5) Dirty Beaches – Drifters/Love is the Devil – May 21st

Alex Zhang Hungtai — aka Dirty Beaches — is known for his 1950s James Dean “bad boy” look. But instead of playing off this hip-and-cool rocker vibe with his music, Hugtai opens up, baring his emotions for all the world to see. His minimalistic sound is vulnerable and often extremely melancholic, and Hungtai uses subdued, lo-fi sounds to create touching experimental motifs.

Watch this video on YouTube.

4) MS MR – Secondhand Rapture – May 14th

After releasing their superb single “Hurricane” a year ago, New York-based duo MS MR is finally releasing their first studio album. The group does something refreshing: they create quality pop music sans the bubble gum gleam. There is no pretense. No need to fit into that pop mold. Their music is shadowy and emotionally raw, but utterly catchy. There is something both sinful and soulful in the texture of the duo’s sound that is simply infectious.

Oh, by the way, the video below is NSFW-ish.

3) Daft Punk – Random Access Memories – May 21st

If you haven’t heard all the hype about new Daft Punk music, then it is time to come out from under that rock and join the rest of the world. Since premiering a clip of their new single “Get Lucky” on SNL and at Coachella, the buzz for the electronic powerhouse’s resurgent album has been non-stop. And rightfully so. Since bursting on the scene in 1997, Daft Punk has become EDM gods. It’s time to hear what they have in store for us on this new effort.

Watch this video on YouTube.

2) Deerhunter: Monomania – May 7th

Atlanta-based Deerhunter’s 5th studio album will be a gooey, disheveled heap of experimental psychedelic punk — in the best way possible, of course. The band’s ambient post-rock sound is disorienting yet familiar. Their fractured, wavering beats are connected with a muddy musical tone. Although their garage rock sound is gritty, Deerhunter creates music that is somehow charming beyond belief. (Plus it’s always cool to see Bradford Cox’s trademark unpredictable nature when he’s out and about. You know he really hates Morrissey, right? Like a lot.)

1) Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City – May 14th

Sorry, guys, but I have to go with an old favorite.

There is a reason why Vampire Weekend just sticks around. They are one of those infectious bands whose music not only brings back memories, but regenerates emotions with each revisit.

The indie pop-rock group has dominated in the past, and their third LP is already setting itself up to be a real winner. Take their first single off this upcoming album, “Step.” The seemingly breezy track is oddly profound: “We know the true death / the true way of all flesh / everyone’s dying, but girl you’re not old yet.” Not only is the song beautiful musically, it is lyrically stunning as well.

And I don’t know about you, but although the quartet hails from New York City, the carefree attitude that is engrained in their music feels very LA to me, and although it seems counter intuitive, when I feel homesick (I currently attend school in NYC), their self-titled debut helps me feel at ease.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Vampire Weekend has a special je ne sais quoi that makes the band’s new album impossible to miss.

5. Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience – March 19th

This album officially drops tomorrow, so the countdown until its release is almost over! After what seems like an eternity, Justin Timberlake is finally releasing new music, and based on the tracks that have already been made public, there’s no question his arrangements remain lush, his hooks are still catchy, and his vocals are smoother than ever. If you are looking to experience these songs live, pick up tickets to his and Jay-Z’s Legends of Summer stadium tour. My favorite song thus far is “Mirrors” (The lyrics! The harmonies! That hook!), so check it out below!

4. Lady Gaga – ARTPOP – TBA 2013

Lady Gaga is without a doubt one of the hardest working artists in the music business. Her 98-city Born This Way Ball tour was the fifth highest-grossing tour of 2012 and ended last month when she injured her hip, so I feel guilty for craving more music from this queen of pop. Hopefully she has enough time in 2013 to catch her breath and get out her next release, tentatively titled ARTPOP, which has been described as an experimental album that will make you want to dance the night away. Sounds like Lady Gaga, alright!

3. Fall Out Boy – Save Rock and Roll – April 16th

After taking a hiatus in 2009, the band that defined catchy pop punk for me sounds like they are back and bringing hook-filled songs and sweepingly theatrical choruses with them! The album’s explosive first single, “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up),” has created so much buzz that the release date for Save Rock and Roll has been moved up from May 7 to April 16. Elton John has already lent his talent to this album and the group’s Save Rock and Roll spring tour is completely sold out, so I’ll have what promises to be an incredible return to recorded music to get me through the summer.

2. The Story So Far – What You Don’t See – March 26th

These California natives were the breakthrough act of 2012, and their follow-up to 2011′s impressive release, Under Soil and Dirt, promises to solidify them as one of the top pop punk bands, if not the top band in the genre. Alternative Press has already featured them on the cover of their “100 Bands You Need To Know” issue, and as singles from their second studio album are released, I am counting the days until I can satisfy my fix for new The Story So Far tracks. I fully anticipate this year will be their year, so check out the video for “Empty Space” below to see the pop punk potential for greatness on this album!

1. Paramore – Paramore – April 9th

Since the end of 2010, when multiple original members of Paramore quit the group and the band retreated from the public eye, I’ve been braced for news of a breakup, but now it seems the band is back and better than ever. First they released the gritty, rock-infused track “Now,” and then this past week, Paramore shared “Still Into You,” a second single off their fourth studio album. The track features the band at their most poppy, and I’m on the edge of my seat to hear what the band has in store for fans on the rest of this highly-anticipated release. I’m sure the wait for Paramore will be worth it!

Guster -  Live and Acoustic

Every live album has that beloved personal touch, and this release from Guster is twice as likely to be great because the indie rockers are known for their incredible performances, which include cover songs and interactive elements for their audiences. With the addition of violin and cello to their normal arrangements, these tracks showcase the band’s charm and talent. If you’re checking us out from the East Coast, you can catch Guster on tour now and see them really bring these songs to life.

Various Artists – Girls – Volume One

I’m a twenty-five-year-old girl, so it goes without saying that Girls is one of my favorite new shows, and this soundtrack from Season One is just as alluring as the series’ part-existential, part-frivolous dialogue. Indie label Fueled By Ramen is releasing this collection of songs from well known acts like Robyn and fun. as well as the lesser known White Sea and Oh Land. Grouplove and Santigold make appearances as well, so be sure to pick up this soundtrack and spin it until the Season Two premiere this weekend (What? I told you I’m a big fan!)

Dropkick Murphys – Signed and Sealed in Blood

For this, the eighth studio album from the high-energy Irish punk band, they’ve dropped the heavy themes and stories from their previous release, instead opting for catchy tunes with plenty of audience sing-alongs. They will be retaining the familiar themes of family, community, and heritage, though, so pick up this in-your-face album and see how Dropkick Murphys still make you want to toast to your friends and challenge your enemies to a bar fight.

Black Veil Brides - Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones

Black Veil Brides are theatrical as ever on this third studio release. Billed as a “rock opera concept album,” this album will go hand-in-hand with their film Legion of the Black, which will follow a group of rebels known as The Wild Ones as they “defend their hearts, minds and bodies against F.E.A.R.” If you’re looking for an over-the-top, dramatic heavy metal album, make sure to check this one out.

Check out the best of the rest being released today below!

Hollywood Undead – Notes from the Underground

Conor Maynard - Contrast

Broadcast – Berberian Sound Studio

The Last Royals – Twistification

The track itself (a moody, groovy, sad bastard pop song) sounds different from anything we’ve heard from Frightened Rabbit before, but the lyrics are familiarly dour. The juxtaposition works in the song, and works even more brilliantly in the accompanying video. While Scott Hutchison sings about a slow death, the video is just a bunch of Scottish dudes being weird on the road. It somehow lands.

Pedestrian Verse is hitting our shores on the 5th of February, 2013. For now, I’ll just keep listening to “Dead Now” on Frightened Rabbit’s Soundcloud page. If these first tracks we’ve heard are any indication, this album is going to rip our collective hearts out. I can hardly wait.

Pedestrian Verse Tracklist:

01. Acts Of Man
02. Backyard Skulls
03. Holy
04. The Woodpile
05. Late March, Death March
06. December’s Traditions
07. Housing (In)
08. Dead Now
09. State Hospital
10. Nitrous Gas
11. Housing (Out)
12. Oil Slick

For more information:

Frightened Rabbit

Back Pocket Memory’s debut EP, released in late 2011, entitled Beneath the Trees, is packed with inspired lyrics about betrayal, longing, and the struggle found in starting over, overlaid by memorable and almost hypnotic beats and riffs. “The Greatest Divide,” a personal favorite, eloquently describes one’s feelings for another, while keeping the band’s rock vibe in check. Singer Chris Pennington throws his dynamic vocals into the each song, and when joined by the perfect combination of drums (Jason Montgomery), guitars (Eddie Rosales and Ian Felchlin), and bass (Rob Gallagher), this band’s music will burrow into the brain of anyone listening.

Despite their thought-provoking lyrics and crushing sound, Back Pocket Memory has fun. A lot of fun. Their energetic shows and infectious stage presence bring an honest and relatable element to their music, and BPM fans love them for it. To please this devoted fan base, the group has big things planned. Their much anticipated next album is due to be released in the fall and will be produced by Erik Ron, who also produced their previous album. According to the band, fans can expect a “more rocking, driving sound…” combined with Back Pocket Memory’s signature style of dramatic, soulful rock. Along with the new EP release, they plan to tantalize their fans further with a West Coast tour, joined by the band Culprit, in early September.

These guys will shake you up and leave you wanting more. But don’t take my word for it. Check out their upcoming show at Amplyfi on August 3rd, buy their songs on iTunes, and be prepared to have a new favorite band.

Concert photos taken by Christine Perez
Follow Back Pocket Memory on Twitter @bckpcktmmry
And “Like” the Back Pocket Memory Facebook Page

Gold Motel – Gold Motel
Headed up by frontwoman Greta Morgan (The Hush Sound), Gold Motel’s sunny pop style is perfect for a day at the beach or a cruise down the coast, so a July release seems especially fitting.

Cisco Adler – Aloha EP
Speaking of the beach, Mr. West Coast Vibe himself, Cisco Adler, is releasing a solo EP today. I’m a big fan of his work with Shwayze, and this EP will be followed in the fall by a full-length version featuring seven brand-new songs, remixes and more exclusive content. Can’t wait!

Stevie Jackson (of Belle and Sebastian) – (I Can’t Get No) Stevie Jackson
The title alone is enough to make this release worth checking out. Too freakin’ funny. Currently streaming on Spinner if you’d like to check it out prior to purchase.

Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) – H.N.I.C. 3

Teenage Bottlerocket – Freak Out

The Word Alive – Life Cycles

Keller Williams And The Travelin’ Mccourys – Pick

Flo Rida – Wild Ones

Mum – Early Birds (early/rare tracks)

Bonded by Blood – The Aftermath

Smashing Pumpkins – Oceania
In their ninth studio album, The Smashing Pumpkins continue their 44-song concept album that began with their previous release, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009). The band gets more in touch with their psychedelic rock roots with this one, but then again, The Smashing Pumpkins have never colored inside the lines of musical genres, which makes them a timeless, ever-surprising alternative rock band.

Glen Hansard – Rhythm and Repose
Hansard must feel on top of the world right now. He is embarking on an international tour that will bring him to LA’s Wiltern tomorrow (tickets can be purchased here), and the smash Broadway musical Once, based on the film by the same name that he starred in and provided the soundtrack for, took home eight Tony awards last week, including “Best Musical.” This album will surely be another stellar addition to his discography.

Justin Bieber – Believe
Let’s just admit it: “Boyfriend” is a catchy song and had you not known it was the Biebs, you would be blasting it driving down Santa Monica Boulevard. Bieber has serious talent and he’s trying to be more mature, so let’s indulge him.

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Brave
I saw a billboard in LA today for Brave that quoted a review saying, “Pixar has outdone itself!” which I’m pretty sure is impossible. Since every Pixar movie has found its way into my DVD collection, this soundtrack is going to get me through this week until the theatrical release of the movie this Friday.

Kenny Chesney – Welcome To The Fishbowl

States – Room To Run

Don Williams – And So It Goes

Walk The Moon – Walk The Moon

Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
You may or may not have heard of this band, but after listening to their first release, you won’t forget the band named after the ∆.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here
Get into the sophomore album from the band that brought you that ever-catchy tune “Home.”

Sigur Rós - Valtari
“I can honestly say that it’s the only Sigur Rós record I have listened to for pleasure in my own house after we’ve finished it.” – Georg

The Walkmen – Heaven
Quite possibly the indie rockers’ best album to date…

Sun Kil Moon - Among the Leaves
Mark Kozelek’s 5th full length album may surprise fans who are used to his usual murky, brooding musical persona.

Regina Spektor - What We Saw From the Cheap Seats
The Russian-American singer-songwriter’s first release in three years should feel like a homecoming to the quirky anti-folk songstress’ fans.

Julia Stone - By the Horns
The sister has branched off from the brother and is learning to fly on this exceptional first solo release.

Scissor Sisters - Magic Hour
Get ready to get pop rocked.

Gemma Ray - Island Fire
Tired of Lana del Rey? Then try Gemma on for size, a cheery alternative retro jewel to her comparison.

2:54 - 2:54
Shoegaze on into this eponymous debut album by the Thurlow sister act and watch their new video for “Creeping” here.

Beach House – Bloom