While he's been called a European counterpart to Panda Bear, El Guincho eschews the Animal Collective member's celestial style for a more upbeat, dancefloor approach.

While some might argue against the "local" part of the "local boys done good" tag, you can get to Wilmington, Del., on SEPTA, which makes The Spinto Band honorary Philadelphians.

The song also informs us that the Beatles (among others) were "just a band." It's a bold proclamation for two white dudes from the outskirts of London whose instrumental prowess runs no further than a Mac and a microphone.

This Israeli three-piece may not be the most original group on a musical front, but when it comes to mayhem, they not only set the bar high — they douse it in beer and set it on fire.

Guitars chime, choirboy vocals echo and synths stab atop stumbling rhythms. While such naval-gazing nostalgia is nothing new, Violens ditch the anoraks and attack their songs with enough energy to make them complete reinventions rather than rote reinterpretations.

Don't let the name fool you. The members of Ponytail know how to let their hair down. Touted as one of today's best live bands, the Baltimore foursome plays prepubescent math rock with enough energy to power a small plane.

Cantrell is dreaming of the open road on a new download-only EP of travel-themed covers called Trains and Boats and Planes.

While Simone's earlier work presupposed her as an heiress to PJ Harvey's raw and unrefined rock throne, this collection, sung entirely in Russian, is even more naked.

Augmented by backing musicians (guitar, bass, drums), Him reels off rocking licks while She dishes out heartbreaking vocals.

Formed in 2006, the band is an amalgamation of the members' previous musical experiences: Katie White did time as a teenager in a girl-group, while Jules De Martino had a stint as a struggling indie rocker.