The National "High Violet"

Our personal lives cause us to see things, hear things, and perceive things in a certain way. It directly reflects our likes and dislikes at that time. I believe this is true for most people. Why do I mention this now? I find this National album to be very steeped in emotion. When I first listened to it I just couldn't get into it. This record was not made for a passive audience. You have to be able to relate to the stories, to the singer's plight. Just throw yourself into it and let it wash over you.

My first listen only claimed "Terrible Love" as an interesting song. My second listen enlightened me to three more enjoyable songs. And so on it goes. I'm sure if you have listened to the National previously that it is easier to jump into their new album. However, for anyone giving them a shot for the first time: be patient. Allow your first listen to be entirely consumed by Matt Berninger's distinctive voice. Then you can move on and judge the music itself.

Must hear: Terrible Love

(Release Date: 5/11/10)

Crash Kings "Crash Kings"

By now you may have heard the Crash Kings song and legitimate hit "Mountain Man". It recently reached #1 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. This isn't an entire album of "Mountain Man" sound-alikes but it is better than anticipated. I hear a lot of different musical influences here: The White Stripes, Ben Folds, Weezer, Queen, The Fray, Snow Patrol, Augustana, etc. It may not be the most original material but if you're going to copy styles at least they're taking it from well-liked and successful bands.

Must hear: Mountain Man

(Release Date: 5/26/09)

The Dead Weather "Sea of Cowards"

Part 4 of Jack White's "I'd rather do anything than put out another White Stripes album" mid-career crisis. Two Raconteurs albums later and only 10 months after the first Dead Weather record, White brings back Alison Mosshart, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence for another go-round. My initial thought was "B-sides". A quick, slapped together album made simply to capitalize on the success of their debut (A classic example being The Doors' Strange Days).

What really gives it away is that no song lasts longer than 3:45. Not something I would normally point out but Horehound had 4 songs longer than that. They just seem less invested in making this a piece of art and more invested in exploiting their current popularity to sell more records.

Must hear: Die By The Drop

(Release Date: 5/11/10)

Band of Horses "Infinite Arms" (ADVANCE)

NOTE: You can stream the album for free here.

This is a mood album. It works best when you're in a certain frame of mind. It's mostly mid-tempo, moderate rockers that try to be expansive while hardly reaching the 4:00 mark.

If that sounds like a bad review it's not meant to be. This is an interesting album that has its moments but is not one that will be especially memorable or overly entertaining. But, then again, I've never been a huge fan of the Americana genre.

Must hear: Laredo

(Release Date: 5/18/10)