O.A.R. follows summer tour with album release

Road-warriors O.A.R., who are in the midst of a summer run through the U.S., have nailed down an Oct. 4 release for their next studio album.

The group and its label, Lava Records, are betting on the set--titled "Stories of a Stranger"--to "shatter many of the misconceptions surrounding the band," according to a press release.

"We've got a lot riding on this record," vocalist Marc Roberge said in a statement. "We tend to get pigeon holed as a jam band, a college band or a touring band. We haven't been taken seriously as songwriters, and this is our chance to prove that we are first and foremost a rock 'n' roll band and our songs have staying power."

Veteran producer and former Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison--whose recent credits include albums from Live, Verve Pipe and the Von Bondies--produced "Stories of a Stranger," which took over a year to make. Recording sessions took place in Virginia, California and New York City.

Guests on the set include keyboardist Bernie Worrell (Parliament) and Toby Lightman, who lends backing vocals to the album's first single, "The Stranger," and additional track "Heard the World." The group also collaborated with producer/songwriter Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews Band) on the cuts "Love and Memories," which was inspired by the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and "Program Director," which Lava describes as a song about "the halcyon days of FM radio when fans would call their local radio station and request their favorite songs."

Also included on the new album is the previously unrecorded track "Wonderful Day," which has been a staple of the group's live show for some time, and reggae-rock mixture "One Shot."

Fans who attend the group's summer tour will hear live versions of several songs housed on "Stories of a Stranger." Dates for the outing stretch into late August, and conclude with an Aug. 20 headlining performance at the fourth annual Feeling Better than Everfine Festival in Chicago. Details are included below.