Chances are you have already heard about the release of a new Tindersticks album. Perhaps you have already heard the album itself. In which case read no further than this: Constellation is releasing The Hungry Saw in North America, with deluxe packaging for both the CD and 180gLP formats.

We have been huge fans of the group from the beginning, and are thrilled to be able to make The Hungry Saw available in North America (the album came out in Europe in April 2008 via Beggars Banquet). This wonderful collection of new tunes by founding Tindersticks members Stuart Staples, David Boulter and Neil Fraser (along with a large cast of additional players) and has already received a warm welcome and broad critical acclaim on the other side of the pond â?? it wouldâ??ve been a bit of a cryinâ?? shame for this album to fall short of our stormy shores, in our humble opinion.

Staunch republicans that we are, weâ??ll avoid references to â??musical royaltyâ?? provided by the Beggars Banquet PR department. However, weâ??ll readily agree that there is something masterful, authoritative, wise, world-weary and maybe even a bit regal about the Tindersticks sound â?? elements that are all in full and fine effect on the new album. But if the band wears capes, they nicked them, threw them around in the dirt some, and have since subjected them to many a wine stain and cigarette burn. Their crowns are homemade from scavenged metals, held together with wire and twine.

The Hungry Saw is a true return to form for the band, after a five year hiatus. Since that time, front-man Stuart Staples relocated to France and built his own Chien Chanceux recording studio, where the new album was made (co-recorded and mixed by Staples himself). Original members Staples, Boulter and Fraser were augmented by the rhythm section of Tim Belhom (drums) and Dan Mckinna (bass), and this five-piece also forms the core of the Tindersticks touring line-up (currently performing in Europe to rave reviews). A long list of guest players was also included in the sessions, and the record â?? while cloaked in the inimitably beautiful, tempered melancholy and delicate irony that has marked the bandâ??s past ouevre â?? also bristles with renewed energy, focus, expermentation and yes, even playfulness. A welcome return by one of the most interesting and literate English bands of the last two decades.

Constellationâ??s North American edition of The Hungry Saw features revised artwork printed on a cardstock CD gatefold jacket, along with a lyric booklet printed on fine artstock recycled paper. The LP release is on 180 gram virgin vinyl with multiple inserts. The album will also be available as a digital download this summer, in advance of the physical release.

Personnel
Thomas Belhom: drums, percussion
David Boulter: piano, organ. percussion, guitar
Neil Fraser: electric and acoustic guitar
Dan McKinna: bass guitar, singing
Stuart A. Staples: acoustic guitar, percussion, voice

Guests
Terry Edwards: trumpet, saxophone, brass arrangements
Joanne Fraser: flute
Caroline Hall: trombone
Sally Hibbert: violin
Calina de la Mare: violin, string arrangement (TRACK 6)
Andy Nice: cello, solo cello
Suzanne Osborne: singing
Louise Peacock: violin
Julian Siegel: bass clarinet
Lucy Wilkins: lead violin, string arrangements (TRACKS 6, 7, 9, 13)
Sarah Wilson: cello

Recording
Recorded at Le Chien Chanceux, Eastcote and Olympic studios by Ian Caple, Stuart A. Stapless, Philip Bagenal and Anna Tjan, 2007.
Mixed at Le Chien Chanceux by Stuart A. Staples.
Produced by Stuart A. Staples.
Mastered at Loud Mastering by John Dent.