Broken Bells, 'Holding On For Life' (Live) — npr.org

It's hard to imagine a better indie-pop dream team than this: Grammy-winning producer Danger Mouse (a.k.a. Brian Burton) and singer-songwriter James Mercer (of The Shins), each of whom has made some of the most infectious songs of the past 10 years. Unsurprisingly, their debut as Broken Bells was a critical success, as it drew from their diverse pasts and shared loves (Pet Sounds, dream-pop, psych-rock, The Bee Gees). This year's follow-up, After the Disco, is even more dynamic and engaging, further pushing Burton's studio wizardry and Mercer's lyrical range, while adding even more hooks and memorable melodies.

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