Dark Was The Night

Dark Was The Night is the 20th installment of the Red Hot charity compilation series, which raises money and awareness for HIV/AIDS research around the world. Curated by Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, this long-awaited compilation includes 31 brand-new tracks from artists like The Arcade Fire, Yo La Tengo, Andrew Bird, and The New Pornographers, as well as collaborations between Dirty Projectors and David Byrne, Grizzly Bear and Feist, and Blonde Redhead and Devastations! Excellent new music that benefits an excellent cause -- need we say more?

For fans of: Pitchfork's "Best New Music" + Philanthropy

Alela Diane

To Be Still is the follow-up to Alela Diane's 2004 breakout album, The Pirate's Gospel. Since that album, Alela's had successful tours with fellow Portland, OR natives The Decemberists and Blitzen Trapper, and has received critical acclaim from Spin and The New York Times. On To Be Still, Alela's serene voice and meditative lyrics give the songs a timeless quality that The Guardian describes as "campfire pipe dreams filled with picket fences, desert sands and paths leading back to you."

For fans of: Joni Mitchell + Marissa Nadler + Laura Gibson

Psapp

Sometimes called "toytronica," the music of London duo Psapp is wonderfully quirky and uplifting. Their unique brand of electronic pop, featured in the intro to Grey's Anatomy, makes use of toy guitars and pianos, the sound of bubbles, and meticulously-tuned elastic bands. The Camel's Back, whose title hints at their struggles with pop success, is a triumphant work that'll brighten up your day.

For fans of: The Postal Service + Feist + Frou Frou

Mr. Scruff

British DJ Mr. Scruff's latest album Ninja Tuna inaugurates his new record label of the same name, created in collaboration with the esteemed Ninja Tune Records. Scruff takes his name from his unkempt facial hair, the cartoony illustrations he does for each album cover, and the playful, whimsical style of his music, which blends goofy pop, downtempo jazz, and trip-hop. Ninja Tuna was called "truly eclectic... the smoothest of deliveries" by Gigwise, and now includes a disc of b-sides entitled Bonus Bait.

For fans of: Amon Tobin + Lemon Jelly + DJ Food

Get Him Eat Him

Providence, Rhode Island's Get Him Eat Him are back with their first release in a year and a half -- an exclusive EP for Amie Street! Since their last album, which PopMatters called "thrilling," saying "the band could teach the Strokes a thing or two," they've stayed sharp by playing shows with The Wrens, Xiu Xiu, Arcade Fire and The Walkmen. In addition to five new tracks, they're also including a free download of the song "Catalysts," their contribution to The Lifted Brow's fake bookshelf project. Thanks guys!

For fans of: The Wrens + Harlem Shakes + Ted Leo

Gavin Castleton

Home is the fifth studio album from innovative composer/singer/writer/producer Gavin Castleton. It's a 14-track narrative, sort of like the soundtrack to a musical, that follows a couple being stalked by flesh-eating zombies. Throughout the record, Castleton deftly combines rock, funk, hip-hop, and cinematic orchestrations for a dramatic listening experience that's absolutely one of a kind.

For fans of: Patty Griffin + Neko Case + Lucinda Williams

Ted Russell Kamp

The songs on Ted Russell Kamp's Poor Man's Paradise are inspired by the people he's met while touring as Shooter Jennings's bassist. Employing his musical versatility, Kamp tells their stories with an ever-changing backdrop of New Orleans funk, southern rock, and rootsy country. No matter the musical style, this album is full of great, old-school American music.

For fans of: J.J. Cale + The Band + Kris Kristofferson

Fallbrooke

After self-releasing several EPs and an album, and paying their dues in the South Florida club circuit, Fallbrooke got their big break in 2007 when they were discovered by Paul Palmer of Trauma Records (Bush, No Doubt). A year in the making, this new, self-titled album features spunky, radio friendly emo-pop and power ballads.

For fans of: Plain White T's + Third Eye Blind + Jimmy Eat World