The Morning Benders "Big Echo"

The pros & cons of Indie Pop; it never gets so upbeat that you forget about the indie side of things. This album does its best to blast you with rays of pop sunshine but it still carries some indie weight.

"Big Echo is an album made to be played LOUD. Shouting into a valley. Big Shout: BIG ECHO." (Insound.com)

They're right. This isn't an album you can throw on your iPod and just go about your daily routine. You need to sit with it, blast it, and really hear what they're trying to say. Any other way and you're just missing the point.

Must hear: Promises

(Release Date: 3/9/10)

She & Him "Volume Two" (ADVANCE)

This is the perfect album for Spring. It's a light, breezy pop gem. You can't help but smile listening to the enchanting vocals of Zooey Deschanel.

Similar to their previous effort, Volume One, Zooey & M. Ward have recorded a couple cover songs for the record. Noticeably, the choices fit well in the group dynamic and overall feel of the album. I also have to mention the music video for lead single "In the Sun" is arguably the cutest thing I've seen that doesn't involve kittens.

Must hear: In the Sun

(Release Date: 3/23/10)

Broken Bells "Broken Bells"

I've literally had this for over a month and I couldn't bring myself to listen to it. For those who don't know, Broken Bells is comprised of James Mercer (The Shins) and Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley). They made a record that sounds like The Shins with some half-hearted synths and faux production effects. And I don't say that just because of Mercer's voice. These songs are all mid-tempo, front & center guitar strummers that don't get too intense one way or another. If this album was a baseball player it would be Livan Hernandez. It ain't sexy but it will eat up 6 innings every time it takes the mound. Don't ignore the Broken Bells buzz but tone it down considerably.

Must hear: The High Road

(Release Date: 3/9/10)

Frightened Rabbit "The Winter of Mixed Drinks" (ADVANCE)

The best feeling in the world is listening to an album for the first time and immediately falling in love. The Midnight Organ Fight was like that for me. Needless to say, I was very excited to hear The Winter of Mixed Drinks.

It wasn't love at first sight but there is definitely a strong attraction. Scott Hutchinson's voice has such a feeling of honesty to it. He draws you in with his Regular Joe attitude and the way he addresses real life problems. I've never heard a more ferocious opening line to a breakup song than from "Nothing Like You": This is a story and you are not in it uh uh.

Yes, this album is a story, but it's comprised of little bits of all of us.

Must hear: Swim Until You Can't See Land

(Release Date: 3/9/10)