Cage the Elephant "Cage the Elephant"

Let me just say, if you live in Boston and don't listen to WFNX then we probably don't have similar tastes. That being said, I heard this band on FNX last night and immediately needed to hear more. The album starts off with a chugging blues rock riff but with a distinct funk flair to it. Almost if you mashed up the Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys. Actually, I think that's the perfect comparison. Dirty melodies with offbeat vocals.

Must hear: Back Against The Wall

(Release date: 5/19/09)

The Motion Sick "The Truth Will Catch You, Just Wait..."

I saw these guys play the Boston Greenfest Kickoff Concert on Thursday so I thought I'd review their latest album. Released last year, their biggest claim to fame was having their song "30 Lives" featured in the video game Dance Dance Revolution. And while having a song on DDR may lead you to believe otherwise, this album is rooted in its lyrical quality. And if that's not enough, their cover of Joy Divison's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is biting and ferocious.

Must hear: The Owls Are Not What They Seem

(Release Date: 1/1/08)

Dan Auerbach "Keep It Hid"

This is Auerbach's first solo album, after spending the last 8 years as lead singer and guitarist of the Black Keys. I expected this effort to sound similar to his groupwork; you can't get away from the music that inspires you. But Auerbach does a nice job of mixing the blues rock-iness of the Black Keys with some good ol' American folk. The first song sounded straight off a Ray LaMontagne album. If you like LaMontagne -- or Iron & Wine -- but wished they would try picking up the tempo a little bit, then this album is for you.

Must hear: Real Desire

(Release Date: 2/10/09)

Miike Snow "Miike Snow"

These guys are probably best known as the producers of Britney Spears' "Toxic" (which they won a Grammy for). They have now put together their first full length release of fun, danceable, electropop songs. Similar in vain to 2009 newbies Passion Pit and Discovery, they find their sound more in pop than electro. You can catch glimpses of piano and not solely synths. It helps keep them grounded a little more in reality.

Must hear: Song For No One

(Release Date: 5/12/09)

Cobra Starship "Hot Mess"

The band most famous for the song "Bring It" from the cult sensation Snakes on a Plane is back. With the Gossip Girl herself, Leighton Meester, in tow, they seem poised to make the jump into music fans' collective consciousness.

All told, this album isn't far removed from their previous work. With one big exception -- their lead single, "Good Girls Go Bad" featuring the aforementioned Meester. It is immediately danceable and has a sing-a-long chorus that everyone can get into. It may even sound familiar to some. Like an old friend. Maybe a little similar to last year's big hit "Let It Rock"? That's right, this song was co-written by Kevin Rudolf. So there's the formula, folks. Cult hit + Pete Wentz + dance beat + fun-to-shout lyrics + hot, young actress = Top 40. Go out and create your own!

Must hear: Good Girls Go Bad

(Release Date: 8/11/09)

Metric "Fantasies"

There's nothing better than an indie rock band with a female singer. They just give a different perspective on things. One reason this album succeeds is that Metric's singer Emily Haines puts her own personal twist on the same ol' themes that are common in music. Something about her voice is just very calming, regardless of what she may actually be singing about. There are hooks aplenty here and you will not be disappointed. This album is a big step forward for this band, who seem to be on their way to becoming a Canadian Rilo Kiley.

Must hear: Gimme Sympathy

(Release Date: 4/7/09)