They Might Be Giants’ new album The Spine will be released on July 13 by Rounder Records. The preceding EP, Indestructible Object, was released by little, friendly, Seattle-based Barsuk.

I must ask here, in a bewildered and plaintive tone: Why didn’t TMBG stay with Barsuk? Rounder describes itself as “America’s premier independent record label”, but is listed as a member of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Not only can I not regard Rounder as “independent”, nor can I, in good conscience, buy The Spine from them. I’ll have to find it used somewhere.

Further, will The Spine’s companion EP, The Spine Surfs Alone, be released by Rounder? Here’s hoping They find a better option.