Burton has teamed up with James Mercer, who's spent more than a decade leading his band The Shins, to form Broken Bells.

NPR: First Listen: Broken Bells

We'll all get to hear that process take shape when Broken Bells performs as part of NPR Music's official South by Southwest showcase in Austin, Texas, on March 17.

NPR: First Listen: Broken Bells

With his own acclaimed bands (Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells) and his production work for others (Gorillaz, Beck, the Black Keys, lately U2), his sound has become highly sought in recent years.

WSJ: Norah Jones Acts Her Age With 'Little Broken Hearts'

As The Shins' lineup changes and the band switches to a new label, it's only natural that Mercer would want to try something new, and Broken Bells' self-titled debut feels like a fresh start.

NPR: First Listen: Broken Bells

Ms. Stone again showcases her powerhouse vocals on the Chi-Lites soul anthem "(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People, " Broken Bells' "The High Road" and Don Cherry's "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" all tracks that wouldn't have sounded out of place on her debut.

WSJ: Joss Stone: A British Soul Session Revived

The result is an all-star cast of guest artists on Dark Night, including The Shins' James Mercer (who most recently worked with Danger Mouse on the Broken Bells album), Julian Casablancas of The Strokes and Iggy Pop, each of whom offers his own interpretation of the Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse songs.

NPR: First Listen: Danger Mouse And Sparklehorse Team Up With David Lynch For 'Dark Night Of The Soul'

Across Massachusetts, the silence was broken by the tolling of church bells.

NPR: Boston Bomb Suspect Charged; Religious Motive Seen