Says ixnay to government intervention, instead gives away products for free, adopts nomadic touring lifestyle.

By Fred Mill

We'll have extra jalapenos with that LP, thanks.

Big Business, from L.A., will drop their new album, Mind the Drift, on May 12 via Hydra Head. And just because they can, they're already streaming the record for free online HERE. (Check out the band commentary that goes with the music.) It's heavy and it's cool and it was produced by a shotgun-wielding Phil Ek. Yow!

What's not to like about a deal like that! See the full tracklisting, below, along with tour dates: the band will hit the road in April for an extended trek with their buddies in Tweak Bird that runs into early June.

Speaking of band commentary, here's what they had to say not long ago about the album:

"Big Business is pleased to announce the completion of their new full length album, entitled MIND THE DRIFT. Big Business are also pleased to announce that they think it turned out great. Quite a few of those millennial types on the internet have been asking the band things like: "What's up with the new album? Why's it taking so long? How come you guys don't play that one song anymore or have merchandise at your shows?" While Big Business don't have time to answer all of those types of questions directly, we at Hydra Head would like to take this opportunity to present you with some True Facts about MIND THE DRIFT. FACT #1: Producer Phil Ek (insert famous bands like the Shins here) has again evolved the band's grandiose sound and taken the Biz into new sonic territories! FACT #2: Guitarist and newest band member Toshi Kasai adds new voice and dimension, and looks good doing it. You can actually hear the handsome. FACT #3: Most of the instrumental tracks were recorded at AVAST! 2 studios in Seattle, WA. in June and July of 2008. FACT #4: Due to the busy touring schedule of Big Biz and the Melvins, most of the vocals, as well as some overdubs and mixing, had to be postponed until late November of 2008. The album was completed in Los Angeles (well, actually, Burbank to be precise). (That's a two-fer.) FACT #5: While recording Jared's vocals, Phil Ek kept a loaded sawed-off shotgun in the control room. FACT #6: Hydra Head Records will be releasing the album on LP/CD/Digital this April. But more news on that later... If you are internet savvy, you can check out a new, never before heard track called "Gold and Final" streaming on myspace.com/bigbigbusiness... NOW!"

"Mind The Drift" Tracklist

1. Found Art
2. Gold and Final
3. Cats, Mice
4. I Got It Online
5. The Drift
6. The Ayes Have It
7. Cold Lunch
8. Theme From Big Business II

Big Business US Tour w/ Tweak Bird!

Apr 22 2009 The Max Dallas, Texas
Apr 23 2009 Red Seven Austin, Texas
Apr 24 2009 Warehouse Live-Studio Houston, Texas
Apr 25 2009 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Apr 26 2009 Alabama Music Box Mobile, Alabama
Apr 29 2009 Common Grounds (formerly Covered Dish) Gainesville, Florida
Apr 30 2009 City Limits Delray Beach, Florida
May 1 2009 The Social Orlando, Florida
May 2 2009 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida
May 3 2009 The Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia
May 5 2009 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina
May 6 2009 The Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
May 7 2009 Rock & Roll Hotel Washington DC, Washington DC
May 8 2009 The Note Westchester, Pennsylvania
May 9 2009 Union Pool Brooklyn, New York
May 10 2009 Mercury Lounge New York, New York
May 12 2009 Middle East Downstairs Boston, Massachusetts
May 13 2009 Grog Shop Cleaveland, Ohio
May 14 2009 The Basement Columbus, Ohio
May 15 2009 Headliners Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
May 16 2009 Small's Detroit, Michigan
May 17 2009 The Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
May 18 2009 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 20 2009 Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado
May 21 2009 Bar Deluxe Salt Lake City, Utah
May 22 2009 Neurolux Boise, Idaho
May 23 2009 Dante's Portland, Oregon
May 24 2009 Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle, Washington
May 25 2009 The Big Room Olympia, Washington
May 27 2009 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, California
May 28 2009 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Jun 1 2009 Troubadour Los Angeles, California
Jun 2 2009 Casbah San Diego