The New Pornographers surprised vinyl enthusiasts everywhere by dropping a limited‑edition 7″—their first full‑band recording since 2023—through A.C. Newman’s Substack, Ballad of a New Pornographer. The A‑side, Ballad of the Last Payphone, and its flip, Ego Death for Beginners, have been turning heads (and turntables) from coast to coast.
A lyric video to lose yourself in
They’re back with a dreamy new lyric video for Ballad of the Last Payphone, brought to life by animator Michael Arthur. Whether you’re glued to the screen or spinning the vinyl at home, let yourself drift through the haunting scenes and evocative lyrics.
Watch it below
Listen right now → Stream the track
What’s the big idea?
On paper, it’s just an old payphone—the very last one in New York City, now resting at the Museum of the City of New York. But in The New Pornographers’ hands, that relic becomes a vessel for nostalgia, melancholy and wonder. A.C. Newman explains:
“This song was inspired by Raymond Carver’s story ‘Fat.’ It’s about someone standing in front of that museum‑displayed payphone, utterly captivated. Why? That’s for you to decide—but to me, it feels painfully obvious.”
Snag the vinyl
If holding music in your hands still gives you chills, the hand‑numbered 7″ is waiting for Vinyl Club subscribers on Newman’s Substack. Flip it over and you’ll find Ego Death for Beginners—a B‑side you won’t hear anywhere else.
Who made the magic?
- Written & produced by A.C. Newman
- Mixed by Colin Stewart
- Mastered by Matthew Barnhart at Chicago Mastering Service, Chicago, IL
The New Pornographers
A.C. Newman (vocals, guitar, bass, keys) · John Collins (bass, guitar, keys) · Joe Seiders (drums, keys, vocals) · Kathryn Calder (keys, vocals) · Neko Case (vocals) · Todd Fancey (guitar)
Merchandise, tour dates & more
- Live dates → thenewpornographers.com/#tour
- Exclusive merch → TNP store
- Subscribe → A.C. Newman’s Substack
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Take a spin through Ballad of the Last Payphone and rediscover the poetry in something forgotten. Spin it loud.
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