Datsik: This 21-year-old, ultra-grimey dupstep artist hasn’t released his own full-length album yet, but he has plenty of tracks on the internet that will leave fans of Bar 9 and Bassnectar reeling. Once self-described as “robostep,” Datsik has produced some bangin’ tunes that stand out in the dubstep scene. In fact, some of his releases have made it to the number one spot on Beatport. Check out the tracks “apples” and “retreat.”
-Jaimie Fife

Nomo: Ghost Rock – A bunch of music students from Michigan got together and made an album combining jazz, funk, and afro-beat with a healthy dose of experimental noise. Hypnotic and strange, but impossible not to dance to.
-Nick Dillon

Grass Widow: Grass Widow – Part of the new Bay Area girl wave, this will drill its way into your skull- better than Vivian Girls, vibrant as the Raincoats.
-Jenn Hartman

The Mountain Goats: All Hail West Texas. Currently working as a three-piece, this North Carolina-based band’s 2002 release was recorded entirely on a boom box tape deck solo by singer/guitarist/mastermind John Darnielle. Quippy lyrics, lo-fi recording style and a sound reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel.
-Adam Bates

Neutral Milk Hotel: In the Aeroplane Over The Sea – I know this album came out years ago and they’re not around anymore, but I’m behind on almost everything, including this strange and wonderful, lo-fi pop gem.
-Teo Crider

Nurses: apples acres – Simply said, this album is brilliant. It’s been my highway companion while traveling for the holiday season. Its skipless; I almost always listen to it all the way through. One of my top albums of 2009. And I’m pretty sure ‘Lita’ is going to be stuck in my head for at least another month.
-Haylee Nighbert

Alex McMurray: How to Be a Cannonball – The frontman for Royal Fingerbowl’s second solo album is a mix of hilarity, darkness, tongue-in-cheek love and New Orleans flavor. A master storyteller and phrase-turner, McMurray is impossible not to compare to Tom Waits, but don’t do it to his face. He might stab you.
-Django Bohren

Neurotic Outsiders: Self titled – It’s an odd super group from 1996, featuring Duff and Matt from G n’ R, Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols and John Taylor from Duran Duran. They only did one album, but it’s timeless, like an old friend.
-Dave Stanley

Twiddy and the Argonauts- EP – I heard this band at the Battle of the Bands last year and just picked them up again. I love the jazz infused with Red Hot Chili Peppers like tones that are groovy but young and fresh.
-Tabitha Englebright

Weezer: Raditude – I have been glued to this record ever since it came out in November. The songs are finely crafted, hooky, Rivers Cuomo gems about love and life. My favorite song on the record is (If You’re Wondering if I Want You To) I Want You to.” Check it out for yourselves.
-Boris Budd

Le Fits: Sportif – Although this album from Philadelphia front man Ben Riesman is from 2007 I just got turned onto it. A must have for fans of Lou Reed and Luna, no two songs sound the same.
-Anna Rankin

Austin Jenckes: Coming of Age – Still blown away with how cool this record is. It’s a great pick-me-up with all this grey weather we are having.
-Brian Fannin

White Denim: Fits – I fell in love with this band a few months ago and can’t stop giving it a listen. The three-piece is from Austin and is unbelievable cool, a mix between Hendrix, Captain Beefheart and the Sonics.
-Brent Cole