Slint Possibly Gearing Up for Reunion

The short version of this story, our fellow Slint-worshippers, is that the band isn't reforming. Officially. Yet. Or something like that. Despite several months of joyful, optimistic rumor-mongering, the deified Louisville sluggers-- responsible for Spiderland, Pitchfork's 12th best record of the 1990s-- are not slated to appear at the UK All Tomorrow's Parties hoedown in December.

This will certainly devastate the folks at former Slint bassist Dave Pajo's Papa-M.com forum, wherein the rumor first built up steam, arousing much euphoria and preemptive groveling ("I WILL SLEEP WITH ANY PERSON ON THIS BOARD IF THEY WILL PAY FOR MY AIRFARE TO THIS CONCERT. I CAN HANDLE THE TICKET, AND THE SEX"). Apparently, early ATP online press for the December "Nightmare Before Christmas" show-- picked up on by webzine Drowned in Sound and subsequently retracted-- appeared to tout Slint's appearance, but all remnants of that discourse have since disappeared.

However, the hunt doesn't end there, or why the hell would we be bothering you with this report? Pajo (currently of Papa M, formerly of Zwan) also maintains a blog at PinkHollers.com, and his September 16th entry sent hearts aflutter once more with its surprisingly direct allusions to a Slint reunion: "September life's orbit quickens around the nucleus of love. early man oscillates the host vehicle relentless by day, and papa m rejuvenates by night. and somewhere slint, a band from louisville kentucky, kicks with early signs of incubation. always we need more food and sleep, and who knows where the energy reserve is stored, but we push on vital and elastic and sensitive to higher thoughts that snap us out of baboon mind."

Reached by Pitchfork via email to validate/explicate this info, Pajo gave a response somewhat revealing in its lack of denial: "For the nonce, there is nothing to report. thanks." Well, okay, then.

Considering that much of this speculation stems directly from one of Slint's former members, it feels like a safe bet that something is going to happen, but we'll be damned if we know what. An actual surprise appearance at The Nightmare Before Christmas? Probably not. A reunion tour of some kind? Maybe so-- it's certainly in fashion at the moment. A new album, perhaps Spiderland 2: The Regenesis? We can only hope. In any case, we'll be sure to keep you apprised of any future developments.