Random Things You Should Check Out

The D Man is always looking out for the savvy observer and erudite listener. If that describes you (and since you're here, it just might), go ahead and check out some recent musical touchstones.

• Grizzly Bear's new song (and album, for that matter) is so good that it will make heads explode.
• So what'cha want?  How 'bout the Beasties kicking it live on late night, what with the recent reissue of Check Your Head and a new album in the works and all.
• Mark Kozelak recently said this song was his all-time favorite.  So you should listen.
• Japandroid's new album Post-Nothing spews out catchy, fuzzed-out indie art-punk.  Got it?
• Iron and Wine released Around the Well, a collection of outtakes, b-sides, covers (Postal Service, New Order, The Flaming Lips), and otherwise really good songs.  And Sam Beam is singing for free in Salt Lake City this summer?  Come again?
• Cymbals Eat Guitars keep growing on me, taking some interesting detours from the usual Pavement pushers.
• Can't stop listening to Middle Cyclone from Neko Case with tracks like this and this.
• Bowerbirds "Northern Lights" deserves more than a listen or two.
• Sufjan Stevens could have been called Calvin but instead sang a song about Sofia Coppola.