Xiu Xiu: New LP, Theater Score, Remix

Just when it looked like side projects were occupying most of Jamie Stewart's energy, the man's always-disturbing art-pop crew Xiu Xiu shudders back to life.
Yesterday, the band's website reported that there's a new Xiu Xiu album on the way. Back in May, we mentioned that they were working on it, but it's done now. The title: Dear God, I Hate Myself. If any other band released an album with that title, it might be shocking. With Xiu Xiu, it's business as usual. According to that post, the album will be out be out the first week of February in the UK, with an American release to follow a week later, via Kill Rock Stars.
There's more. On November 6, the play "Nibbler" will open at L.A.'s Theatre of NOTE. The play features original music from Xiu Xiu and the awesomely named band the Avon Barksdale. Playwright Ken Urban writes that "Nibbler" is "a dark comedy about a group of high school students in the summer of 1992 who are visited by an alien."
And if that wasn't enough, the band's contribution to Merge's forthcoming remix compilation is now available for free online. Right-click here to download their clanking, seasick I Hope Your Train Crashes remix of the 6ths' "Volcana!".