Chesapeake, VA (AP) - Fans of the world renowned rock band Shitar were disappointed this week to learn that the release date of the band's forthcoming album, their 37th, has been pushed back. A press release from Beachfront Studios to explain the issue read, "The band has a lot going on right now. Some of the events you read about in the tabloids are actually true." When called, public relations officials for the band declined to comment on which stories were true or not. While a new date for the as of yet untitled album that was due for release in early September has not been set, record company executives at both Wubba Productions and Gorndog Studios confirmed that loyal fans should "see something from (Shitar) before Christmas."

"We have been producing this band since we bought the rights from Joseph Kazcyck," commented one executive. "We are familiar with them and they are familiar with us. There will be an album before Christmas. Our holiday sales figures demand it. As soon as we have a date set, we will release it to the fans and the press."

Since their inception in the late eighties, Shitar has been putting out albums at a mercurial rate. They peaked in both 1989 and 1991, releasing 5 albums in each of those years. 1989 contained four studio albums with original material; Shades of Grey, A Moment's Passing, The Great Space Opera, and Pain So Real. The recent trend, however, has been at a much slower pace, averaging just over an album a year.

Skeptics of the band believe Shitar has burned out and has no more to contribute to the world of rock and roll. However, fans note that 2003's Heavy Lifting (Released in Japan and Europe as: Big Mean Kitty) has shown quite the opposite trend. While not heavily promoted by Shitar, playing only a few shows in select cities to support the album, Heavy Lifting has had a long stint on the record charts and quite a few singles have received a good amount of airplay. The first single off of the album, Back It Up, was an instant dance hit and can still be heard in clubs from coast to coast nearly a year after its release. Other songs have garnered airplay, including Call Waiting which is currently on the charts, one after the other to give the album some legs. Many critics lauded the albums insight after 9/11/2001, noting the band's relevance in the wake of the terrorist strike was as notable as ever.

When contacted for comment, a publicist for the band released this statement, attributed to Shitar member John Gorney. "Just as the world changes for each of us every day, the world is changing for Shitar both on the micro and macro level. Life events put the world in perspective for us. The cycle of life constantly churns for Mark, Matt and myself. Things change. We change. Shitar changes. A constant in all of this turmoil is our music. It is our release; our expression. Not only is it important to us, but we understand the importance of Shitar's music to our fans. Shitar will continue."

While the record company has delayed the release of Shitar's newest album to the disappointment of fans around the world, the band has assured us that a new album will be forthcoming. "Shitar will continue."

Published: 8-7-2003

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