Yo La Tengo recently set the release date of their 12th LP Popular Songs (Matador) for September 8th, 2009. Although I’m a little disappointed that the title is not as sweet as I Am Not Afraid of You and I’ll Beat Your Ass, I’ll give them a pass because they offered up “Periodically Double or Triple” for free download. Sounds like this amazing band is up to their old tricks…

Neon Indian – “Terminally Chill”

I have to credit J-LA, a friend of mine and masterful producer (check out his remix of Das Racist’s “Rainbow in the Dark”), for turning me onto Neon Indian’s “Deadbeat Summer” a few weeks ago. The track has been on my regular work rotation and reminds me a bit of MGMT – add it to your party mix and I guarantee you’ll have the ladies swooning all over you (or at least they will compliment your music selection). Update (7/6/09): Neon Indian releases “Terminally Chill” which also deserves to be on that party mix of yours…

I’ve been paying more attention to Dirty Projectors ever since that Dark Was the Night track featuring David Byrne, “Knotty Pine” was played in my car during a trip to Tahoe. And although a lot of people have a love/hate relationship with Dave Longstreth’s vocal stylings, I’m somewhat impressed with their new LP Bitte Orca. What can I say? Those little guitar licks keep me listening.