The Virgins - The Virgins

Following the release of their excellent, albeit somewhat lo-fi, “Virgins EP” at the end of 2007, they return with their first full-length album. Hailing from NYC, they might as well be the new Strokes. Great tunes combine with good looks and the swagger that a band should have. They have realized that the secret to making danceable rock music lies in bass lines that could have been at home both on a 1970s funk record or a 1980s new wave album; their bass player is truly their secret weapon. The songs are catchy and fun and could be the soundtrack to your next fashion party.

www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc
www.thevirgins.net

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

This is the fourth full-length from the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis quintet. With their huge riffs, sing-along choruses, and a sound big enough to fill up an arena, they would make Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band or Thin Lizzy proud. The lyrics still focus on sex, drugs, or both; long-time fans will enjoy the references to characters and places from prior albums. Mr. Finn’s voice seems a bit worn, likely due to the band being on what seemed like a never-ending tour for their last album, Boys and Girls in America, but as he talks his way through songs about partying, the weariness of his voice only adds authenticity. This is another great set of songs from these guys, and sure to win them even more fans. They also put on an amazing live show - if you get the chance, go check ‘em out. Just make sure you bring extra money for beer.

www.myspace.com/theholdsteady
www.theholdsteady.com

Powersolo - Egg

They hail from Denmark and this is their third album; it was originally released in 2006.. They play quirky garage rock; if Ween recorded a garage rock album it might sound something like this. They touch on surf, rockabilly, garage, and even country.  They even throw in some organ on a bunch of the tracks. All in all, it’s a solid effort. My favorite track was “Dans Les Rues de Paris.”

www.myspace.com/powersolo
www.powersolo.dk

Spiritualized - A&E

J. Spacemen and company return for the first Spiritualized album in five years and the group’s overall sixth album. The album needs more rocking of the spaces and less of the whiny, suicidal vocals (though, to be fair, J. Spacemen did almost die of pneumonia in 2005 so I guess he has a right to be kind of a downer, but I don’t like it). I am really disappointed by this effort.

www.myspace.com/spiritualized
www.spiritualized.com

The Republic Tigers - Keep Color

They’re from Kansas City, Missouri and their lead singer, Kenn Jankowski, used to front The Golden Republic. This is their debut. It’s midtempo melodic pop/rock, definitely has Britpop influences. It’s pleasant; not the most profound album by any means, but nice to listen to and relax.

www.myspace.com/therepublictigers
(They do not appear to currently have their own website.)

Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us

The husband-wife duo returns with their fifth full-length and second for the Barsuk label. They play cutesy indie-pop. Kori plays a variety of keyboard instruments (keys, organ, piano) and sings while Jason is the drummer and second singer. Their indie-pop is sweet and adorable, to the point that I find them to be one of the most annoying, yet catchiest, duos in the indie scene today. It is hard to listen to them and be in a bad mood, they are very upbeat and just so darn cute. I don’t know if I like this as much as their last album, but one thing can definitely be said: I really like the packaging this album comes in; it’s simple and nice, much like their music.

www.myspace.com/matesofstate
www.matesofstate.com

Blackstrap - Steal My Horses and Run

This is the quintet’s sophomore album. They’re from Stockholm, Sweden, and play slightly bluesy rock’n'roll that has shoegazey influences, demonstrated through their simultaneously shimmering and fuzzy guitar lines. Mainly male vocals with female backing, though occasionally there are female leads. They remind me of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that I’ve heard.

www.myspace.com/blackstrap001
www.blackstrap.net

Jamie Lidell - Jim

This is the third full-length release for the Brit who has frequently been touted as the new King of Soul. He’s certainly got soulful, rhythm and blues influences in his sound. Some music sites list his sound as electronic, but aside from a few electronic bits in the backing music of his songs, he owes a greater debt in his sound on this album to an artist such as Stevie Wonder, than Squarepusher. Personally, I rather enjoyed this album. There are a few slower songs that don’t mesh as well with the rest, but a track like “Out of My System” more than makes up for it, and will probably stick in your head for a long time after you hear it.

www.myspace.com/jamielidell
www.jamielidell.com

This Is Ivy League - Self-Titled

This is the debut for the Brooklyn-based duo of Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez. It’s chock full of delightful folk-influenced pop music. They remind me of a modern-day, upbeat Simon and Garfunkel. They are super super good. So good!

www.myspace.com/ivyleagueonline
www.thisisivyleague.net

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Since I don’t really like music and, therefore, don’t pay much attention to it, I’ve never heard of these guys before. I guess they’re kinda popular? Well, this is their sixth album so they must be making records for a reason. It’s indie rock/pop, the guy who sings is probably heartbroken or longing for something or someone. He reminds me of the vocalist from The Postal Service, sort of! Obviously, if I actually listened to music and had heard their previous work, I would say that after a few listens, I like this as much if not more than their other stuff. It’s pretty good!

www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie
www.deathcabforcutie.com

Jeremy Jay - A Place Where We Could Go

This is the debut album for the Californian. It’s pop music that would feel at home in the late 1970’s. It’s okay but nothing compares to the song “Airwalker” off of the EP he released around the end of 2007. The songs on this album remind me of the Modern Lovers songs that I have heard, which I suppose is pretty neat.

www.myspace.com/jeremyjay
www.krecs.com/html/artists/artistbio.php?interest=101

The Black and White Years - Self-Titled

They are a quartet from Austin, Texas; this is their debut album. Jerry Harrison produced this and since the band didn’t have a drummer for the recording, Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rocked the kit for this album. They play upbeat rock that has post-punk, funk, and electro influences. Since Jerry Harrison is a fan, the Talking Heads comparisons are inevitable, but they have their own sound. And it’s good.

www.myspace.com/theblackandwhiteyears
www.theblackandwhiteyears.com

These Modern Socks - Picking A Lock At The Speed Of Light

They’re a five-piece from Minneapolis and this is their second album. Indie pop/rock with electronic touches. Male vocals. Very relaxing while at the same time very upbeat and not boring. Maybe it’s the clean guitar lines and the singer’s unoffensive voice? Music to take with you on your leisure trip to the Moon.

www.myspace.com/thesemodernsocksmusic
thesemodernsocks.com

Thee Oh Sees - The Master’s Bedroom is Worth Spending A Night In

Led by John Dwyer of Coachwhips fame, here is garage rock that Frankenstein’s Monster would probably play at his next social gathering. The vocals are buried in the mix and difficult to decipher; both male and female vox. Calling them a lo-fi B-52s might work, but it’s a bit of a stretch. This band is more likely to appeal to fans of the Raveonettes. They’re okay, but still really rough around the edges.

www.myspace.com/ohsees
www.tomlabel.com/theeohsees

The Specimen - Do U Damage EP

Led by Matt Gorny, born in Poland; New York City dweller since he was eleven. Apparently he won the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in 2007. He makes upbeat electro-infused rock that has a high level of danceability. Some of the songs are decent and could probably get played in a club somewhere. A few bored me. Recommended if you like electro-indie rock that feels kinda dirty and trashy.

www.myspace.com/thespecimen
www.thespecimen.org
(His official band site may not currently be functional.)

The Hoosiers - The Trick To Life

Here is the U.S. release of the British trio’s debut album. Upbeat pop/power-pop/rock with male vocals that hit the higher register at times. Their sound is very polished but doesn’t feel too overproduced. They remind me of a poppier version of The Attorneys, and I think they would also appeal to fans of bands like OK Go and Scissors For Lefty.

www.myspace.com/thehoosiers
www.thehoosiers.co.uk

The White Tie Affair - Self-Titled EP

This band sucks so much I am not even going to find a picture of the horrible EP I listened to by them. They sound like an awful cross between a boy band such as the Backstreet Boys and an emo-punk band such as Fall-Out Boy, who aren’t even punk at all but they probably think they are so whatever. Anyway, they totally suck. Time to find some good garage rock to listen to.

Tres Bien - Tree EP

They are a four piece that formed in Florida in 2002 but I think they are based out of Pennsylvania now. All the Florida sunshine has done these boys good. They play wonderful garage rock/pop that is influenced by the British Invasion bands of the sixties. I like these guys a lot. I am excited for the full-length.

www.myspace.com/tresbien
www.touchtresbien.com

Snake and Jet’s Amazing Bullit Band - X-Ray Spirit

They’re a duo from Denmark. They play (ready for this?!) synth/organ driven garage rock/pop/dance/crazy-awesomeness. So much fun. If you like synths and organs and garage rock, which you damn well should, listen to this. Listen. Like. Dance.

www.myspace.com/snakeandjet
www.snakeandjet.dk

The Kooks - Konk

This is the second full-length for these lads from Brighton, England. They play a mixture of rock, garage rock, and Britpop. I really really love these guys. I could listen to them all day (and have). The songs on here are more laid-back than the ones on their debut Inside In/Inside Out, but I think their songwriting has improved drastically and considering that they are still only in their early twenties, they will hopefully keep getting better and better yet! Recommended if you like British rock i.e. Arctic Monkeys, Supergrass, Razorlight’s first album, etc.

www.myspace.com/thekooks
www.thekooks.co.uk

R.E.M - Accelerate

This is their first new studio album in four years and I do believe it is their fourteenth overall. This album sounds like…R.E.M. Really, their style hasn’t changed much since their past few albums. It’s instantly recognizable as R.E.M. Most of the songs are upbeat and fairly short (the whole album clocks in at under 35 minutes) though there are a few slower songs. Some of the lyrics appear to have political overtones but of course they could also just be Michael Stipe’s playing around with words. This album is pretty good overall, there are a few weak moments, but R.E.M. fans should be pleased for the most part.

www.myspace.com/rem
www.remhq.com

The Okmoniks - Party Fever!!!

Out of Tucson, Arizona, the world’s largest hotbed of garage rock, comes this quartet. They bring us organ-laced garage rock with female vocals. Rather fuzzy-sounding, straight from the garage. It’s cool. Recommended for those who appreciate fuzz, garage rock, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ older stuff, and The Charms. Rock.

www.myspace.com/okmoniks
www.okmoniks.com
Please note that both links redirect to their Myspace.

Switches - Lay Down the Law

These guys are from Britain and they totally kick ass. They play fun, catchy, upbeat rock and roll. It’s not the newest sound in the world but who cares, it rocks. If you like bands like Franz Ferdinand, The Rakes, Maximo Park, and The Hives you will probably take a liking to these guys too. Please play at exceptionally high volume levels, thanks.

www.myspace.com/weareswitches
www.switchesmusic.net

Jason Anderson - The Hopeful and the Unafraid

This is his third studio album and 6th album if you count the work he did under the Wolf Colonel moniker. Jason plays indie rock that is somewhat minimal and lo-fi and owes a huge debt to Bruce Springsteen’s sound. This might be my favorite Jason Anderson album so far, it is great. It’s no secret that I love his music and am a strong advocate for his live shows - if you get the chance, go see him live! And dig this album, it’s full of great tunes.

www.myspace.com/jasonandersonisawesome
www.indiepages.com/wolfcolonel

The B-52 - Funplex

The B-52s return for their first full-length in 16 years. The sound is still instantly recognizable as theirs, though they don’t sound outdated by any means. It is just updated for the 21st century. Fun, upbeat pop/rock/dance. Female vocals with Fred Schneider’s spoken verbal eccentricities thrown in for comedic and awesome effect. If you don’t take music too seriously, this album is probably for you.

www.myspace.com/theb52s
www.theb52s.com