Future Islands - "Crish" (Javelin Remixxx)

So far, the only fault I've found with Future Islands' soaring LP On The Water is that its vinyl version doesn't include the beautifully put together "Crish," a collaboration between the band and Brooklyn duo Javelin. Here's the story behind the track from Future Islands: "Crish is a song that was recorded for On the Water but the lyrics weren't completed in time to make the cut. We asked Javelin if they would do a remix of it for a bonus track. At this point, we're not sure if our version of 'Crish' will ever see the light of day, but we really love what Javelin did with it... I feel like it's more of a collaboration than a remix." For the record, the lyrics came out pretty fantastic. It's also refreshing to hear a lighter and less dramatic vocal take atop Gerrit Welmers' typically stupendous synth work.

Buy On The Water from Thrill Jockey.

Future Islands - Crish (Javelin Remixxx)

Future Islands feat. Jenn Wasner - "The Great Fire"

Future Islands newest LP On The Water is brimful of great singles—see "Before The Bridge" and "Balance"—and moving moments—see synth-master Gerrit Welmers' cinematic 80s-tinged intro to "Where I Found You"—but no track hits me quite as hard as "The Great Fire." Perhaps it's because frontman Samuel T. Herring's melodramatic and manic vocal work finds a formidable costar in Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner. Not only does Wasner go blow for vocal blow with Herring in this emotive relationship-centered slow-burner, but taking the lead in the latter half of the duet, she momentarily takes control of the track, making the listener forget that this isn't in fact her own band. Though Future Islands knock every one of On The Water's ten tracks out of the park, "The Great Fire" leaves me wanting more from this truly devastating vocal pairing.

Future Islands feat. Jenn Wasner - "The Great Fire" (from On The Water)