I used to listen to Staind... Liked their earlier work (Tormented, Dysfunction, and Break the Cycle). Afterwords, I didn't really care for any albums that followed after (although I did enjoy quite a few songs from 14 Shades of Grey). Regardless, they are still a very good band and its a shame that not as many people have heard of them. I wasn't even aware they were making a new album - so thank you for informing us, I'll have to check it out sometime.
Semi-off topic
Today was a pretty good day for me. Got some new manga (Azumanga Daioh omnibus, Highschool of the Dead, Strawberry Panic Light novel - granted not a manga but whatever, K-on, and Trigun Maximum)
Also managed to pick up a Chobits DVD.
Oh and I finished watching Trigun (and Badlands rumble) a few days ago. Great series - not as mindless as you'd think. Vash is a pretty cool guy.
EDIT: Congrats on your date, bro. Good luck and I hope all goes well!