This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Feist we should’ve known could happen. Of course, Let It Die was an exceptional, unassailably cool album, displaying her warm lounge/indie-pop sound, but what it lacked in complexity

The name K-Os (ne Kheaven Brereton) may not mean much to some of us stateside but in Canada that name is widely admired and loved. It’s unfortunate that musicians like K-Os are not getting the same recognition as their counterparts (Feist, Broken Social Scene, etc…)

Upon listening to Phantom Punch’s first track, a look of confusion that might creep up your face. You probably checked to make sure you were listening to Sondre Lerche. Yes, it is Sondre Lerche but the music is different. Known for his spry, melodic, and Bacharach-esque sound, Lerche has removed that formula from his latest release.

The Bird and The Bee are an L.A.-based electro-pop duo consisting of producer/multi-instrumentalist, Greg Kurstin, and vocalist, Inara George. Their debut album has a tranquilizing sound with remnants of 60’s soundtracks. The Bird and The Bee are signed on Blue Note’s sister label, Metro Blue, and we are not sure if this is Blue Note/Metro Blue’s next attempt into the soft/pop-jazz territory.

In the style of Burt Bacharach, Stephen Merritt and Belle & Sebastian, The Sharp Things continues their journey of orchestral pop with Foxex & Hounds. Perry Serpa leads the 10 plus member band as singer-songwriter and pianist to boot. His voice is unabashedly susceptible. Serpa’s lyrics are filled with a bit of darkness and self-destruction. It could be indicative of a low part of his life.

Leicesterhire’s Kasabian may not pick the prize for this year’s Oasis circa 1995 but they do have that swagger. They catapulted themselves into the indie scene with highly energetic rock music. Where they got their name (Linda Kasabian - the getaway driver of Charles Manson) or where the album was recorded, (remote farmhouse in Rutland near Leicester) is not important. What is important is did this album live up to the brouhaha it caused? The answer is yes and no.

Former members of Pee Shy and Hidden Driveways have teamed up under the moniker of The Caulfield Sisters. They are an all girl trio from Brooklyn, NY who could have fitted perfectly during the times for Jesus and Mary Chain, Throwing Muses, Mazy Star or The Softies. The release of their six-song EP starts with the song “Phoebe’s Song.”

The limited edition white label 12″ teaser off the Gorillaz’s new album Demon Days surfaced in stores last month though the first official single is ‘Fell Good Inc.’ DJ Dangermouse takes the helm as producer (Dan The Automator is lost somewhere) for this track and Booty Brown from Pharcyde handles the rap all recorded at the band’s Kong Studio in Essex.

I don’t recall who recommended this band to me a few weeks ago but I’m glad they did. I ended up listening to the first track I.O.U. and immediately was taken by the voice of Emily Haines (ethereal and sexy), rhythm and melodies.

The album’s sound in general? It’s fine, it really is. The ample use of distorted guitar samples adds heft to a lot of the songs and his repeated change in the sound of a simple downbeat gives each piece a distinct sonic orientation to append to the singular message. The beats are fine.