I briefly mentioned Midlake on my 3.26 post. I want to make sure everyone knows Midlake's The Trials of Van Occupanther is a fantastic album, beautiful even. It's mellow 70's soft rock-ish sound, but don't let that scare you. I think you will like it. Midlake's My Space includes some great tracks including "Roscoe" and "Head Home." Here are videos for "Head Home," "Roscoe," and "Bandits." Don't miss Midlake in concert on Fabchannel.
Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha is a dazzling intellectual treat. This is swirling, mature and often gorgeous music. This is how an artist can go experimental without making you sick. Check out Bird's My Space, which includes some of my favorite songs "Imitosis" and "Heretics." If you are new to Bird, wake up to his sound through his 2005 Fabchannel concert video.
Have you picked up Arcade Fire's Neon Bible yet? If not, what's wrong with you? Kevin Cawley points to a great live video to show you AF in action. These guys are awesome.
If you are like me, sometimes you just need some blood pumping rock music. One of my go-to groups for crank-it-up, kick butt music is Chevelle. I own Wonder What's Next and This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In, both great. Next time you need to get the blood moving watch "The Clincher" or "Get Some" or "Family System" or "Panic Prone" (may include racy language).