I had been randomly browsing mtv.com while taking a break from some coding, and I stumbled across a news article, saying that Mary Hansen was killed “after being struck by a car while riding her bicycle”. She was the 36 year old keyboardist and vocalist for Stereolab.

Originally from Queensland, Mary joined Stereolab in 1992, and helped them shape their own distinctive sound. One of the few bands I can remember who could successfully make music to dance and chill to, it’s a great loss to all of us who appreciate great and unique music, although it obviously pales to the loss that will be felt by her family, fellow band members and her friends.

It’s obviously too early to think what will become of the band in her absence, but if they decide not to continue, go have a look at what they managed to produce and wonder in awe what we have lost.