Unless you were lucky enough to grab free tickets to their LA debut a few weeks back, traveled to Europe in the days proceeding it, or consider this new video something more than a new video, it’s unlikely you’ve actually seen Broken Bells, aka the collaboration of The Shins’ James Mercer and super producer Danger Mouse, perform live. And though Dave Letterman seemed more concerned with the actual packaging of the band’s self-titled debut than than with the performance itself — “There’s lovely stuff inside that you can peruse and catalog and swap with your friends while you’re listening to the music,” he explained once the final sounds resonated aloud — it was he who you can thank for rounding up the outfit and bringing them to live television last night.

In addition to the free advertising, Broken Bells also used the performance to deliver a jaw-droppingly good rendition of “Higher Ground” “The High Road”. Crisp and clear, the vocals of Mercer and the sounds of the band gelled perfectly, coming together for a version that sounded nothing less than it did when we originally heard it way back when.

So guys, yes, to another album, and yes! please! to the forthcoming tour. Either of the two items couldn’t come soon enough.

Hat tip to The Audio Perv for video support.