[xrr rating=3.25/5]With their powers combined, James Mercer (the Shins) and Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) have forged a tandem that, like most superhero flicks, demanded a sequel. With their 2010 self-titled release, Broken Bells split the difference between Mercer’s indie darling leanings and Burton’s eclectic production prowess to craft a record that pleased hipsters and critics alike, even …

Broken Bells Meyrin Fields Rating: 3.3/5.0 Label: Columbia The album art for Broken Bells’ 2010 self-titled debut pictures a florescent pink globe against an outer space background of Kodachromatic distress. This frame-filling simulacrum is not exactly spherical; it’s more of an origami orb – round, yes, but attaining its overall shape through an intricate pattern of crisp-edged folds. This object …

25. Arcade Fire “Modern Man” [Merge] It’s a lament for the piling up of years; it’s a poem for those of us who fear our own ordinary lives; it’s a lyrical confrontation between ourselves, age, responsibility, loss and adulthood. “So I wait in line, I’m a modern man/ And the people behind me, they can’t understand,” sings Win Butler. Your …

Of course, by now we all know that the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Good job, many congrats, great series and all of that. I say this as a Philadelphian who only gives half a hoot about hockey. But as Philadelphians it is mandated that we root for the underdog, especially if the underdog is us (see also: Rocky). …

Broken Bells Broken Bells Rating: 3.5/5.0 Label: Columbia When you make salad dressing, the mixing is often more important than the ingredients, however tasty they may be. All the parts that make up vinaigrette are strong and useful flavors, but nobody wants oil, vinegar and water on their salad – they want vinaigrette. It’s the same for musical dream-teams; when …