Arcade Fire’s "The Suburbs" Debuts At #1 and More [Unplugging]

This weekend’s installment of Unplugging includes good news on Weezer, Janelle Monae, and much more.

Arcade Fire has come a long way. The band’s sophomore LP Neon Bible just couldn’t make the top, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, they’ve finally achieved number one status with their new album, The Suburbs, debuting at the top of the chart this week.  As always, it’s inspiring to see independently-released albums make it big.

Several tours were announced this week, including highly-anticipated GWAR’s “Bloody Tour of Horror” this fall in support of their new album GWAR’s Bloody Pit of Horror. Sufjan Stevens and Benny Benassi have also announced tours – Benassi embarking on his by bicycle.  Also, ATP New York has finalized their 2010 lineup, adding Kurt Vile, GZA, and a comedy stage by Syd Butler of Les Savy Fav.

New music this week includes the announcement of Weezer’s new album, Hurley, out September 14th. Aptly named, the album will feature the face of Jorge Garcias, one of my personal favorite LOST characters. Also, the group has signed with Epitaph Records. Finally, Janelle Monae has released a new video for “Cold War,” the second single off of her first full-length album, The ArchAndroid.

Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” Debuts At #1 on Billboard 200: Arcade Fire has finally claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart with The Suburbs, the group’s new album – already selling 156,000 copies.

GWAR to Embark on the Bloody Tour of Horror: GWAR has announced their fall tour “The Bloody Tour of Horror” in support of their new album Gwar’s Bloody Pit of Horror via Metalblade Records. The Casualties, Infernaeon, and Mobile Deathcamp will be joining GWAR on the tour. Follow the link for tour dates.

Sufjan Stevens Headed Out on Tour Soon: Sufjan Stevens has announced his first tour in years, traveling all over the country this October and November. Follow the link for tour dates.

Weezer Signs with Epitaph, New Album in September: Weezer has signed with Epitaph Records, confirmed via Brett Gurewitz’s Twitter page. Also, the group has announced a new album, Hurley, out September 14th featuring the face of Jorge Garcias on the cover (for all of the LOST fans!) Listen to the first single here.

Benny Benassi Announces Bike Tour of California, New Album: Electro-house legend Benny Benassi will be traveling down the California coast on his bicycle this September to perform a series of concerts. He has also announced a new album, Spaceship, out later this year. Follow the link for tour dates.

Janelle Monae Releases New Video: Janelle Monae has released the video for “Cold War,” the second single off of her first full-length album, The ArchAndroid. Follow the link to watch the new video.

ATP New York Finalizes Lineup, Announces Kurt Vile, GZA and More: ATP New York, taking place Labor Day weekend in upstate NY, has announced final addition to the lineup, including Kurt Vile, GZA, and a comedy stage by Syd Butler of Les Savy Fav. Follow the link for the full line-up.