Pitchfork

-- Ever wonder what Unicorns co-founder Alden Penner has been up to since his old band went poof? We'll give you a hint: Clues. Yep, that's his new project's name. Penner and Clues partner Brendan Reed (formerly of Arcade Fire) are readying their self-titled debut album for a May 19 release on Constellation. Check out a sampler here. Interested parties may be chuffed to learn the two are heading out on tour later this month as well.

-- Cool dude NYC singer-songwriter Mike Bones has a new album out on Social Registry called A Fool for Everyone and now he's doing the gentlemanly thing by playing songs from it in bars and clubs across the United States, including many dates with Phosphorescent. Check out the dates here and watch his new video for lovely, crescendoing single "What I Have Left" here.

-- J Mascis is putting the (completely, completely amazing and awesome) Dinosaur Jr. reunion thing to the side for a minute to tour with his (less than completely, completely amazing and awesome) Sabbath-style band Witch, in which he plays drums, rather than guitar. They'll head out with Tee Pee Records buddies Earthless.

-- The first DVD from moody Temporary Residence instrumentalists Grails -- featuring live footage, videos and street preachers on roller skates-- is on its way April 7, whether you are ready or not. It's called Acid Rain and, based on the trailer, you are not ready. They'll also do a few California shows with James Blackshaw next week.

-- Former Electrelane guitarist Mia Clarke writes for this website on occasion, upping our collective coolness at least four notches. We appreciate it. She also still plays guitar on occasion, which is pretty rad too. Clarke recently teamed up with the Ex axe man Andy Moor for an improvisational album called Guitargument, which is out digitally on February 17 via File 13. Get an idea of what the thing sounds like at their MySpace.