THE MOONDOGGIES - You'll Find No Answers Here EP

New 5-song EP from this Seattle (technically, Everett, Washington, but who likes technicalities these days) band who released their debut album, Don't Be A Stranger, in 2008. Their sophomore album, Tidelands, comes out on September 14th. Until then, if you see the Moondoggies on their tour with Blitzen Trapper, you can pick this up. The songs on here won't be appearing on the new album so you don't even have to worry about overlap. This is indie folk-rock with a heavy dose of country injected into the mix. Very laid-back stuff. Check out the vocal harmonies. I'd recommend it if you like bands like the aforementioned Blitzen Trapper or Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, and the like.

www.myspace.com/themoondoggies
http://moondoggiesmusic.com

DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND - Palace and Stage

Second full-length for the Californian band. They might be on the Side One Dummy label, but they're far from your average punk band; they combine elements of folk, country, classic rock, punk, and more to create a highly enjoyable sound. They have toured with bands like Flogging Molly, Dirty Pretty Things, and Gogol Bordello. Their singer often made me think of what Aerosmith's Steven Tyler might sound like if he had grown up in the Southern United States. Cool stuff.

www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes
www.dustyrhodesmusic.com

CLEM SNIDE - Hungry Bird

This is the band's sixth studio album and first in four years. They are led by a man with one of the best names ever: Eef Barzelay. Their sound on this record is one of indie/folk/country/pop, and it's very mellow and easy-going. Eef has a unique voice that you will either adore or despise. I like it (he kind of reminds me of John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats with his vocal sound), so I found the album to be pretty good.

www.myspace.com/clemsnide
www.clemsnide.com

BON IVER - Blood Bank [EP]

The project of Justin Vernon (he does get a tiny bit of help from others on here, as well as during his live shows, this is Bon Iver's first EP and second overall release after 2008's For Emma, Forever Ago album. The tracks on this EP were recorded at varying points in time so each has a slightly different feel to it, but Bon Iver's outdoorsy, folk/indie sound still remains throughout. The first track is amazing, and I highly recommend it. All the other tracks pale in comparison to it, though.

www.myspace.com/boniver
http://www.boniver.org

Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins

Debut for the solo project of The Strokes' bass player, Nikolai Fraiture. It's much less rocking in comparison to The Strokes; this has more of a singer-songwriter/folk vibe to it. Fairly decent, though no track stands out too much. I prefer fellow Strokes member Albert Hammond, Jr.'s solo output.

www.myspace.com/officialnickeleye

Annuals - Such Fun

They were talked about quite a bit in 2006 when their debut, Be He Me, was released, but soon after it seemed no one cared about this North Carolina band much anymore. But they're back with their second album and it's decent stuff. Folky indie-rock, they remind me of an indie pop version of My Morning Jacket. The members of Annuals are also in the band Sunfold. The album artwork paintings were done by Bob Ross!

www.myspace.com/annuals
www.annualsmusic.com

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Sunday At Devil Dirt

Their second album together, following in the footsteps of 2006's Ballad Of The Broken Seas. Isobel Campbell is best known for her work with Belle and Sebastian and The Gentle Waves. Mark Lanegan is recognized for singing with Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Gutter Twins. Both have also released solo albums. Campbell wrote all of this album's songs, except for two ("Salvation," by Jim McCulloch, and "Who Built The Road," which she cowrote with McCulloch). Lanegan does the majority of the vocal work with Campbell adding background vocals and occasionally joining him for duets. He has a rough, deep and gravelly voice that is reminiscent of Tom Waits or Johnny Cash. Her voice is light and whispery; quite the opposite of his. The music is mostly sparse country/folk with some pop and blues influences at times. Decent stuff if you don't expect the same style of music Lanegan or Campbell is famous for.

www.myspace.com/isobelcampbell

Tom Gabel - Anna Is A Stool Pigeon single

He is the lead singer for Against Me! This is the single for his debut solo EP, Heart Burns, which comes out on October 28, 2008. The sound is different from Against Me! in that it is acoustic-guitar based, but it still has politically-charged lyrics and Tom's trademark angry young man spoken vocals. It's good stuff, the EP is something to look forward to.

www.myspace.com/tomgabelmusic
ifeelsicktomystomach.blogspot.com

Mother Mother - O My Heart

From Vancouver, this five-piece presents their second full-length album. There's a brother and a sister in the band; it's always good to see families making rock music together. The album is full of indie pop/rock with boy/girl vocals and harmonies, and some folk-rock influences (such as finger-plucked guitar, strings). It's quirky and can get a little crazy at times, but the songs are solid and they are lots of fun. It's unique, but instantly likable and catchy. Awesome stuff, this band is really good.

www.myspace.com/mothermotherspace
www.mothermothersite.com

Noah And The Whale - Peaceful The World Lays Me Down

Folk/pop/tweefolk from England. This is the band's debut. They are already big in the UK, having their song "5 Years Time" crack the UK chart's Top Ten. Mostly warbly/yelpy male vocals, which can be a bit much at times. However, the female backing vocals are very nice. Not bad stuff. Recommended if you like Thanksgiving/Adrian Orange, or Herman Dune, or K Records type stuff.

www.myspace.com/noahandthewhale
www.noahandthewhale.com

Band Marino - The Sea & The Beast

They are a five-piece from Orlando. This album, their debut, was originally released in 2006 but has seen a nationwide "indie record shop" push this past year. As for the music, it's indie folk-rock, complete with mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. The lead singer has a very distinct voice; imagine Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes spending time in the mountains and you might have Band Marino's vocalist. There's some filler on this album, but there is also quite a few promising songs, the best being "Every Time I Make A Girl Cry I Know I've Done My Job."

www.myspace.com/bandmarino
http://www.bandmarino.net

This Is Ivy League - Self-Titled

This is the debut for the Brooklyn-based duo of Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez. It's chock full of delightful folk-influenced pop music. They remind me of a modern-day, upbeat Simon and Garfunkel. They are super super good. So good!

www.myspace.com/ivyleagueonline
www.thisisivyleague.net

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Mainly the work of one man, Justin Vernon. It's quite nice, very laid-back, layered, a folk sound but not overly so, it's more indie than folk I suppose. Quite honestly a few songs made me imagine what it would sound like if Wolf Parade attempted folk music. I imagine this would appeal to fans of Okkervil River, Little Wings, and indie-folk.

www.myspace.com/boniver
www.jagjaguwar.com/artist.php?name=boniver

Grand Archives - Grand Archives

Mat Brooke fronts this band; you may remember him from his work with Band of Horses and Carissa's Wierd. This is quite similar to Band of Horses but a bit more pop-influenced; but the folk/country influences are retained. Not as immediately catchy, but the songs are nice and Mat has a very pleasant voice (I assume he is the main singer). If Miracle Fortress and Band of Horses had a child together, it might be named Grand Archives. Recommended if you like indie-ish country/folk rock that is well-produced and has pop influences.

www.myspace.com/grandarchives
www.grandarchives.com

Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

This guy is opening for and playing with Band of Horses on their upcoming tour, and this choice seems logical. This is much slower than Band of Horses and is acoustic, country/folk, but his voice is reminiscent of the Band of Horses' lead singer. Very mellow. He also does a cover of Jackson Browne's "These Days." For fans of acousticness, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Band of Horses.

www.myspace.com/tylerramseymusic
www.tylerramsey.com

AA Bondy - American Hearts

The new solo album from AA Bondy, who is actually Scott Bondy, who used to be the lead singer of the alt/indie band, Verbena. This is acoustic, stripped-down folk music that has country and blues influences. His voice is reminiscent of Patrick Park. Very laid-back, music to play if you are just going to relax and want to listen to music that tells a story.

www.myspace.com/aabondy
www.superphonicrecords.com/aa_bondy.html