Ben Kweller’s roots have always been in country music. From his Texas upbringing to his flirtation with folk and country instrumentation on previous albums. And after almost a decade in New York, Ben packed up the family and moved south to Austin recently, and the Lone Star influence is all over his new album.

Changing Horses is the new disc, and I like the line from the press release which says, “he takes one of his own back-roads, country music, and makes it the main road.” Yeah, thats pretty accurate. At first I was a little reluctant to give in to the twang of the new record, but after a couple listens I’m ready to say that this is my favorite Kweller album to date.

I’m certain you are going to love this album if you have just a bit of country in you, and I know lots of you Cincinnatian’s do. And what is even more exciting, is that Ben is hosting a cool contest for those that pre-order the record.

For the details, I’ll let Ben tell you himself…

Very cool! Pre-order the album here now! And check out a list of tour dates after the jump…

Ben Kweller – Fight

Ben is also performing on Letterman next monday night, and rumor is, he will be playing “Fight”!

February

16 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown

17 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre

18 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall

21 – Cleveland, OH – Case Western Reserve U

22 – Toronto, ONT – The Mod Club Theatre

24 – Somerville, MA – Somerville Theatre

25 – New York, NY – Town Hall

26 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

27 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA

28 – Pittsburgh, PA – Diesel

March

01 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle

03 – Lousiville, KY – Headliners Music Hall

04 – Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge

05 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club

06 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay Theater