Put This In Your Ear

As an audiophile/music nerd, I am constantly on the lookout for new (for me) and exciting music. The search is almost as fun as the result because I end up coming across such an eclectic mix spanning multiple genres. I've decided to stop being so selfish and to start sharing the gems I find for your listening pleasure. In addition, I'll be regularly updating the Amazon mp3 player you see on the left margin of the blog with some of my favorite tracks to save you time if you decide you can't live without them. Go ahead, put this in your ear.

Two man low-fi outfit Gauntlet Hair evokes memories of Animal Collective prior to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Chanted vocals over minimalist guitar riffs and electric drums produce haunting pop rock that keeps me coming back for more. Check out their latest release, the self-titled Gauntlet Hair out now on Dead Oceans.

Portland, Oregon natives Unknown Mortal Orchestra combine catchy melodies with spaced out instrumentation and textured vocalization. Singer Ruban Nielson's high pitch lends itself as an added melodic layer to psych-ed out guitars and tinny sounding percussion. They released their most recent, a self-titled LP in June on Fat Possum/True Panther.

Shabazz Palace front man Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, aka Palaceer Lazaro, has seen his career evolve from his time lending his smooth delivery to the Digable Planets and Cherrywine. These days, his approach is darker and more experimental while still holding credibility in head-nodding circles. Irregular beat intervals and jitterbug break beats make Shabazz unique in the hip hop cookie cutter world. Black Up is out now on Subpop.

New York electronic duo Phantogram enlist airy vocals over swirling guitars and spacey keyboards to produce ambient street beat psych rock. Members Sarah Bartel and Josh Carter each lend their voices and considerable instrumentation abilities to create genre-crossing hip rock. Their latest LP, Eyelid Movies, is one of the most dance-able rock albums in recent memory.

Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall mix psychedelic rock reminiscent of the '70s with a modern garage infusion to form one of the best up and coming rock bands out there. Although they are relatively youthful, they have already released five LPs as JEFF the Brotherhood, including this year's We Are The Champions and were named one of Spin's must see acts at the 2011 SXSW in Austin. The newest album combines their pedal to the metal past with a more mature approach, providing grungy melodies and riffs, a sort of unrefined and more edgy Weezer.