Remember that band Sound Team? The one with the song "TV Torso"? Yeah, this is the new incarnation of that. Sonically, there are some absolute similarities — guitar tones, upbeat songs with just the right amount of building tension and the undeniably memorable voice of Matt Oliver. My only complaint is that it's just six songs and too short for the enjoyability it gives. Fortunately, there are two free 7-inches floating around out there that augment it perfectly. [tvtorso.bandcamp.com]

Vocalist James Nee sounds like Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen. There, I said it. I hate comparing one band to another, but the similarities between the two can be uncanny at times. This four-song EP shows a ton of promise. Lulling pop songs through the conduit of ethereal vocals. If you somehow manage to NOT enjoy "Sunrise Sunset," I will be shocked. The overall melancholy vibe here is right up my alley and I'm really looking forward to hearing more. [wearetrees.bandcamp.com]

This doesn't have the Neutral Milk Hotel style jams that Black Strawberries does, but Jarid del Deo's voice has one of those undeniably sad and poignant affectations to it that you can't help but enjoy. It's got Neil Young written all over it, but in the most complimentary of ways. [unbunny.bandcamp.com]

A four-song EP featuring two vetted tracks previously available as free download and two new tracks, one of which falls into a surprisingly funky zone and one into a warbled punk zone. All and all, it's further proof that this band has got some surprises up its sleeve and a full-length record should prove to be pretty diverse yet enjoyable. [thesoundsofsweetnothing.bandcamp.com]

I'll let you in a secret — I always think I know what to expect from White Denim and they almost always surprise me. So, when they release a record of odds and ends (for free no less), I had no idea what I was getting into. Turns out, it's mostly a balance of their frantic energy from the first record and the drawn out jammy nature of the second; with a heavy dose of 70's style pop rock thrown in. That is to say, it's incredibly pleasant and enjoyable. These guys have a slickness that is lost in the manic energy of the live show. I will probably listen to this record 100 times without realizing it. "Tony Fatti" is my jam. [whitedenimmusic.com]

Another recommendation from the Sound Opinions overlooked gems of 2010, this falls squarely into my love of bands like Budos Band or anything involving extremely a well done horn sections. It is lively, feel good and perfectly upbeat. However, any songs with vocals are, for me, somewhat embarrassing to listen to. It's got a Triple A radio sound to it...reminiscent of some late-era Lenny Kravitz or something. Just...ugh. For your money, get the entire Budos Band catalog and maybe grab the title track from this. And, myself included, stop listening to the Sound Opinion guys. They're two for two now in the somewhat strike zone. [www.tromboneshorty.com]

Strange sci-fi interludes aside, the new Bright Eyes album is quite enjoyable from start to finish. Maybe it's just that the most recent Mystic Valley Band records weren't really my style, but The People's Key seems like a sort of return to form for Conor Oberst. Granted, some of the more adventurous vocal styles of past albums (no one can work the vibrato like Oberst) are missing, but we're still left with a very enjoyable, albeit a little more straight-forward album of quality indie rock. It's the kind of album that makes you remember why you liked Bright Eyes so much in the first place. [www.conoroberst.com]

Another entry in my continued series of "Albums I'm Embarrassed To Admit I Hadn't Even Heard Of Before This Time." I always associated Eno with his ambient music creations but these albums with more rock leanings are, obviously, phenomenal. I've skipped over the second record, Taking Tiger Mountain, for now, as I was eager to hear the infusion of the beginnings of his ambient dabblings and his regular rock structures as one record. I may not go much further forward than this moment in his career but I'm loving everything about this album and, frankly, am glad I came around to it eventually instead of keeping my ignorance a moment longer. [brian-eno.net]

I love the self-titled record from these guys - so good, so underappreciated. This new EP continues the same style - sweet pop songs with somewhat melancholy vocals (one of my favorite combos) - but it acts as more of a holdover for the next full-length. It's a Tour EP. It has good songs but it's short and leaves you wanting a little more. If you're a fan already, get it. If you're new to them, get the existing full-length. [telekinesismusic.com]

Proof that cover art can still have an influence on potential new fans; I strayed from this record thinking that the type treatment and spooky illuminated plush doll screamed tongue-in-cheek aggressive rock band. Turns out, it's a pretty lush piece of work. Granted, there is no shortage of dark and brooding musical styles but they're layered with harmonies and pop sensibilities. It actually vaguely reminds me of Jellyfish or Jon Brion when they're in their pensive, gloomy modes. Shame this was released so late in the year as it will likely get buried by Best Of lists...of which it should likely be included on. [www.minimansionsmusic.com]

Don't let the first track fool you, there is goodness for the ears to be had throughout this record. Nice layered harmonies, fun plodding drum lines and just quality indie pop rock. It's hard to find artists these days that have that affected vocal style - almost pleading in their delivery - but never cross the threshold of annoying. It just sounds genuine and it's a great collaboration of melancholy and upbeat (as you know, one of the better combos to properly achieve). I love how the record embraces more and more singing sounds rather than vocals as it goes on. I particularly recommend Libraries and Mary if you're looking for a good starting point. [yellowostrich.bandcamp.com]

I heard one of these tracks from on a mix and was entirely intrigued. Sonically, it's somewhat similar to the Sleigh Bells record in that it is incredibly loud, extremely blown out and a complete assault on the ears. However, instead of gang vocals and punk undertones, Salem goes for gloomy keyboards, atmospheric moods and crushing beats. It works, but only in doses. If you ever drop acid and want to be scared shitless, this seems like your Number One candidate for soundtrack. [www.myspace.com]

I saw these guys play in a little restaurant in Portland one time and it stuck with me how every band member seemed to be glowing in each other's presence. Even the saddest, heart-wrenching, songs were being performed with a passion for it. Lupon is, on the whole, a pretty quiet stroll of a record. It has moments where it opens up ("Juniper"), but it mostly sounds like a moment in quiet little restaurant with friends enjoying their creations. A bit hippy of a review? Yeah, probably so, but it fits. A pleasant, melancholy, listen. [ylabamba.bandcamp.com]

I saw Les Savy Fav play at a rather small club one time, purely to see if the rumors I had heard about the live show being nuts were as true as I'd hoped. They were. So much so that I was actually a little worried that frontman Tim Harrington might interact with me; not something I was hoping for. But, I never investigated the actual recorded music until this record was recommended to me by multiple people as a perfect transition from some of my favorite angular 90's indie rock bands. The energy, the guitar tone and the slightly snide vocals are spot on. After embracing this, I can properly understand the fever of both the performers and the audience from that prior show experience. For anyone missing energetic, driving rock music, this seems like the right antidote. [www.lessavyfav.com]

A four song EP embracing a danceable yet somehow still languid style Generationals locked in on Con Law. And much like that full-length album, without repeated listens you might let this one slip past your radar. Every time this comes on, I realize how much I enjoy it — more each time. [www.parkthevan.com]

The story goes that this album was lost during a studio break-in and a complete disarray of recordings being shuffled into unmarked boxes. After much digging, the songs were revived and compiled into their proper form. Whatever amount of work went into unearthing this was entirely worth it - as it is the band's strongest effort to date. I absolutely love the previous album (White Stone, Black Witch) and this seems to take that sound to the next level. It's a difficult to describe blend of southern rock, regular rock, solid hooks and a whole host of dark themes lyrically. Plus, if you don't love the guitar work at the end of "Glad To Be" you're just an idiot. [hdemusic.com]

My introduction to this undertaking from Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl collaborative undertaking was a little two song single, "Jardin du Luxembourg," with some great French pop stylings. I had hoped for more of the same from the full-length, but with a title like Acoustic Sessions my hopes weren't high. On the whole, there is a great appeal to both of their vocals — especially when used in tandem. Musically, it keeps your attention, but it's never overly striking; sort of what you'd expect from acoustic renditions of your favorite songs, only in this case you haven't heard the fully fleshed out versions yet. Not giving up on listening to this project, but I'd moreso recommend the single than I would the album. [theghostofasabertoothtiger.com]

Can I be honest with you? I bought this for the packaging. Double gatefold LP where side D is actually ten "locked groove" songs that play infinitely; couple with a frame by frame zoetrope to connect to the record player itself. Overall, a packaging nerds dream. Musically, it seems more engaging than the previous record but pushing further into the spacey sounds, rather than the big explosions of rock they used to treat us with. [www.theoctopusproject.com]

Did I see the video for Bombay and immediately purchase the entire album? Yes. Do I completely comprehend the wide range of styles being incorporated together here? Absolutely not, but that's the draw. There's obviously a Spanish influence, found sounds, heavy beats, sampling, looping and carefree good times being bandied about left and right. I can't explain my enjoyment of it but it's there. [www.elguincho.com]

More accessible than the previous undertakings and adopting a few more traditional pop pinninngs (like vocals you can vaguely understand). Best listened to loud and in its entirety. It drags in parts and probably won't be listened to all that regularly, but I do like it when it comes on. I'd love to see this live — as I bet it makes your ears bleed. [www.myspace.com]