If you don’t know who Panda Bear is, it’s probably because you’re not a fan of Animal Collective.  I can’t say that I blame you if you’re not.  They’re generally a polarizing bunch, but it’s almost impossible to step outside of the mainstream press and not be aware of their existence.  Regardless, with Animal Collective on hiatus of sorts, fans have been clamoring for the new material Panda Bear has been releasing over the past few months.  He’s released singles in July and September of last year, and now “Last Night at the Jetty” – all leading up to the April 12 release of Tomboy on his own label, Paw Tracks.

When compared to the previous two singles that Panda Bear has released, “Last Night at the Jetty” comes out as almost a lullaby, meandering along, wafting the listener to sleep.  That’s not a bad thing; I can hear hipster mothers singing it to their offspring to quiet them down.  And like most Animal Collective material, the songs are filled with nuance and layers that might be off-putting to some.

You can order the vinyl 7″ for “Last Night at the Jetty” right now through Insound.  It’s limited to 3000 copies; with the single for “You Can Count on Me” selling out in less than 24 hours (although that was limited to 500 copies), you can bet that this one is going quickly as well.

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Panda Bear // Last Night At The Jetty [mp3] from the forthcoming Tomboy

We hope that everyone’s holiday weekend is going swimmingly, and that you’re enjoying your time with family, friends, food and fun.  Continuing with that alliteration, we have two identically named songs from two pretty disparate bands – “Fireworks” by Animal Collective and The Tragically Hip.  And while I enjoy both songs pretty equally, I will have to put my personal weight behind The Hip’s track, if only because it’s been around longer, and has soundtracked a few more of my Fourth of Julys.

Stay safe today whatever you’re doing.  Get out and enjoy the summer weather if it’s nice where you are.  Watch some baseball, have a hot dog, go see a parade.  And wash all of them down with good beer.

The Tragically Hip – Fireworks (mp3) from Phantom Power

Animal Collective – Fireworks (mp3) from Strawberry Jam

Today we continue our look at some of our favorite EPs from the past year; we’ve got one more of these set for tomorrow as well.

Animal Collective – Fall Be Kind

As if 2009 wasn’t busy enough for AnCo, their Fall Be Kind EP was released at the end of November.  (The EP, interestingly, contains the first licensed sample of The Grateful Dead on “What Would I Want? Sky.”)  It’s signature Animal Collective – space-y, psychedelic rock that’s cementing them a place at laser light shows across the nation twenty years from now when our kids are getting stoned.

Animal Collective – What Would I Want? Sky (mp3) from Fall Be Kind EP EP

Death Cab for Cutie – The Open Door

Since their move away from Barsuk, reviews of Death Cab’s material has gone steadily downward.  It may just be coincidental, but the indie goodwill they’d built up prior seems to have been waning.  With The Open Door, the band released a few of the tracks from the Narrow Stairs sessions.  A little less produced and polished than what ended up making the cut for that album, the songs sound much better.

Death Cab for Cutie – My Mirror Speaks (mp3) from The Open Door EP

Josh Rouse – Valencia

After a quiet couple of years, Josh Rouse took the unconventional route with his recent Valencia EP.  Comprised of the leftovers from his forthcoming LP, Valencia is an excellent pre-cursor to what should be an excellent album.  It’s upbeat, influenced by his current residency in Spain, and warms up the long winter nights with hints of the impending spring.

Josh Rouse – Easy Street (mp3) from Valencia EP