricity and Lennon’s lyrical flair, sure to delight fans old and new.

Afghan Whigs Celebrate 40 Years With Tour and Surprising Covers

The Afghan Whigs are marking their 40th anniversary this spring with a North American tour, opening with Mercury Rev. The journey kicks off April 25 in Bearsville, New York, with tickets available from January 23. Band leader Greg Dulli expresses heartfelt gratitude: “40 years later, I still get to do the thing I love the most: writing songs and performing them with my friends all over the world. I truly have to pinch myself.”

In a delightful surprise, the band recently released covers of Minneapolis indie pop group Poliça’s “Fake Life” and UK duo Still Corners’ “Downtown.” These tracks herald new creative directions but won’t appear on their upcoming album, which remains shrouded in mystery.

Rush’s Grace Under Pressure Super Deluxe Edition: A Gift for Fans

For those who adore classic rock, Rush is sprucing up their 1984 album Grace Under Pressure with a Super Deluxe Edition reissue dropping March 13. Available in five different formats across CD, Blu-ray, and Dolby Atmos, this edition is a treasure trove for aficionados.

Perhaps the crown jewel is a fresh mix of the album by legendary producer Terry Brown — who wasn’t involved in the original release. Brown says, “I had to give the guys something they would be excited about, so I went for a little more detail, different reverbs and a larger footprint, all while maintaining the integrity of the original record.”

Adding to the package’s allure is a complete September 21, 1984, concert from Rush’s hometown Toronto, previously only partly available. Liner notes by Geddy Lee, a replica concert ticket, lithographs, a poster, and the Grace Under Pressure tour program round out this collector’s dream.

Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson will tour this year under the Rush name for the first time since drummer Neil Peart’s passing in 2020 — a poignant moment for fans worldwide.

Wrapping It Up: A Year of Music and Memories

From Courtney Barnett’s personal reinvention and Les Claypool’s genre-bending escapades to Afghan Whigs’ milestone celebration and Rush’s nostalgic deluxe release, 2026 is shaping up to be a spectacular year in music. Whether you’re chasing new tunes or craving live shows, these artists offer something special for every fan.

FAQ

• When is Courtney Barnett’s album Creature of Habit releasing?
  March 27 is the official release date for Creature of Habit.
• Who features on the single “Site Unseen”?
  Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield lends her vocals on “Site Unseen.”
• What bands will Les Claypool perform with during the Claypool Gold tour?
  He’ll perform with Primus, Claypool Lennon Delirium, and his Fearless Flying Frog Brigade.
• What is special about the Afghan Whigs’ recent covers?
  They covered Poliça’s “Fake Life” and Still Corners’ “Downtown,” signaling new musical explorations.
• What’s included in the Grace Under Pressure Super Deluxe Edition?
  It features five formats, a new album mix by Terry Brown, a full 1984 Toronto concert, liner notes, lithographs, and more.

Feeling inspired by these legendary albums and tours? Celebrate your favorite moments in music history by shopping our exclusive collection of iconic album cover posters. Bring a piece of the magic into your own space with art that speaks to your soul. Explore the collection here.