Friday Bears: The National and Sufjan Stevens are "Afraid" on Letterman

The suit-clad members of The National and special back-up guest Sufjan Stevens performed "Afraid of Everyone" on the Late Show with David Letterman last night, days after the release of the group's super-brooding and spectacular High Violet. The performance is, whatever you think of The National - brooding, and nothing much else describes it more aptly.

High Violet is available now via 4AD Records.

The National (ft. Sufjan Stevens) - Afraid of Everyone (Live on Letterman)

Wednesday Bears: New Mark Ronson Video - Circuit Breaker

English super-producer and mish-mash electro/dance/funk curator Mark Ronson is set to release his first studio album since 2007's brass-induced cover salute Version, with the slight aptly-titled Record Collection.

The album's first single (apparently) is the electro-only "Circuit Breaker." The video, created by Jordan Galland and Gary Breslin, is a direct ode to Legend of Zelda, circa NES-era, in a surprisingly fitting and accurate, although different version. The game's still better, but it's not like we wouldn't play this version if we could.

Record Collection is due out in September via Sony BMG.

Mark Ronson - Circuit Breaker

Tallest Man on Earth on Tunnelvision

The Tallest Man on Earth, less commonly known by his real name, Kris Matsson, recently performed his new singles "The Wild Hunt" and "King of Spain" on Pitchfork TV's Tunnelvision series.

The songs come from Matsson's superb new album The Wild Hunt, in which the Swedish folk singer/songwriter firmly establishes himself as one of the genres best (a good understatement) new artists. The performance was filmed in front of the aged back-drop of Manhattan's Highline Park, in case you were wondering.

The Wild Hunt is available now via Dead Oceans Records.

Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt and King of Spain

Tuesday Bears: New National Video - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Today marks the highly anticipated release of The National's newest studio LP, High Violet. With the release comes the new Hope Hall, Andreas Burgess and Calin Besser (lead singer Matt Berninger's wife) directed video for the album's lead single "Bloodbuzz Ohio."

The video exclusively stars Berninger testing out his early-60s wardrobe in a very National-like noir setting, in all monochrome. It also seems to be more about drinking then Ohio.

High Violet  is available now via 4AD Records.

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio