I've long been curious what Trent Reznor would sound like when he finally really put down the NIN moniker and tried something new. Turns out, it sounds like NIN. I'm not saying it's a total replica, there are differences - mainly the female vocals, but if someone played this for you and asked who you thought was the mastermind behind it, your first guess would be Trent Reznor. That sounds like a slam but Reznor is fantastic at what he does and I couldn't be happier that he's continuing to move forward with it, even if it is under a different name. [howtodestroyangels.com]

Stylistically this doesn't feel much different than the past progressions of albums. Maybe not as much finger tapping guitar work throughout but the same recent Minus The Bear. I think it's beginning to show that they are growing up and not writing songs stemmed from constant partying. Even the song titles have "matured" (for lack of a better word). It is, sadly, kind of an average record to me. Nothing about it really grabs hold but I don't have anything overtly negative to say about it either. [minusthebear.com]

Previously only available at shows, Nada Surf has been kind enough to widely release this compilation of various cover songs. Honestly, if you weren't familiar with the original material you would think this is just a collection of new Nada Surf songs. That is to say, they don't really stretch their style out in any way to match the original but, rather, bend the originals into a proper Nada Surf pop song. If you have a super soft spot for the originals it may be tough to hear them reworked this way but, as a Nada Surf fan, it's nice to hear the likes of Depeche Mode, Spoon and loads more presented this way. [www.nadasurf.com]

Recommended by a friend and difficult to describe. Elements of indie rock, a little dance and a healthy dose of electronic instrumentation. Overall the thing to remember here is that it's a really FUN record. Feels like a legit summertime record without delving into the brainless pop music category. High relistenability. [folchen.com]

It's difficult to tell someone that you're listening to a ten piece experimental jazz band from Norway but that is the case with Jaga Jazzist. Fortunately, that awkward description really just translates into meaning long form instrumental tracks with a myriad of traditional and modern instrumentation with an energy that makes your day better and brighter. Seriously, the title track may be over seven minutes long but I could listen to it on repeat for days. An incredible mixture of electronic sounds, horns, microbeats, strings and worlds colliding properly when you wouldn't think such a thing is possible. [www.jagajazzist.com]

Picked this up because I've always had faith that Arts & Crafts was one of those labels that you could trust to put out the best music, even if you had no idea what you were getting into. I've been burned on that mindset in that past but this time it pulled through. Say Us is a fun pop/rock record that could easily be on constant rotation for many months to come. No gimmicks, no overt stylistic leanings.. just a fun, upbeat record. There are far too few of them these days. [themusicofzeus.com]

Truth be told I've had this little EP laying around for awhile and keep meaning to listen to it so I can give it a proper review. I was told it was sorta Broken Social Scene-esque and that I would like it. Whenever I queue it up I like what I hear but it's so atmospheric and languid that I sort of forget about it. It is a good record, seemingly perfect for quiet summer nights but since it is not summer yet, it doesn't get the proper rotation. [zazasound.com]

Theory 8 was kind enough to release this for one-day-only online and I snagged the official download. It is, by far, the bands best release. Poppy and interesting but undercut with a dark tone throughout. I hated 99% of what I heard from their previous release so it's nice to hear that the band has still got loads of ideas up their collective sleeve and can execute them this well. [www.denovodahl.com]

I remember seeing HEALTH at SXSW a few years ago and really just not getting it. Despite my better judgment I picked this up and am curious if hardcore HEALTH fans find it more accessible than previous releases. It seems less like an onslaught of noise and more like an onslaught of structured noise. The songs are abrasive, energetic and certainly have a hefty dark vibe but they still feel structured like a regular rock song. I like it.. maybe I was wrong on my prior call or maybe the band is doing something just different enough that I can comprehend it now. [www.healthnoise.com]

Have you heard of that band ELO? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Apples in Stereo recorded an entire record devoted to ELO sounds with their influence of said sound so firmly on their sleeve that it encroaches on possibly ripping off ELO at times? Well, look no further! Truth be told, this is a seriously great listen but it's because I love the original material that its copping so hard. Get it and don't be afraid to love it. [www.applesinstereo.com]

I loved Faraquet. I even enjoyed the first Medications release a little bit but I honestly feel like all the life has been sucked out of these guys now and its not making for a pleasurable listen. Maybe I should give it more of a chance but my first attempts have yielded total apathy and will likely ultimately result in full deletion. [www.dischord.com]

When I heard the first releases from these guys I assumed they were a fun little pop outfit that would make for a good listen a few times and then I'd forget about them entirely. Turns out, they were capable of writing a very enjoyable pop record filled with a melancholy juxtaposed with some saccharine vocal styles. My musical vocabulary won't do this justice but it's always good to hear a heartfelt chorus that isn't a turn off in its sincerity but, rather, a feeling that you can relate to. [www.themorningbenders.com]

This doesn't feel as loose and open as their debut album; a feeling that I miss a little bit. It's a solid rock record and a band to keep an eye on but I keep missing the big choruses and underlying joyous vibe from the predecessor. [www.secretcityrecords.com]

I find myself neither enamored with this or offended by it. The Odessa track is, undeniably, a great song but the rest just fades into the background for me. I have a feeling that hearing these tracks come up randomly will yield some surprise enjoyment but a top to bottom listen just melts into the air. [www.caribou.fm]

Several friends of mine had recommended this to me as a great, fun, album worthy of all the praise it was getting. It wasn't until I listened to the entire album that I think it clicked for me - hearing individual tracks just didn't hook me properly. It's a solid, upbeat, dance-y record with just the right amount of forelorn tinge to it. [www.miikesnow.co.uk]

At first listen this reminds me of Conor Oberst or Kind of Like Spitting - the somewhat overly affected vocal stylings that evoke a desperation and sadness from the singer that comes across a bit put on. It can get a bit tiresome at times but it feels authentic; particularly on the first track. Overall, I like it and it's got some strong tracks throughout but I wouldn't tell ya to buy it. [holopawmusic.com]

Every time Dangermouse releases something I assume I am not going to enjoy it. It will be too commercial or too pandering to the wide audiences that he's managed to reach. Every time I am wrong. James Mercer's vocals are among my favorite in the realm of the indie circuit and the music is a perfect mix of languid and upbeat - lots of great electronic sounds mixed amongst the melancholy singing. I've been wanting a new Shins record for awhile but, having heard this, I don't think I need one... this is a perfectly natural progression and a welcome one. [www.brokenbells.com]

Should I admit to having purchased this? Probably not. I've been vaguely fascinated with ole Auf der Maur since her days in Hole. She actually associates herself with a great deal of fantastic musicians and tackles records like conceptual beasts. Indie circles would probably never want to admit it but this is an extremely well produced Rawk record. It's a bit melodramatic at times but that's just her style.. not something you listen to all the time but occasionally, it's worth being reminded that accessible rock music can also be smart. [xmadmx.com]

Gaz and Danny from Supergrass doing a bunch of their favorite cover songs while being recorded and produced by Nigel Godrich. If that sentence alone isn't enough to sell you on this, then forget about it. It is what it is, a covers record by half of Supergrass. As an SG fan, it is great.. very very high re-listenablility. [www.myspace.com]

Shearwater has always struck me as one of those bands that is superbly artistic, extremely creative and a tiny bit dramatic. This is mostly due to the delivery of the falsetto vocals of Jonathan Meiburg. This record, as with their others, feels conceptual and should be listened to from top to bottom. Overall, there's more energy and tension here than the previous albums I've heard and I really like it. It's an epic record that takes energy to listen to but rewards you in the end. [shearwatermusic.com]