Singer/songwriter E will lead the Eels' new lineup on an eight-stop jaunt through the States beginning June 12 in Washington, D.C.

E (born Mark Everett) recently completed a leg of Fiona Apple's tour, on which he opened with solo acoustic performances. Throughout the June outing, he will be backed by a quintet featuring bass, drums, reeds, horns and strings.

Daisies of the Galaxy, which hit stores in March, is the third LP under the name Eels, though E had previously released two solo albums. The new record features guitar and piano contributions from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, who is not a part of the tour lineup.

With several upbeat songs such as "Jeannie's Diary" (RealAudio excerpt), the album marks a change from 1998's Electro-Shock Blues, which gloomily reflected dark events in the songwriter's personal life. Songs such as "Tiger in My Tank" (RealAudio excerpt) and "Wooden Nickels" showcase his trademark catchy, gritty pop style.

Eels tour dates:

June 12; Washington D.C.; Garage

June 13; Philadelphia, Pa.; Upstage

June 14; New York, N.Y.; Bowery Ballroom

June 16; Boston, Mass.; Bill's Bar

June 19; Detroit, Mich.; 7th House

June 20; Cleveland, Ohio; TBA

June 24; San Francisco, Calif.; Great American Music Hall

June 25; Los Angeles, Calif.; TBA