Those Darlins

Give this one to your friend who says they listen to "anything but country." The self-titled debut from Nashville all-girl trio Those Darlins is immediately loveable, high-energy country that's got enough modern edge and old-time flavor to get them shows with both Black Lips and Wanda Jackson. Elle says "the June Carter Cash who hightailed it to Jackson and fell into that burning ring of fire would be proud of Those Darlins... [they have] a punk recklessness that's fueled by whiskey and feminism-inspired whoop-ass."

For fans of: Old Crow Medicine Show + Black Lips + The O, Brother soundtrack

Cage

All biographies of underground NY rapper Cage begin with his hellish childhood of drugs, abuse, and a misdiagnosed stint in a mental hospital -- a dark past that continues to yield inspiration for the acclaimed Definitive Jux artist. Depart From Me is his newest release, featuring production from El-P, Aesop Rock, Blockhead, and the late Camu Tao; suffice it to say Cage is hardly at peace with his nightmares. The Village Voice calls it "a tense, damaged masterwork... maybe the fullest realization of the Def Jux aesthetic yet."

For fans of: Atmosphere + El-P + Aesop Rock

Broken Records

A debut album title like Until The Earth Begins To Part is one hint that Broken Records have grand ambitions. Think not U2 stadium rock but joyous, heartbreaking, end-of-movie music, delivered in Jamie Sutherland's strained Scottish accent over string swells and military drums. Clash Magazine says it's "a wonderfully enveloping statement of orchestral intent, rich of layers and detailed of design... It is, frequently, great."

For fans of: Frightened Rabbit + The Twilight Sad + Arcade Fire

Golden Silvers

Winners of the '08 Glastonbury Unsigned contest, London band Golden Silvers soon released their debut single, went on tour with Mystery Jets, and eventually found a home on XL Recordings. True Romance is their first album, with influences everywhere from '70s disco to medieval troubadour folk, along with a visual aesthetic that recalls US brethren MGMT; MusicOMH says of the title track, "we may have already found the single of the year."

For fans of: Mystery Jets + Calvin Harris + Arctic Monkeys

Matt Wilson Quartet

In the great tradition of drummer-led jazz albums comes the latest from the Matt Wilson quartet. That's Gonna Leave A Mark was a Critic's Choice pick in the New York Times this week, who said "it's full of feints, slang, sentimentality and a peaceful lack of inhibition; its loose ensemble feeling has a grace born of practice." Try out the complimentary track "Arts & Crafts," and make sure you listen to their cover of War's 1975 hit "Why Can't We Be Friends?"

For fans of: Art Blakey + Billy Higgins + Ornette Coleman

Marcy Playground

After their 1997 radio smash "Sex and Candy," Marcy Playground pretty much suffered the curse of an MTV-era band with one huge single, and all but disappeared. Let's be honest: that was a great song, even a classic (time will tell). Leaving Wonderland...In A Fit Of Rage was originally slated to be a solo album for singer John Wozniak, and it's filled with carefree acoustic numbers that sound pretty different from their grunge years. Homeboy still knows how to write a hook, though, and songs like "Good Times" make a great soundtrack to an afternoon Pogs match.

For fans of: Third Eye Blind + Daniel Powter + Everclear

Ice Palace

Assisted by production from Cloud Cult's Craig Minowa, Minnesota band Ice Palace have made a haunting, shambling sophomore album. Wonder Subtly Crushing Us is out on eco-friendly Earthology Records and is the result of almost 20 years of songwriting from singer Adam Sorenson. The Onion calls it "bipolar folk-rock... hints at what Nirvana might have been if Kurt Cobain had had the chance to grow out of his angst and settle into his mid-thirties."

For fans of: Beirut + Pavement + The Decemberists

Owen

Joan of Arc drummer and member of many Chicago indie bands with his brother Tim, Mike Kinsella shines on his own as a guitarist/singer who records as Owen. The Seaside EP collects a number of Japan-only bonus tracks, along with one song previously available on a 7" Polyvinyl compilation, for the completists out there (or anyone who likes a good soul-search every now & then).

For fans of: Elliott Smith + Matt Pond PA + American Football

The Donnas

Celebrating 16 years together as a band, Palo Alto quartet The Donnas are releasing a disc compiling live recordings of their hits, re-recorded classics, b-sides, and two new songs. Brush up on your favorite Donnas lyrics before you catch them on tour with Blondie and Pat Benatar!

For fans of: Joan Jett + The Darkness + AC/DC