Riceboy Sleeps

The collaboration of Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi Birgisson and his boyfriend Alex Somers (of Icelandic band Parachutes), Riceboy Sleeps is an instrumental work written to accompany the duo's acclaimed visual art. Composed "on solar-powered laptops in a raw food commune in some far corner of Hawaii," the music is as weightlessly beautiful and otherworldly as you'd expect, replacing the heavy post-rock dramatics of Sigur Rós with pure ambience. Dusted Magazine says "everything happens slowly, easily, inevitably... Each song fades to white, not black."

For fans of: Sigur Rós + Eluvium + Brian Eno

Historics

On the one hand, this is a side project of Maroon 5 bassist Mickey Madden. On the other, it's a side project of Amazing Baby bassist Don Devore. And, on a third hand coming out of your forehead, Kool Keith appears on this album, offering a verse on "Take It To The Top," which sounds like the Black Eyed Peas covering Frank Zappa. What? But seriously, give this one a chance, even if you hate a few of the artists mentioned. (You don't have to say which ones.)

For fans of: Amazing Baby + Spoon + Yeasayer

Sugar Ray

Their first album in six years, Music For Cougars is the latest from Newport Beach pop-rockers Sugar Ray. With Mark McGrath's familiar, laid-back singing and guest spots from Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and reggae vocalist Collie Buddz, the album sounds like it's been playing on your Jeep stereo for years. Start out with the free track "Closer"!

For fans of: Smash Mouth + Matchbox 20 + Third Eye Blind

Blue Roses

Entirely performed by 21-year-old West Yorkshirewoman Laura Groves, Blue Roses sounds like the rich music of a seasoned folk collective. Groves layers her voice for a lovely choral effect and multitracks piano, guitar, and sparse percussion, making songs filled with longing and deep emotion. "As simple and luxurious as cashmere," says The Guardian.

For fans of: Regina Spektor + St. Vincent + Joanna Newsom

Desire

A new supergroup from cosmic disco label Italians Do It Better, Desire is actually based out of Montreal, featuring the production talents of Johnny Jewel (Glass Candy/Chromatics) and vocals from resident Canadian Megan Louise. Better suited for a hotel balcony than a club, II is late-night stargazing electro; Turntable Lab calls it "exactly the type of album you want to have on if you're making out with Ally Sheedy's character from The Breakfast Club."

For fans of: Classixx + Junior Boys + Glass Candy

Greg Davis

Two tracks. Fifty minutes. Greg Davis. Kranky Records. Hyper-minimalist. Mutually Arising. Pure drone. Do it.

For fans of: Charlemagne Palestine + Gregg Kowalsky + Robert Rich

Aimee Allen

Though it was recorded in a cold Indiana winter, there's nothing ironic about the title of spiritual acoustic songwriter Aimee Allen's newest album. Filled with coy melodies and faith-strengthened optimism, A Little Bit of Happiness is her first recording after a random gang assault in LA, and shows her bouncing back to make good of the situation in her music. For a taste, check out her ukulele-strumming cover of Sublime's reggae-flavored "Santeria."

For fans of: Gwen Stefani + Pink + Nelly Furtado