Each Tuesday we will feature new music that should (or whatever) be on your radar.

Standouts:

1. Eskimo Joe - Black Fingernails Red Wine (w/ Bonus DVD):
Hands down, one of the best CD's of 2007. Eskimo Joe released "Black Fingernails, Red Wine" as their debut single in the US in August. Their CD already went quadruple platinum in Australia (it was released in 2006). The quiet application of the piano combined with the melodramatic strings in "London Bombs" creates a perfect scene to sing the subtle yet haunting lyrics, "I'll stay up forever. Try to find the answer, in the sun I wait for you. London Bombs." With long instrumental choruses, Eskimo Joe, is not afraid of creating a story instrumentally. This is why their music works. It's not just about the lyrics - each instrumental part is essential to creating the ultimate picture. If there is one CD you buy this year, this should be the one.
Download: The entire CD. (If you are too cheap then start with "Black Fingernails, Red Wine" & "New York")

2. Barcelona - Absolutes:
First off, don't get confused with this Barcelona, we are talking about this Barcelona. Few albums actually catch our attention enough to make us sit down and just listen to it - Absolutes did absolutely that. A four-piece band from Seattle, Barcelona, has created a set of indie-rock songs that are memorable and catchy but still remains thoughtful and creative at the same time. Available on iTunes since Aug. 14, fans of The Fray, MAE and Keane can rejoice with yet another piano-driven rock band.
Download: "It's About Time," "Lesser Things," & "First Floor People"

For more take the jump...

Please Let Us Know About:
1. Chris Botti - Italia: Botti is definitely not a band geek even though he plays the hell out of a trumpet.

2. Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War: In July, Stars released this album digitally to battle the album's leak. Finally you can get a hold of the real copy, something we hear is worth it!

3. Foo Fighters - Echoes Silence Patience & Grace: Moving away from their signature (90's) sound, Foo Fighters delivers a newer sound. Finally.

4. Nellie McKay - Obligatory Villagers: On October 4th, McKay will be playing The Independent. Grab this CD and catch up before you head over to The Independent.

Past Hits You Shouldn't Forget:
1. Foreign Born - On the Wing Now:
Foreign Born started in San Francisco though they quickly relocated to L.A. (Enter snarky remark here.) On their MySpace page, Foreign Born categorizes their music as "Melodramatic Popular Song/Ambient/Folk Rock". We will definitely agree with them in regards to the Melodramatic Popular Song category. There really isn't a better way to describe it. With dramatic climaxes to every song, they win us over with there 1960's-inspired vocals accompanied with an updated rock sensibility. Foreign Born writes great pop songs without the added sugar or spectacle. Download: Union Hall and The Nights Tall.

Guilty Pleasure for the Week:

In the next couple of weeks we are going to see a lot of the past Spice Girls with Sporty Spice, Melanie C releasing her latest single, "This Time" in October and then following that, Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham will guest star (as herself) on ABC's hit comedy, Ugly Betty. Can we say that we can't wait for both? We found the music video of "This Time" on youtube and it's catchy chorus is now stuck in my head. As for the Ugly Betty appearance, well we are just excited that it's back on the air. We have been craving some more assistant one-liners like: "Someone's got their bitch on."