The word came down the pipe yesterday on the band's Web site. I quote:

"After eleven years as a band, Sleater-Kinney have decided to go on indefinite hiatus. The upcoming summer shows will be our last. As of now, there are no plans for future tours or recordings.
 
We feel lucky to have had the support of many wonderful people over the years. We want to thank everyone who has worked with us, written kind words about us, performed with us, and inspired us.
 
But mostly we want to extend our gratitude to our amazing fans. You have been a part of our story from the beginning. We could not have made our music without your enthusiasm, passion, and loyalty. It is you who have made the entire journey worthwhile.

With love and thanks,
Sleater-Kinney"

There realy isn't a whole lot else to say. For a little while there between 1996 and 2000, Sleater-Kinney was quite possibly the best band in the world. Seriously.

Over the course of S-K's decade-long recording career, it remained at a level of consistent high quality that few other bands can claim. The Beatles, sure. But not a whole lot of others. The band never came out with a single bad album, and off the top of my head, I can't even think of a single piece of filler on any of the albums.

The band will end its current tour in August, and I will then mark them down on my list of bands I should have seen while I had the chance. But though they will be gone, they will always serve as a reminder that you don't need a single set of balls to rock 'n' roll.

Sleater-Kinney, allegedly the erstwhile Best Band on the Planet, in happier times