Official site
My Space
Who: Six free-wheelin' countrified rockers from Portland, Ore. with two self-released LPs already under their well-worn truck stop belt-buckles.
What: One of the best full-lengths to come down the pike this year. Fuzzed-out four-track classic rock that uses traditional Americana as a springboard into a panoramic display of sonic experimentation; in other words, this is how FM radio used to sound back when it was still "free-form" (i.e. good).
Made for: Disgruntled Whiskeytown fans that just can't hang with Ryan Adams anymore. Alt-country punks happy to welcome a little trippy psychedelica (and pop harmonies) to the mix. Drunken beach parties down by the lake.
Cinematic Orchestra, "Ma Fleur" (Ninja Tune) Official site
My Space
Who: Jazzbo Jason Swindoe and his ever-rotating cast of supporting musicians return with the Cinematic Orchestra's first full-length in four years.
What: This soundtrack to an imaginary film supplants much of the group's usual jazz noodlings with moody downtempo atmospheres and gorgeous guest vocals from former Lamb singer Lou Rhodes. The multi-media experience also includes a series of photographs by Maya Hayuk.
Made for: Electronica aficionados pining for something new to file under "trip-hop." Zero 7 fans that like "The Garden" better than "Simple Things." Rainy Sunday afternoons watching "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" with the sound off.
Digitalism, "Idealism" (Astralwerks)Official site
My Space
Who: German electronic production pair who are rocking the dance underground with crunchy techno anthems like "Zdarlight" and "Idealistic."
What: Panoramic electro beats with a decided indie sensibility (think somewhere between Underworld and LCD Soundsystem). This eagerly anticipated debut could duke it out with Justice for dance album of the year.
Made for: Sparks-chugging party kids amped on five-star night life anthem "Pogo." Cure fans curious about Digitalism's solid synthesized version of "Fire on Cairo." New-schoolers who missed the happy hedonism of rave the last time around.
Misha, "Teardrop Sweetheart" (Tomlab) My Space
Who: The NY-based boy/girl duo of Ashley Yao and John Chao are on a relentless quest to create the perfect summertime pop album.
What: Dreamy, electro-pop with at least one amazing sunshine anthem: the shimmering shuffle of "Summersend." These well-crafted computer tunes are just begging to be licensed for a TV commercial or an upcoming episode of "Grey's Anatomy."
Made for: Sweet and tender hipsters waiting patiently for the second Postal Service disc. Something to soundtrack this year's summer fling. Early St. Etienne obsessives still hung up on "Fox Base Alpha."
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