Grizzly Bear "Veckatimest"

Never heard of these guys before? Neither did a lot of people until they surprised and debuted at #8 on the Billboard charts. Then they found themselves on Conan & Letterman. Now they're all over college radio. And with good reason.

Their music has been described as chamber pop. Very orchestral sounding. It has the ability to create a musical landscape; to form a vision in your mind. Really, beautifully done.

Must hear: Two Weeks

(Release Date: 5/26/09)

Sonic Youth "The Eternal"

Full disclaimer: Even though Sonic Youth has been around for 25 years, I've never actually listened to them. I think Ellen Page in Juno summed up my thoughts best: "It's just noise."

With that out of the way, I saw them perform on Letterman and liked what I heard so I checked out their new record. I'm not sure why all the fuss about noise because this isn't all that experimental or feedback-heavy. I'd have to say it's like a laid-back Wilco. A good album to get lost in.

Must hear: Anti-Orgasm

(Release Date: 6/9/09)