They Might Be Giants - Here Come the 123s

Technically, children are the primary audience, but some of these songs stand on their own as well as any other album.  Upon a few listens, probably not as good as Here Come the ABCs, but I've had "Seven" in my head all day.

Also, this doesn't seem to be available on streaming services, but Rhapsody & Amazon sell DRM-free mp3s.  I'll go out on a limb and blame Disney.

Warren Hood and the Hoodlums

Warren Hood is a local Austin fiddle player who is truly a genius. Taught the tradition of classical violin from a young age, he later graduated from the Berklee School of Music. He is probably one of the rare local musicians who can make a living from performing and tends to be a guest performer of all local favorites. Most Sunday nights, he and his band perform his original music and some covers that span many genres of music. Jazz, bluegrass, swing, country, blues, rock, and even... gypsy. This track (link provided by Warren on his website) is by far the most exciting song to hear live. You can't help but clap along.

http://www.music-texas.com/images/Black_Cat_recorded_at_Blue_Plum_Festival_Johnson_City,_TN_June_2006.mp3

Dan Deacon - Spiderman of the Rings

I saw Dan Deacon at First Avenue a few nights ago.  He set up his kit on the floor, a yard or two away from the stage, and was surrounded by people hovering over him and waving their arms and dancing around like freaks.  My friend Liz said, "It was like being at the Rec Center, where there are a lot of kids just running around just to freak out.  Sometimes there's a ball or something, but mostly they're just there to jump around." 

(A few pics from the balcony: http://picasaweb.google.com/pvanhaaften/DanDeaconShow )

Electronica.  The track "Wham City" is worth listening to at max volume.

Los Campesinos - International Tweecore Underground

"and the last time that you tried listening to music
and reading fiction at the same time,
you never finished the chapter,
but you finished the song with your chin on your knees like you belong"

This cd is a single.  That lyric is from the title track. Also, from the second song, "C Is The Heavenly Option" (which is a cover of another band, Heavenly, whom I also adore),

"My girlfriend's getting sick of me,
Should I A: change your personality
Should I B: put her love to the test
Should I C: kiss her until she is obsessed
If you’re an A you will see you get chucked and end up unhappy.
If you’re a B you will find that’s cool but hey don’t be too unkind.
If you’re a C will end up like me, and love will ball you over"

The first song is good, the second almost had me dancing on my sketchy bus this morning.  Also seek the single for "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG72H5PcGg0 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTbj0Wyx12Q

Jim Sturgess - Across The Universe: Music From The Motion Picture

Soundtrack to the film featuring all Beatles songs -- the film isn't bad but the music's the highlight. Lots of good covers here, I like 'Come Together' (Joe Cocker), 'I Am The Walrus' (Bono), and 'Let It Be' the best.

Brand New Immortals - Tragic Show

"Immortals" were a group from Atlanta that got some play before I left in 1999. Every now and then I'd wonder what happened to them -- until I came across them on Yahoo. Turns out they release a fairly compelling record and then called it quits. 'Kalifornia', 'Ill Conceived' and 'Blacksun' are among my favorites, hard rock with some varied melodies and bit of funk.

Jim Noir - Tower of Love

Heard the song "Tell Me What To Do" on The Current.  Listening to this album the last few days.  I like it, though I can't tell yet if I'll like it even more as I listen more.

Armin Van Buuren - A State Of Trance 2007

Good working mix of [vocal] trance. "Anthem" is toe-tapping if cheesy, but what techno music isn't?

The Earlies - These Were the Earlies - Morning Wonder

Driving alone in the car for the first time in a long while. Listening to The Current and liking this song. First time hearing. After further investigation, I like many of their songs. Nice album art, too.

The White Stripes - Icky Thump

Recommending this here because it's new, and I didn't know it existed until recently.  So far, I think I don't like it as much as their previous albums "Get Behind Me Satan" and "Elephant", but time will tell.