He's in the band, and he's not in the band

Johnny Marr is a great guitarist whose skills are always in demand.
But in this June 13 interview w/BBC, Marr hinted that he'll be spending the forseeable future playing guitar out of the back of a Cribs van.
Marr was also quoted as saying Modest Mouse was on a "vague hiatus" due to Isacc's involvement on what is, presumably, a music soundtrack.
Hmmm ... I know Isaac was involved with The Flaming Lips' "Christmas on Mars", a recent surf documentary "180 Degrees South" and, most recently, the music documentary "The Heart Is A Drum Machine" ... but a nice block of tour dates that begins in August goes against Marr's comments that Modest Mouse is being vague or on hiatus.
Isaac's really diggin' on film projects lately. I've been meaning to see them, but as of yet have been unable to do so ...
Nonetheless, Sounds like Marr ain't going to show up with the band anytime soon. Jim Fairchild will, no doubt, provide solid backing as he did on the last tour.
Hat tip: Johnny's comments were first reported by www.interstate-8.com.

The final vinyl (CD)

It's here (almost).
The true, full-length version of Modest Mouse's latest studio album will be released Aug. 4 on CD and Aug. 17 on vinyl according to the fine folks over at Interstate-8.com
Have to say that after luke-warm initial impressions of the live versions, the alubum is shaping up to be/become an expansive rock statement.
As usual - you've got the somewhat quiet ones (Autumn Beds) which devolve into loud ones (again, Autumn Beds and Guilty Cocker Spaniels), among others.
In another positive move IMO, the band's corp. site www.modestmousemusic.com has inserted what appears to be your own personal, iTunes style player that delves into the band's catalog as far back as Nasty Parlour Tricks (a truly great roadtrip album just like all the early records).
Currently I'm diggin' on "Baron Von Bullshit Rides Again" a snapshot of the band's live performance. If you don't own this album (or any live MM for that matter) it comes highly recommended. It's a much better purchase than The Moon & Antarctica's reissue (which contains only two live songs, w/bleeped lyrics).
I know Isaac wanted to remix and reissue the Moon with his own money and Sony eventually agreed to reissue the classic indie album, w/the addition of a few songs recorded during BBC radio sessions.
But again - not worth it. Go with the Baron.

MoMoPhotos

These are a few select photos from Twin Cities photographer Kyle Dreher, who shot the Mouse at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul when the band opened for R.E.M. this past winter. Show was a little flat, but the pics are pretty good.
On a related topic, I sent some questions to Modest Mouse photographer Pat Graham ...

Banjomama: Isaac and crew run through Satin in a Coffin

Isaac and the sunray:
Oi! Tom Peloso (multi-instrumentalist) and Eric Judy (multi-instrumentalist) run through a tune.