Interpol announced on its website yesterday that founding member, bassist Carlos Dengler (a.k.a. Carlos D), has left the band. The parting, apparently, was amicable.

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Carlos back in January 2003, just as Interpol was beginning to explode (read that interview here). The story was written in support of the band’s one and only Omaha appearance — a sold-out show at Sokol Underground that took place during a blizzard. Those who made it through the snow that night saw one of the best shows ever hosted at that smoky dungeon (My review of that show also is still online, right here). Since then, Interpol has released two more albums, the last one — 2007’s Our Love to Admire — peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard charts. But for my money, they never achieved the creative or artistic peak reached with 2002’s Turn on the Bright Lights, and they probably never will again.

* * *

Tonight at Slowdown Jr., it’s the long-awaited return of Matt Pond PA (which you read about here). I saw Matt and Co. at SXSW this year, and if this band is half as good as that one, well, we’re all in for a memorable show. Opening is Bobby Long. Show starts at 9 and is $12. Go!

* * *

Tomorrow: 24 CD reviews in one column…