I’m not always a fan of laptop electrolush, but Styrofoam does wonders with a Powerbook. Check out his cover of — how apropos — Elliott Smith’s “Between The Bars” here (REAL, 2min. sample).

Now Arne Van Petegen’s hooked up with Fat Jon (sorta like Fat Joe, but Jon instead) for the project The Same Channel. Stream “Scream It Out” at MySpace. Reminds me of Les Rhythmes Digitales. Very cool. Album’s out in October on Morr.

Styrofoam will be supporting Death Cab at the Paradiso in Amersterdam on 6/25. Good chance Ben will join in for “Couches In Alleys.”

And speaking of Gibbard collaborators, Dntel (Jimmy Tamborello) has signed to Sub Pop. His debut for the label will include cameos from Conor Oberst, Grizzly Bear, Mia Doi Todd, Jenny Lewis, and all your favorite indie rock all stars!

Jimmy Tamborello as James Figurine couldn’t be more in demand these days. We gave you a preview of Mistake, Mistake, Mistake, Mistake last month. Now we’ve been given permission to share a remix he’s done for The Tyde. It’s only on the US release of the LA beach gazers’ forthcoming Three’s Co. Finally, a CD where the domestic version gets the bonus track!

The Tyde – “Glassbottom Lights (James Figurine Remix)” (MP3 Link Expired)

The best part of the Tyde CD is that there’s a song called “Brock Landers,” named of course after Reed Rothchild’s alter ego in one of my favorite movies. Conor from the Thrills plays on the tune too. Check the video here (MOV).