Allah-Las

Any friend of mine knows of my passion for 1960's music and its eternal modern derivatives. Call me an old soul or a child of rock purist, but old fashioned grooves get me hot. Los Angeles band Allah-Las have struck the right reverb chord with me. Their 2012 self-titled debut rocks from start to finish, instantly transporting you to the olden days of British Invasion and Cali psychedelia with just enough swagger to make you wonder, "I'll bet these guys are hot." They'll be close enough for me taste them in London playing a sold out show on May 20. I'll bet the crowd will be hot too.

Judging by my recent posts about Jake Bugg and Foxygen, one might think a retro revival is on the rise. But then I remember how much we talked about pop and EDM at Berklee and I just have to sigh. Check out videos of both a live SXSW show and one of the tracks up ahead...

Sarah Mount: This Quiet Rage EP

Sarah Mount is a folk rock singer/songwriter on the verge of greatness. Today marks the official debut of her first EP This Quiet Rage. The four tracks are incredibly diverse, showcasing the range of an artist who has lived on two continents in one year. I met Sarah while studying Music Business in Spain at Berklee. She immediately stood out with her drive, talent, and breath of knowledge about the indie music scene. Her work effortlessly combines songwriting depth with the stylish hooks of pop and rock radio hits. Her instrumentation is diverse and keeps you guessing. With this debut EP she is certainly one to watch. (And WARNING: these songs will get stuck in your head for days!)

Stream the entire EP up ahead and watch Sarah's amazing live rendition of Fiona Apple's "Every Single Night"...

Jake Bugg

This young, 19-year old cat is the talk of the town in the UK and likely soon the world. With strong retro comparisons of Donovan and Dylan, Jake Bugg is one to watch. His fall 2012 debut LP (off a major label! gasp!) is instantly likable with the right balance of acoustic instrumentation and rock and roll snark. He's touring the world right so he'll be hard to miss.

Check out a few videos up ahead and try not to fall in love...

Har Mar Superstar: Bye Bye 17

Cult Records has been nailing it lately. Thank you, Julian Casablancas, you rock god, for incessantly blessing the world with musical treasures. Heading The Strokes wasn't enough - he had to launch an amazing label. First April's release Strike Gently by NY dance shakers The Virgins was shockingly modest and mature yet full of sexy hooks. And now here's Bye Bye 17, the fifth LP release from veteran stage character Har Mar Superstar. He has taken a step away from his previous cheeky hip hop and produced a Motown-influenced modern pop soul album. The advance single "Lady, You Shot Me" had me salivating for weeks. Check out the single and watch my favorite older video up ahead...

Phosphorescent: Muchacho

The first time I heard "It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)" off Phosphorescent's 2010 album Here's To Taking It Easy I thought to myself - Damn I wish I had a road trip coming up! Because there's something soothing, pensive, and yet exciting about the music from Matthew Houck's band. Muchacho takes a departure from the more country rock sounds of the past, employing a lush mix of atmospheric instrumentation that moves you from the moment you hit play. Standout track "Song For Zula" will beckon repeat listens, and you'll find the album fitting for a variety of moods. Sadly Phosphorescent's May gig in London is sold out. Well, sad for me but good for this delicious music maker. Check out his new single and a live video for the older song that first grabbed at my heartstrings...

Bleached: Ride Your Heart

The Los Angeles band Bleached have received a fair share of press lately for their debut LP Ride Your Heart. After listening I believe the hype about the Rock n' Roll Post-Punk duo, who resurrect 90's rock alternative with each track on the 37-minute LP. At first I feared the album would be more style than substance, but turns out you can have both side by side - cool leather vibes and catchy hooks. My friend and I got mad nostalgic while spinning this album yesterday, spawning a throwback listening session into our tween archives.
Check out the video for "Next Stop," and hear what ended up on the speakers last night...

Christopher Owens: "Here We Go Again" Music Video

As unusual as the LP is, I have a warm spot in my heart for Christopher Owens' 2013 concept album Lysandre. I was such a fan of his former band Girls that I flew over to Paris from Spain last year to hear the album performed in advance of its debut. A new video just hit the world for the song "Here We Go Again" featuring back stage footage from the band's recent tour. Once again Owens shines as an artist in his ability to share intimacy with his audience, a characteristic that will always leave me wanting more. "Don't' try to get me down. Don't try to harsh my mellow, man." Check it out...

William Tyler: Impossible Truth

I fell in love with the music of Nashville's William Tyler when I heard his breakthrough debut Behold The Spirit. He instantly captivated me with his instrumental layering over his lush and mysterious guitar ballads. Lucky for me he's done it again with his brand new release Impossible Truth. I recommend both albums as they lend the perfect soundtrack to studying (says the Masters student), reading, cooking, entertaining, or romancing. In short, beautiful music is fit for all ears.

Check out the album trailer for Impossible Truth and stream the standout track "Cadillac Desert" up ahead ...

The Strokes: Comedown Machine

The Strokes are back with album #5 Comedown Machine. Fans of the band will enjoy the eclectic mix of tracks ranging from the usual fast guitar strummers to the more 80's synth jams reminiscent of Julian Casablancas' solo album Phrazes For The Young.

Rumors swirled after the advance release of the video for the single "All The Time" due to its montage theme mixing up old backstage and performance footage. Fans feared the band might be dialing it in from all corners of the world rather than embracing another release. It's hard to say when listening, and considering the talent in the recording room(s) who really cares.

Read on to watch the infamous video and stream another great track "One Way Trigger."

The Virgins: Strike Gently

New York band The Virgins is back with their second album Strike Gently, over four years after their self-titled debut. Back then the band was an instant hit with "Rich Girls" and their overall style was a little rougher round the edges. Time has been kind, and after a few listens this week I'm happy to say that this new album rules. It comes to you via Cult Records, the new label of Julian Casablancas.

When the band released the single "Flashbacks, Memories, And Dreams" earlier this year, I thought we were in for another indie rocker dance album. But overall the vibe is more confident and mellow, and just as rock retro as ever. It is poised to be one of my favorite albums of the year. Read on to watch the video for the single, as well as a live take of the first track.