I netted nearly all of the Record Store Day releases I wanted yesterday, though the Passion Pit 7-inch was among the few exclusives that proved elusive. Though the red vinyl 45 of “Little Secrets” would have been cool to have, I did discover later that I already have that Felix Da Housecat remix of “Little Secrets” on a promo CD.

I can’t say I’m particularly passionate about Passion Pit, anyway, so it’s probably for the best that a more ardent fan scored “Little Secrets” instead of me. Half the time when I play the band’s album, Manners, I find Michael Angelakos’ double-tracked falsetto just too much. But even in those moments, often the musical hooks render the strained, stylized vocals besides the point.

Another reason for my mixed feelings about Passion Pit is that they’re something of the band du jour, having just entertained the masses as a headlining act at Coachella. But I’ve read that they really deliver live, sounding better than the album. On Thursday, I get to witness whether such press is fact or fiction since I was gifted tickets for the group’s Chicago stop.

Last week, Passion Pit released an expanded edition of Manners, featuring new artwork (seen above) and stripped-down takes on “Sleepyhead” (whose original version is among the occasional aural offenders) and “Moth’s Wings.” But the third and final bonus track is the real highlight of the re-release (and the reason for this post), a cover of The Cranberries’ 1993 utterly winsome hit, “Dreams.” I wouldn’t have predicted Passion Pit to pay homage to the Irish alt-rockers, and the fact that they did is a turn I find most endearing. (It’s not passion, but it’s a start.) Hear here:

Purchase Passion Pit – “Dreams” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.