It wasn’t all that surprising to read yesterday that Jonathan Meiburg was surrendering his duties in Okkervil River (who you guys really love) to focus solely on Shearwater. Anyone who’s spent time with Palo Santo can’t argue with their musical talents. The follow up record, Rook, arrives via Matador on June 3rd, and after having it on heavy rotation over the past week, digesting the content, feeling it out, gotta say it’s a pretty great record.

You don’t have to simply take our word for it though! Muzzle of Bees has arranged a few intimate listening sessions of Rook including the first Madison preview to be unveiled next week at the Majestic Theatre before the screening of label mates The National’s upcoming DVD A Skin, A Night on Tuesday, May 20th.

In addition I’ll also be hosting a listening session for Rook at Strictly Discs on the evening of Monday, June 2nd so you’ll have plenty of time to take a listen before picking up a copy for yourself. I won’t leave you without a digital morsel to wet your appetite, grab the first single “Rooks” as a free and legal download below.

Myspace: Shearwater
MP3: Shearwater - “Rooks” (Rook)
MP3: Shearwater - ““Red Sea, Black Sea” (Palo Santo: Expanded Edition)

More MP3’s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic