Titled The Runaway, the 12-track effort was produced by frontman Romeo Stodart with Valgeir Sigurðsson (Bjork, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy) and mixed by Ben Hillier (Doves, Elbow, Blur). Several of the songs feature string arrangements by the late Robert Kirby, who is best known for his work with Nick Drake and Elvis Costello. The Runaway will mark Kirby’s final project.

The Magic Numbers have already released one track from the album, “Hurt So Good”, as a free digital download. Listen to it here. Single number one, “The Pulse”, will be available starting April 12th. The album itself will be released in the U.K. on June 7th. (A U.S. release date has not yet been announced.)

Ahead of the release, the band will drop a four-track live EP featuring recording from its performance Wiltons Music Hall in London in January.

Find The Runaway’s tracklist below, as well as dates for The Magic Number’s upcoming U.K. tour.

The Runaway Tracklist:
01. The Pulse
02. Hurt So Good
03. Why Did You Call?
04. Once I Had
05. A Start With No Ending
06. Throwing My Heart Away
07. Restless River
08. Only Seventeen
09. Sound Of Something
10. The Song That No One Knows
11. Dreams Of A Revelation
12. I’m Sorry

The Magic Numbers 2010 Tour Dates:
04/22 – London, UK @ Pigalle Club
04/30-05/01 – Murcia, ES @ Estrella Levante SOS 4.8
06/03 – Leeds, UK @ Irish Centre
06/04 – Newcastle, UK @ University
06/05 – Glasgow, UK @ ABC
06/07 – Manchester, UK @ Academy
06/08 – Liverpool, UK @ Academy
06/09 – Bristol, UK @ Leadmill
06/11 – Bristol, UK @ Anson Rooms
06/12 – Wolverhampton, UK @ Wulfrun Hall
06/13 – Cambridge, UK @ Junction
06/15 – Brighton, UK @ Komedia
06/16 – Norwich, UK @ Waterfront
06/17 – London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush

That last one is pretty sweet (understatement) but it’s pretty hard to top what Damon Albarn is offering. The britpop icon, recently confirmed to appear with that animated band of his in the desert, will write and record a song for the high bidder. Per the item description:

The sucessful bidder will own a recording of a composition especially written performed and recorded by Damon Albarn for their exclusive personal use (*subject to terms & conditions). * The winning bidder will need to sign a contract before receiving this piece of music.

Albarn will retain the copyright, according to the auction page, but it’s your song, and you decide whether or not anyone else ever hears it. The price? Currently £5,100, and there’s six days left — the auction ends February 2nd. Proceeds from all auctions benefit Oxfam International; click on the link to donate without vying for a chance at the coolest thing you’ll ever have.

On a side note, now seems like a good opportunity to remind you of our SXSW Day Party with Sled Island Music Festival. Click here for more details!