Animal Collective

Named after the venue where they first saw The Grateful Dead, Animal Collective's new album is a modern electronic masterpiece that delightfully evokes the "close-your-eyes-and-dance" spirit of that famous jam band. Merriweather Post Pavilion -- listed as 11 tracks but really just one, long strange trip -- updates their freak-folk with plenty of bass and shimmering synths. British magazine Uncut says, "Maybe the overwhelming, full-throated joy of it all sounds particularly radiant in the fluey gloom of winter, but [this] feels like one of the landmark American albums of the century so far."

For fans of: "Good Vibrations" + Fleet Foxes + Pink Floyd

A.C. Newman

Instantly catchy hooks, male/female harmonies, cheery orchestral pop -- these are a few of our favorite things about The New Pornographers and their lead singer, A.C. Newman. Get Guilty, his second solo effort, is simply another collection of great, fun songs. While it might have been interesting to see him stray a little farther from his band's formula, in this case we're very glad he didn't.

For fans of: The New Pornographers + The Zombies + Brian Wilson

Andrew Bird

Fans of Andrew Bird's 2007 album Armchair Apocrypha have a lot to look forward to with Noble Beast; once again Bird proves that he's a master at combining his classical music training with his experience playing swing-jazz and folk music. Bird is a virtuosic multi-instrumentalist, but the biggest strength of this record is his ability to create unique musical atmospheres and layers of sound with limited instrumentation. This one's best experienced with several close, careful listens.

For fans of: Jeff Buckley + DeVotchKa + Squirrel Nut Zippers

The Qemists

The Qemists started out as a rock band by day and drum 'n bass DJs by night, but soon realized it's way more fun to do both at once. "Dem Na Like Me" (featuring grime rapper Wiley) is one of their biggest club tracks yet, and this EP includes five remixes that keep their manic party going, as well as an instrumental for all you aspiring MCs out there.

For fans of: Dizzee Rascal + The Crystal Method + Aphrodite

Jason Damato

Jason Damato's debut EP, Floating Down A River, is the definition of beach soul. Equally influenced by laid-back surfing songs and classic soul singing, Damato tells stories of love and simple pleasures. Dive in with the ukulele-infused title track and you'll be singing along in seconds.

For fans of: Jack Johnson + Jason Mraz + Dave Barnes

Cut Off Your Hands

Auckland, New Zealand-based Cut Off Your Hands have created a ton of anticipation for their debut album You And I. The band has been relentlessly touring with artists like We Are Scientists, Ratatat, and Bloc Party, and were recently named "Breakout Artist Of The Year" at the 2008 New Zealand Music Awards. Cut Off Your Hands enlisted legendary guitarist/producer Bernard Butler (Duffy, Black Kids, The Libertines) for You And I, and the result is a sound that Spin describes as "a tsunami of galloping rhythms, lightning-charged guitar lines, and choruses that immediately infect your brain."

For fans of: Hot Hot Heat + Bloc Party + The Hives

Ben Nichols

Ben Nichols's gravelly voice characterizes the Memphis alt-country band Lucero, and lends a distinctive power to his wonderful solo debut. All seven songs on The Last Pale Light in the West are inspired by Cormac McCarthy's novel Blood Meridian, and similarly paint a bleak picture of American life. But Nichols's compelling voice and emotionally robust songwriting suggest a weary optimism, seeming as relevant as ever today.

For fans of: Lucero + Tom Waits + Bruce Springsteen

Reel Big Fish

Known as much for their sense of humor as for their pioneering ska-punk, Reel Big Fish is the ultimate party band. With Fame, Fortune and Fornication, they continue their reputation as pranksters with goofy covers of Poison, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and The Eagles, as well as ska legends Desmond Dekker and Toots and The Maytals. A perfect way to refresh your party mix!

For fans of: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones + Rancid + Goldfinger