The Beach Party

Just a little reminder that, wherever you are, you should be having one. A beach party that is. Solo BPs are not only acceptable, they're radical. Make sure to bring your iPod and a pink flamingo to keep you company.

Hot Chip - The Beach Party [mp3]

I'm (Still, Still) On a Boat

OMG. I have no words. Other than: What do you think the ratio of words to expletive beeps is? Poor Jorma...

Listen and Love

Today's installment was born out my anticipation for the upcoming release of John Vanderslice's latest, Romanian Names. The album is set to be released next Tuesday, May 19th. Until then feast your tympanic membranes on his 2007 masterpiece, Emerald City.

John Vanderslice - White Dove [mp3]
John Vanderslice - The Minaret [mp3]
An absolutely amazing song instrumentally, as well as lyrically. A great commentary on the destruction and pointlessness of war.
John Vanderslice - Tablespoon of Codeine [mp3]

Also, here's a few special treats for your continued attention. Thanks lovers. Promo tracks from V-slice, the new album stream link, and a rocking performance vid of "White Dove."

Full Album Stream @ NPR

John Vanderslice - Fetal Horses (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]
John Vanderslice - Too Much Time (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]



Ltk

(Put on Your) Summertime Clothes

Animal Collective was live on David Letterman last week. They killed it, as usual. I'm still holding out for them to do something with "Lion in a Coma" single-wise. It may not be as radio-ready as others, but it's bottom-line brilliant.

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes [mp3]

Major Tom

The spanking new single from Shiny Toy Guns, "Major Tom" is now available for free thanks to Amazon Mp3. Don't go in with "Le Disko" expectations. You won't hear it on primetime TV, but this track is still worth some spins.

Shiny Toy Guns - Major Tom [mp3]

RIP

The Shins as we once knew them are officially dead. Pitchfork and Stereogum have both reported that keyboardist Marty Crandall and drummer Jesse Sandoval apparently "aren't in the band" anymore. James Mercer dishes on the lineup shuffle, as well as some other extracurricular projects aside from The Shins. Read the full article here.

Replacements include bassist Ron Lewis from Grand Archives + Fruits Bats and drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse. In short, the fundamental changes were accredited to new composition/production ideas for their TBA fourth album.

This is rough for me. The only original members now remaining are (my unrequited love) Mercer and Dave Hernandez. And what a weird way to announce someone leaving - simply stating they are not a part of the band. Did they leave on the basis of creative difference/personal choice? Or were they more or less forced out of the band they originated? Either way it's sadness personified. I only hope this "new sound" isn't their grander intention to land on another movie soundtrack, commercial, or Starbucks compilation. How boring. How creatively pointless. Ultimately, I'm going to put my faith in James Mercer because nine year commitments don't come along too often for me. Show me this artistic RIP isn't all for some commercial crap, and I'll change my tune. Pun intended.

The Shins - Girl Inform Me [mp3]
From Oh, Inverted World (2001)

The Shins - Pink Bullets [mp3]
From Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

The Shins - Sea Legs [mp3]
From Wincing the Night Away (2007)

In honor of the dearly departed members, and perhaps an era in weightlessly jangling, revelatory indie-pop, here's a mini thematic mixtape. After this loss, you think the band will start feeling a Phantom Limb?

Stars - Death to Death [mp3]
Ra Ra Riot - Dying is Fine [mp3]
White Lies - Death [mp3]
Japandroids - The Boys are Leaving Town [mp3]
Samamidon - O Death [mp3]
Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye [mp3]

Motherlover

Happy Mother's Day y'all.

"Cause every Mother's Day needs a Mother's Night..."

This Time Tomorrow

Lucky for me I know what to do when I'm in the mood for Wes Anderson and The Kinks. Turn on The Darjeeling Limited and I'm golden. This amazing film is chalk full of Kink goodness. Check for "This Time Tomorrow" 32 seconds into the trailer. Not only is Wes a comedic genius who understands the darkly hilarious intricacies of family, but he can but a pretty dec soundtrack together. His music selections define his characters; elaborating perfectly on their already bizarre development. Love it.

"He says the train is lost."
"How can a train be lost, it's on rails?"

The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow [mp3]