So I survived my midterms week and am returning to the ol’ blog.  I actually spent an hour writing a post about why I support Obama speaking at my school despite my personal distaste for the man but decided that the rambling post itself was pretty distasteful, so I’m leaving it for a later time.  At any rate, let it be known that I do support his appearance and oppose the myriad groups out there that are demanding his invitation be rescinded.  And some of said groups are a little crazy, just for the record.  At any rate, I wanted to blog about some cool new music I’ve heard over the past few weeks, we have some pretty good new releases and some stuff to look forward to.

A couple albums I really like:

To Lose My Life by White Lies

This dark UK group builds on the success their EP of late last year enjoyed at alternative and college stations across the country.  With tracks like “To Lose my Life” and “Death”, you can probably imagine that the subject matter may be a bit towards the macabre but they deal in death very well, crafting songs that make you think even if they seem depressing on the surface.  Both the aforementioned tracks are great, as is “Farewell to the Fairground”.  A well-rounded offering that fans of Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, or maybe The Killers may enjoy.

Pins & Panzers by Plushgun

If you like the ’80s or maybe just The Postal Service, this group delivers hooky synthpop that’s right up your alley.  Introspective lyrics combined with melodic vocals, sickeningly sweet synths and fun persistent beats.  “14 Candles” is a stand out track for me, with hauntingly nostalgic lyrics but “Union Pool” is a great cut as well.  Surprisingly serious subject matter wrapped in pop sensibilities that’s at least holding me over until Gibbard’s aforementioned side project delivers on its promise of new material.

Get these tracks now:

1. Ulysses by Franz Ferdinand – Of of FF’s new album, “Ulysses” has the same sound you loved in “Take Me Out” (until it was played into the ground, at least) but is a bit more ambitious and mature.

2. In This City by Iglu & Hartly – In the mold of such rock-hop acts as Linkin Park and Atmosphere, Iglu & Hartly combine electronic beats and rapped lyrics with more melodic choruses as they craft an auditory expression of hometown pride that is surprisingly meaningful and fun at the same time.

3. Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked by Cage the Elephant – With a name this obtuse, it must be good alternative rock.  Fascinating, existential lyrics denouncing capitalistic culture (kinda), this track off of their new self-titled release has a bluesy edge that really can’t be compared.

4. Microphone by Coconut Records – A nice acoustic track that smacks of a less drugged out Of Montreal, Microphone is a good track heading into summer: catchy and irreverent with a head-nodding beat.

5. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa by Vampire Weekend – You either love or hate these guys.  Off their self-titled album, Vampire Weekend delivers funky guitar riffs that annoy the hell out of you before becoming hopelessly lodged in your brain and the melodic vocals don’t help.  A lot softer than what typically gets attention in the indie rock scene.

6. Daylight by Matt & Kim – Hopelessly happy pop, synth and drums power this married duo’s sophomore offering.  Even if you don’t know what the lyrics mean, it’s hard not to feel better as soon as you hear the clangy piano intro.

7.  The ’59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem – Reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem laments premature death in this title track off their newest album.  The lyrics combine life, death, and music effortlessly and if it sounds like The Boss, it can’t be that bad, right?

8. Working Part Time by The Henry Clay People – I saw them in concert and grabbed their newest album.  At least mediocre indie rock that reminds me of Modest Mouse at times, Working Part Time is an anthemic track powered by a running bass drum beat and bright guitars.

9. Tear You Apart by She Wants Revenge – This is an older song, but it has been getting play on XM’s Alt Nation of late for whatever reason, and it happens to be a great song that could easily be mistaken for Interpol.  It’s pretty identifiable (and graphic).

On the horizon, we have a new Death Cab for Cutie EP dropping on Tuesday digitally.  You can preorder it on the iTunes music store.  It is to include tracks that didn’t fit the vision of Narrow Stairs.

Modest Mouse has allegedly completed the song-writing portion of a brand new album but no word on recording.

O.A.R. and Dave Matthews have posted summer tour dates and other bands are following suit.  Start getting tickets now for the ’09 summer concert season, it is going to be a good one.

On my shelf, to be reviewed for the blog and possible inclusion in my show: new stuff from The Decemberists, The Von Blondes, This Town Needs Guns, Boy Least Likely To, and Umphrey’s McGee.