Man, Merge is really on a heritage indie roll. Earlier today, we reported that the reunited Polvo had signed with the North Carolina indie megalith. And now we can report that the label will also release a new album from spidery New Zealand postpunk OGs the Clean. On September 8, the same day Polvo's comeback album In Prism drops, Merge will release Mister Pop, the first new album from the Clean since 2001's Getaway.

The Clean aren't a new signing for Merge; the label released the aforementioned Getaway, as well as the widely acclaimed 2003 career-spanning comp Anthology. But eight years between albums is a long time, and we could be forgiven for thinking the Clean weren't planning on coming back anytime soon. So: Score two for Merge.

The Mister Pop cover is above, the tracklist is below, and you can download the gorgeously poppy and ridiculously titled new song "In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul" right here.

Mister Pop:

01 Loog
02 Are You Really on Drugs?
03 In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul
04 Asleep in the Tunnel
05 Back in the Day
06 Moonjumper
07 Factory Man
08 Simple Fix
09 Tensile9
10 All Those Notes

http://www.mergerecords.com/audio/clean ... erSoul.mp3

that's not really the name of the first track is it?

oh shit! just noticed that.

I'll be looking forward to this.

Thanks!

EDIT:
Very cool new song.

I like this song too. I miss jangle.

I was driving around the other day and I threw in their last record and remembered how much I enjoyed it.

Also like the Broken Social Scene cover of 'Complications' from that merge records covers comp.

me too but I don't really have high hopes. to be honest most of their albums have been spotty. prefer the kilgour solo, but I think even that has run its course

I see what you're saying in retrospect of his and their catalogue, but if they can squeak out a half album of good'uns I'd be happy. I like their approach to song writing and production.

Man, I've been on a NZ kick lately, so this is definitely good news.

Me too but I'm having a hard time tracking down the Verlaines and Tall Dwarfs . All over the Bats and Shocking Pinks though.

Try here, although I don't know if the links are still good.

Whoah. Just what the doctor ordered. And surprisingly, most of the 2007 links still work with the notable exception of the Flying Nun box set (dammit!) and the best of the Chills collection (double dammit!). Thanks!

By the way, have you checked out this band yet?:

http://www.myspace.com/elephantstoneonline

Ex-High Dials guy - pretty nice pop with Indian influences.

i went thru this kick last year and that blog was perfect. don't forget to check out the chills and straightjacket fits

I'll try to remember to up the box set this weekend for you.

I had not heard of them, but they do have a nice sound.

This blog has some kiwi stuff, though you'll see he had to remove a lot of it. Still some worthwhile stuff though.

I have a lot of Verlaines, Tall Dwarfs, The Clean, The Chills, etc and can up some stuff. Went on a big kick a number of years ago and fortunately lived in SF with Amoeba. I'll up Bird Dog by the Verlaines first, fantastic album.