The Shins’ James Mercer and Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) form Broken Bells, the duo that has caught nearly everyone’s attention–Dave Letterman being no exception. The late night host invited the two gentlemen (and their backing musicians) to play on his show last night (March 9). Mercer’s voice sounds amazing here, and Burton rocks those drums, albeit with a certain reserved pensiveness. Also, you can watch Letterman act awkward pre- and post- performance, like someone’s out-of-touch grandpa:

This is just speculation, but perhaps the “reserved pensiveness” comes from the duo losing their dear friend and collaborative partner over the weekend, Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse. These guys are troopers for performing in light of such a sad event.