Young Galaxy is quite possibly the perfect name for this band. The Montreal electro-chill act feels a bit like fetal prog, in that it captures not the rambling essence of a Yes- like universe, but the first lazy burst of two atoms colliding. (Or something, I’m no Carl Sagan.) It’s like last year’s Hot Chip/The XX tour produced a progeny that could combine the latter’s late-night slink with the former’s dance floor buzz. The video embedded below this interview is the best example but the rest of their debut album, Shapeshifting, comes recommended as well.

Thank you, The Postelles. While your full-length isn’t out yet, your EP White Nights and it’s title track (embedded below the interview) make me remember that four guys can take the stage with guitars and skinny jeans and still have fun. More in the mode of Miniature Tigers than The Strokes (because lets face it, no one can out-Strokes The Strokes), these guys are playing plain ol’ rock and roll, and playing it well. Frontman Daniel Balk was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight (and not do it too seriously,) so check ‘em out.

OMD, (nee’ Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark) might very well be responsible for this sea change. The band had a successful European tour last year, and now are readying to hit the states in support of their new album History of Modern. Anyone who enjoys music from the past 7 years owes them a big debt of gratitude, so coming to these shows would be a great way to repay it.

Ska/punk perennials Less Than Jake are still around, and they are still gonna make you skank your ass off at a club near you. They are launching a big national tour to promote the rerelease of their albums albums Losing Streak and Hello Rockview. To celebrate this momentous event the groups saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight. I’m particularly fond of the last answer, for reasons you will see.

There’s also a LTJ video and tour roundup below the interview. Check it out!

Who misses Junior Senior? If “Move Your Feet” didn’t lodge itself firmly into your skull, then the B-52′s guesting “Take Your Time” certainly would. Though JS is no longer, Jesper Mortensen (AKA Junior, AKA the straight one) has ensconced himself firmly into a new band that might be just as fun as its forebear. MAKE OUT features Mortensen, awesomely-bratty lead vocalist Leah Hennessey and an actualdrummer and bass player, which means they should be pretty fun to see live. If the below track “I Don’t Want Anybody That Wants Me” is an indication this crew could be a nice respite from all the chill-wave and beach rock that cluttered 2010.

My entre into “alternative,” non-dancey music was at the age of 12 when I got really into Chicago’s Q101 radio station during the height of bands like Green Day, Tripping Daisies, Fountains of Wayne and Presidents of the United States of America. I thought I had found something really special, but a friend of mine knew a secret: After midnight (I believe) the station would take a break in its regular format to play hard industrial music. It was here that I discovered Industrial pioneers Nitzer Ebb and their oddly infectious anarchy anthem “Join in the Chant.” It gives me much pleasure, then, 15 years later, to announce that the boys are back.

When their 2008 debut Dystopia marked them the heir apparent to ELO, Yes and everything good and holy about Prog rock, I developed a love boner for Australia’s Midnight Juggernauts that could tear through corduroy. For a quick example of what I find so exciting, check out “Into The Galaxy” at the bottom of this post and try to only watch it once.

The trio is returning again to the world of space-themes, falsettos, Nintendo noises and epic choruses on their Dec. 14th sophomore release The Crystal Axis. They will be playing their last show of a mini-tour tomorrow at Chicago’s Empty Bottle and I pray to god they make it through DC next year. To tide you over, though, you should check out adorable front man Vincent Juggernaut’s thoughts on being straight.

I wish that Matthew Adam Hart, nee The Russian Futurists, was some gay kids dad. Beside the fact that his new album “The Weights on The Wheels” is better than any album your dad made (except you, Bijou Philips) he also sounds like an ideal supportive parent. He acknowledges that things are easier for straight white guys, takes no shame in being really into a hot trans woman and seems to be challenging this county’s queer ladys into a pussy-eat-off.

Disco, hold the dirty. If that’s what you’d order at the proverbial diner of musical preference then you’d probably hold a candle for Lindstrom. Along with his vocalist Christabelle, the stubbly Dane makes some of the nicest space-age bachelor pad music this side of Daft Punk and Stereolab having a baby. He’s coming to the states for a very-brief tour tomorrow and answered our “Ask A Straight Guy” questions to give TNG a preview.

Check out the interview, and the tour dates and video below it. And if that picture makes you wanna ask him out, get in line.

Wow. I was sad when UK dance-punks Does It Offend You, Yeah? skipped their DC date because headlining act Kele cancelled, but this interview more than makes up for it. Not only does the quote I pulled for the headline make a great soundbite (though I don’t condone the sentiment, but also think that since the band toured with a queer guy they can’t be that homophobic) but they mention dicks like beer cans and annoying frat boys. It’s a fun read.