Jason Molina has been crafting alt-folk records for over a decade. Whether it has been with Songs: Ohia, under his own name, or with his most recent outfit, Magnolia Electric Co., Molina is no stranger to the industry. So it is no surprise that the dude and co. (pun intended) are readying another effort. Come July 21st, Molina and the rest of the company will release their latest, Josephine, via Secretly Canadian. According to a press release, the Steve Albini produced album is “a weighty, mature album about real loss and dislocation, bringing forth a more minimalist aesthetic than the band has attempted to date.” Furthermore, recording the tribunal concept album in Albini’s Chicago Electric Audio Studios was allegedly “emotional.” This makes sense, considering the album attempts to pay tribute to former MEF bassist Evan Farrell, who passed in 2007.

Via said press release:

Molina said each tune is a good faith attempt to make real Evan’s hopes for the record. And in doing so, Evan’s spirit becomes part of the concept. The loss of Josephine becomes the loss of Evan. Molina’s familiar lyrical allegories are still in tact. But here, in what is no doubt the strongest set of songs Molina has written since the inception of Magnolia Electric Co., those classic themes take on new meanings. Molina has approached the universal loneliness before, but never in such a focused, directed manner as found on Josephine.

Sounds like a heavy record, or at least the ingredients for one. Additionally, the Electricians will tour a whole bunch beginning in July.

Magnolia Electric Co. 2009 Tour Dates:
05/29 – Barcelona, Spain @ Primavera Sound Festival
07/10 – Bloomington, IN @ Russian Recordings *
07/11 – Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s *
07/12  – Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
07/14 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House *
07/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Andy Warhol Museum *
07/16 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk *
07/17 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East *
07/18 – Northhampton, MA @ Iron Horse *
07/20 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
07/21 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 *
07/22 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt *
07/23 – Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone *
07/24 – Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves *
07/25 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk *
07/27 – Tucson, AZ @ Solar Culuture *
07/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echo *
07/29 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill *
07/31 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir *
08/01 – Seattle, WA @ Crocodile *
08/03 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge *
08/04 – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive *
08/05 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar *
08/06 – Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room *
08/07 – Minneapolis, MN @ Street Entry *
08/08 – Dubuque, IA @ Busted Lift *

* = w/ The Donkeys