CoS just pointed us to a brand new song by Modest Mouse. No word on a release date for their upcoming record, but this live recording’s good enough to carry us for a little while longer.

MP3: Modest Mouse – Heart of Mine (live)

Some bad news to start the day. The Handsome Furs are calling it quits. They’ve always been one of my favorite contemporary groups (gave last year’s Sound Kapital my #2 pick of the year) and I was already looking forward to their next album. Here’s hoping everything’s going OK in their lives aside from the band breakup.

[via Pitchfork]

“With a heavy heart the time has come to let all of you know that Handsome Furs are no more. The most important thing that needs to be said right now is how extremely grateful we are to all the fans all over the world that showered us with love and support over the years. Thank you for everything! It’s been an incredible 6 years and we owe it all to you. xoxo HF”

Diplo’s “Express Yourself” 7″ just hit stores (ours has a different cover than the one above) backed with this new track that’s a collaboration with Vermont DJ Lazerdisk Party Sex. Diplo’s full length will be out this June.

Oldschool Elephant 6 band Dressy Bessy just shared with us some their first new songs in a while. While they aren’t growing on me as quickly as their classic material, it’s still great to hear new stuff from them.

Stream Dressy Bessy’s Summer Singles at their Bandcamp page

JEFF the Brotherhood just shared a new track with the world. “Sixpack” is off their upcoming Hypnotic Knights EP, available digitally May 22. This was produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.

One of my favorite songs of the year just got a sweet low budget video! The video’s fun, but it’s mostly just another excuse for me to post this fantastic song in the vein of Vampire Weekend. If you love it as much as I do, you should go download their album at their Bandcamp page.

MP3: Warm Weather – So Far/Vertigo

Forecastle just announced the full details of their kickoff and afterparty events for the festival this year. Starting things off will be Dean & Britta and Purity Ring Thursday July 12 at Club 116. And on Saturday 14 you can attend an after-party on the Belle of Louisville with a perfoamance by the Perservation Hall [...]

Each year Cincinnati has sponsored free concerts at Fountain Square. This year they’ve got another great collection of groups. Thanks to Cincy Music for the heads up. June 1: The Bright Light Social Hour; Buffalo Killers; The Kickaways June 8: The Dynamites; Khaira Arby and her Band; The Pinstripes June 15: The Seedy Seeds; Wymond [...]

MP3: Cheers Elephant – Leaves
It’s a good thing Cheers Elephant are wearing shades in that photo, because this is one sunny track. It’s got a little bit of Sleeper Agent in there, but it also reminds me of early Peter, Bjorn and John (probably the drums). This is one of the best pop tracks I’ve heard in a spring full of good pop songs.

Download Like Wind Blows Fire free at Cheers Elephant’s bandcamp