Matt & Kim "Sidewalks" (ADVANCE)

One year after their breakout hit Grand (and it's ridiculously fun single "Daylight"), Matt & Kim are back with another high energy, dance-tastic treat in Sidewalks. It's upbeat, it's fun and it's rocking. Check out lead single "Cameras" below. One of my favorite lines from that song, "My water comes straight from the tap / And those bottles are all just for show" proves that their recent success hasn't exactly gone to their heads.

Must hear: Cameras

(Release Date: 11/2/10)

Belle & Sebastian "Write About Love"

Belle & Sebastian's long awaited follow up to their breakout hit The Life Pursuit. Not a lot of risks here; it's another collection of mid-tempo, old-timey pop songs. Certainly not the game-changer some expected but the formula wasn't broken in the first place. The guitars still jangle and the vocals still harmonize.

Must hear: I Want The World To Stop

(Release Date: 10/12/10)

Marina & the Diamonds "The Family Jewels"

Not to be confused with the similarly named Florence & the Machine, Marina's debut release came just 4 months after Florence's. Marina & the Diamonds is like a dance pop version of Regina Spektor -- similarly known for her piano prowess, soaring vocals and oddball lyrics. I'm only 2 sentences into this review and have already used the word "similarly" twice. Normally the kiss of death but this really is like nothing else out right now. It's easier to describe as a variation of something that already exists. Here's one more -- she's like a warmer, more inviting La Roux. Nevermind, just have a listen.

Must hear: Hollywood

(Release Date: 2/15/10)