FROM THE STACKS: Dirty Beaches

We get a lot of crap CDs at the self-titled offices. But once in a while, a pleasant surprise slips into our promo stack. Here’s a recent delivery that knocked the s/t staff on its collective ass.

The Artist/Album: Dirty Beaches, Badlands (Zoo Music, March 29)

The Vibe: What happens when your great grandfather’s transistor radio suddenly turns on, beaming songs from the other side–ones that may or may not have been co-written by the restless ghosts of Ric Ocasek, Johnny Cash, and the crazy motherfucker who sings the lead in “Surfin Bird.”

RIYL: Seedy motels at 6 a.m.; the sinking, profoundly sad feeling some of us get from watching Chungking Express; leather…lots of leather

Pre-Order At: Insound