It's time to catch up with The Literary Greats, whose debut self-titled album from 2007 is well-worn at this cubicle. The indie-pop-Americana band is set to release a new album very soon, but before they do, they will play the Continental Club Thursday night and answered a few questions for us:

29-95: Tell us about your upcoming album. How does it build upon the previous album? Is there an overarching theme?

Brandon Elam: This record has many of the same elements but we’ve definitely evolved as people and as a band. We added a keyboard player (Kris Becker) so each song either has vintage electric pianos, acoustic piano or Hammond. Guitar tones have more body and the writing explores weightier subjects like pain, faith, death, and of course love. There are still playful songs in there, but we’ve twisted them up a bit.

Courtesy photo: The Literary Greats

Chris Ginsbach: The title is Ocean, Meet the Valley. The songs have both literal and figurative references to both oceans and valleys. As Brandon mentioned, the tones and sounds are a bit deeper. This album is more raw and in-your-face musically and lyrically.

29-95: What is the best song on it and why? And no waffling about how they're all great songs. Pick one.

BE: My favorite song is Show Me the Coast. It's a love song that pits disappointment and selfishness against commitment using drowning in the ocean as a metaphor. It's tender and haunting, yet flows with a steady beat.

CG: Mine is That Mountain Yonder. The song gets me from the opening electric piano lines, and then the rocking guitar outro takes it to another level. The lyrics hit home and try to bring some reality and perspective into our daily lives.

29-95: Describe your sound to someone who has never heard the band.

BE: Isn't that your job? j/k [Editor's note: Yes, which I have done. Snap.] My take on this new record is Kenny Rogers meets the Pixies.

CG: I always refer to it as alternative/indie Americana. This album leans a bit more to the indie side.

29-95: I like your list of influences on MySpace (hospitals, College Station, rain, Tom Petty, Spoon, etc.), but do you think library cards really belongs on the list? Explain.

BE: A library card used to be the only way to access history, information and fairy tales. I peed my pants one time because a rare book I wanted was available and I had to check it out before the bus left. Now that I think about it, it’s the only time I can remember peeing my pants.

CG: Card catalogs are still pretty cool to look at if you ask me. Can you imagine the time it takes to put all those cards in order?

29-95: Facebook or MySpace?

BE: CDBaby.

CG: Facebook is kind of creepy. I see names that I hadn’t thought of in years; and names that I never wanted to see again.

29-95: When Googling "literary greats," your MySpace is the first result. How do you think Hemingway feels about this?

BE: My attempt at rationalizing: Hemingway’s writing is characterized by economy and understatement, therefore he would appreciate our understated approach to music. Actually, I’m sure he's rolling in his grave.

CG: She’s a great actress. I loved her in Superman IV.

29-95: The show is 10 p.m. on a Thursday night. What's the best reason to forgo watching Jimmy Kimmel/Sex and the City reruns to come see you play?

BE: Hot dogs at the Continental!

CG: I get the feeling that there is an emergence of the local music scene in Houston over the past couple of years. Blogs are popping up, festivals are showcasing talent, and bands are rallying together to get each other’s music heard. This new showcase is another step to let people know that Austin isn’t the only place for quality music coming out of the state of Texas.

We agree, Chris.

29-95 presents the Literary Greats. 10 p.m. Thursday at the Continental Club. $5. Come hang.