This is kind of old news but last week the first track from the collaboration between The Shins James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) was released for free download on their website. The track features Mercer on vocals, guitars and bass while Burton plays organ, drums, piano, synthesizer and bass.

This was a strange collaboration when I first heard about it a few months ago but I must say that somehow they were able to find middle ground where both artists are featured for what they do best. Mercers with his hypnotizing voice and Danger Mouse filling in all the gaps with synthesizer delight.

The album is also title Broken Bells and will be released via Columbia Records on March 9th, 2010.