The next stop will be…

The Raconteurs*
“Broken Boy Soldier” from Broken Boy Soldier(releases May 16th)

Brendan Benson(indie posterboy) teams up with Jack White(Billy Corgan Jr.) to create the perfect validation of “the sum is greater than the parts”. Those of you disappointed, as I was, with the latest White Stripes album will find that Jack has redeemed himself with this collaboration and album.

“Steady as She Goes” is the first single from the album. It’s a fine sounding indie pop effort but a little on the bubblegummy side for me. I much prefer the darker sounding title track “Broken Boy Soldier”. The rolling ominous beat overlaid with Jack White’s strained vocals creates a sense of dread that you can bob your head to.

*The band’s website has creative navigation but is kinda annoying.

The Fiery Furnaces
“South is Only a Home” from Gallowsbird’s Bark

Somehow I missed the boat when this brother/sister duo hit the scene in late 2003 so I’m playing catch up here. The best compliment I can give this song is that it makes me want to dance and that’s not a bad thing at all.

Imagine if Antony and the Johnsons played rock music and that will give you a fair idea of what the rest of the album sounds like. Alternately, you could mentally cross Arcade Fire with the White Stripes.

Johnny Cash
“Rusty Cage” from Unchained

Johnny covers Soundgarden, what’s not to like? It totally kicks *ss when the acoustic guitar strum comes in on the second verse.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
“Love Connection” from Etiquette

The last track on the album is my favorite. Catchy keyboard hook countered with bored vocals and sexy lyrics makes for a hit. The rest of the album is bleepy bloopy electronica along the lines of The Notwist or The Postal Service. I don’t love it but it’s pretty decent. Read more extensive reviews here and here.

Beck
“Que Onda Guero” from Guerolito

Guerolito is the companion disc to Beck’s critically acclaimed album Guero. Each track on Guero was remixed by a different mixmaster hand picked by Beck himself. The effort shines brightest on “Que Onda Guero.” The keyboard hook from it has buried itself in my brain and won’t let go. Check it out.