So, why is this green news? Well, The Shins are on Sub Pop Records. And, we’ve discussed Sub Pop’s green ways here.

Seattle Conscious Choice discusses The Shins and Sub Pop too, here. But like most attempts at being green, where critics are quick to complain and as Conscious Choice points out, this isn’t all without some controversy:

Sub Pop has partnered with non-profit organization Bonneville Environmental Foundation to purchase enough renewable energy credits to equal the entirety of its energy use. The Green-e Certified Green Tags plan, which encourages citizens and businesses to offset their energy use by purchasing equal credits of renewable energy, has recently come under some criticism as an artificial, work-free path to carbon neutrality. However, Bonneville supporters point out that all the company’s revenues go toward leveraging the increased costs of clean energy, making them more financially competitive with coal and petroleum.

Nevertheless, The Shins always release quality material worth checking out. Get it on iTunes and nothing will be printed.