This post was submitted by Zack Rosen

As always, I’ve valiantly taken some time out of my work week to listen to a number of new CDs this week and let you know which are worth your time and which you should just give up to Somali pirates. Full list, in descending order of awesomeness, below the fold: REALLY AWESOME: Artist: Chris Garneau Album: El Radio Who the hell are they?: Glam-tinged (and gay) singer/songwriter Sounds like a combination of: Lambchop and T-Rex For Example: Fireflies Final Verdict?: Chris is talented (and really cute,) but the baroque theatricality of this raises it above the more standard fare of his last records. Release Date: July 7 Artist: The Field Album: Yesterday and Today Who the hell are they?: Stockholm-based house revivalist Sounds like a combination of: Underworld and New Order For Example: The More That I Do The Final Verdict: You won’t want to play it in your living room, but if you like dancing, ecstacy or light shows you’ll be in heaven. Release Date: May 19 Artist: Saint Bernadette Album: Word to the Lourdes Who the hell are they?: Lady rockers from Connecticut Sounds like a combination of: Soundgarden and Joan Jett. For Example: Already Gone Recommended?: I’ll never complain about a band that sounds like Joan Jett. Release Date: April 14. Artist: Telepathe Album: Dance Mother Who the hell are they?: Queer girl dance duo Sounds like a combination of: Ladytron and Little Dragon For Example: So Fine Final Verdict?: Points for both being out and for beating Ladytron in the category of being icy. Way to go, ladies! Release Date: April 14. Pretty Awesome: Artist: Christmas Lights Album: Walk Like a Human Who the hell are they?: Sinister-sounding Baltimore electro act Sounds like a combination of: Depeche Mode and Junior Boys For Example: Show Your Teeth Final Verdict: It’s a perfectly fine album, but evil-sounding electro is a dime a dozen these days. Release Date: June 2008 Artist: Miss Kittin & The Hacker Album: Two Who the hell are they?: Gay-style dance music with a twist Sounds like a combination of: Crystal Castels and Crystal Waters For Example: 1000 Dreams Recommended?: It’s hard to pull this off without seeming anonymous or cliched, but Kittin’s icy voice and Hacker’s interesting beats actually elevate this above the typical. Release Date:May 19 Artist: Nite Club Album: My Tronic Who the hell are they?: Stage name for multi-instrumentalist Richard Spitzer Sounds like a combination of: Hot Chip and Plushgun For Example: Left Right Final Verdict: There’s nothing at all wrong with this, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give it a second listen. Release Date: March 16 Artist: Violins Album: Violens EP Who the hell are they?: Band who should release a full-length, already. Sounds like a combination of: Tears for Fears and The Hollies For Example: Spectator and Pupil Final Verdict: This 4-song EP was tease. But like most teases, you’ll pursue it anyway. Release Date: November 2008. Not Awesome at All: Artist: Jeremy Enigk Album: OK Bear Who the hell are they?: Former lead singer for Sunny Day Real Estate Sounds like a combination of: Collective Soul and The Goo Goo Dolls For Example: Life’s Too Short Final Verdict: The album’s scribbled font and vintage family snapshot gave me such high hopes for this. I should’ve known better… Release Date: May 12 Artist: Swing Out Sister Album: Beautiful Mess Who the hell are they?: Still-kicking ’80s holdovers. Sounds like a combination of: G.E. Smith and whoever did the backup vocals for Steely Dan’s “Babylon Sisters.” For Example: Beautiful Mess Final Verdict: Ugh. Release Date: May 19. Artist: Vincent Minor Album: Born in the Wrong Era Who the hell are they?: Guy who sounds  a lot like Rufus Wainwright or Daniel Powter Sounds like a combination of: Rufus Wainwright and Daniel Powter For Example: Late Night Show Final Verdict: Meh. Release Date: May 26

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