The Black Keys "Brothers" (ADVANCE)

Ever since Jack White put the White Stripes on hold to focus on his many side projects, I have been waiting for a blues-rock duo to step up in their place. Enter the Black Keys. While they're not quite on the level of the Stripes, they're also no copycat. Their 2008 record Attack & Release was produced by Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells) and they brought him back to produce their lead single "Tighten Up".

Along with that new track, the band has made it clear that they are not going to reuse the same formula over and over. While there are still the standard, dirty rockers, the boys have made a concerted effort to take some risks and try some new things. What's most surprising is that the 2nd half of the record sounds much stronger than the first. I guess once you put all the radio-friendly, help-market-the-album songs behind you, then you're able to really focus on making quality music.

Must hear: Tighten Up

(Release Date: 5/18/10)

The Hold Steady "Heaven is Whenever" (ADVANCE)

There's just something about Craig Finn's voice/singing style that really divides people. I think he's gotten much more melodic in recent years and has left behind the nearly spoken word songs of their earlier days. This is a good thing.

Probably my favorite Hold Steady song to this point had been "Cattle and the Creeping Things" all the way back from 2005. This new album as a whole is comprised of much more mature songs. Not necessarily lyrically, per se, but definitely musically. Much more full-bodied and rich. And it's rockin' too.

Must hear: Hurricane J

(Release Date: 5/4/10)

Broken Social Scene "Forgiveness Rock Record" (ADVANCE)

As we learned from my last post, I don't have much of a history when it comes to seminal indie bands. (AKA why Animal Collective wasn't my #1 album from last year). Along those lines, I gave my first listen to a Broken Social Scene album today. Now, my history with BSS isn't completely non-existent; I was a HUGE fan of "Fire Eye'd Boy" from their last record. But that was about the extent of it.

Hell, I wasn't even a big fan of their new single "World Sick" when I got the free download last month. (On the plus side, now I'm on their email list :P) But I know my weaknesses and one of them is a low tolerance for wasting time. If a song doesn't catch me immediately, I'll skip right over it. Sometimes the key is repetition. I feel Forgiveness Rock Record is like that. With multiple listens I will be able to catch the nuances and subtle brush strokes that may not have immediately caught my ear. What I can say is that there is enough here to make me want to listen again and again.

Must hear: Texico Bitches

(Release Date: 5/4/10)

LCD Soundsystem "This Is Happening" (ADVANCE)

I've never really sat down with an LCD Soundsystem album before. I was even raging against all the hype that their third (and final?) record was already getting. But that song "Drunk Girls" just rocks and I decided I wanted to hear more.

And, let me tell you, I am now a believer. This album absolutely kicks ass. I'm going to have listen to their previous records again because how did I miss this? So melodic, so high energy, so... DANCE PARTY!

Don't let the length of the songs put you off. There are so many new elements they add throughout the song that it doesn't feel like 8 minutes. It's the perfect record to get you pumped before you go out on a Thu/Fri/Sat night. Just start with the first track. Trust me, you won't be able to stop.

Must hear: Dance Yrself Clean

(Release Date: 5/18/10)

Florence and the Machine "Lungs"

I had heard about this band since late last year but never really got around to listening to them. I happened to be watching the movie Jennifer's Body last weekend (not recommended... except for the Fox/Seyfried makeout scene. F' yeah) and they played "Kiss With A Fist" and I thought it was fantastic. Really, the whole album makes for a stunning debut. Mixing pop, soul and folk, all held together by Florence Welch's astounding pipes. This girl can sing. And write. Each song is catchy enough and memorable enough to be a single.

Must hear: Kiss With A Fist

(Release Date: 10/20/09)

Phoenix "Live in Sydney EP"

I saw these guys in concert last October with Spoon and Passion Pit and they absolutely stole the show. Unbelievably entertaining live performers. This EP gives you a taste of that, featuring 8 songs off their breakout hit Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. And they've made it available for free download on their website (here).

Must hear: 1901 (Encore)

(Release Date: 3/24/10)