This is really supposed to be a weekly feature, but I haven’t done one of these posts in a long, long time – largely because I’m lazy. And overwhelmed by the sheer volume of music coming through my inbox. But I asked for it, and it’s only fair that I share some of the discoveries I’ve made. So, here’s some of the best new music that has come my way in the last few weeks. And weeks.

Most of the stuff that comes through my inbox, I listen to once and toss away. But every now and again I get what I’m after – new music that enchants me and keeps me coming back for  more. Such was the case with Omaha, Nebraska’s Thunder Power. The sextet’s debut EP, “Love Yourself…” (Slumber Party Records), which came out back in November, is sparsely produced, folk-tinged, sparkling and twanging pop. They summon up memories of early R.E.M. and Belle and Sebastian and above all are utterly charming. “Love Yourself…” is absolutely worth the $5 (US) that Thunder Power - Love Yourself - EP wants for it. Highly recommended.

MP3: Thunder Power – “Your Pantry”

There’s nothing new about New Jersey’s Bouncing Souls, in fact they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2009. But they’re new to me. “Serenity” starts off with a Cure-esque riff before rolling into some lucious power pop. The Bouncing Souls are releasing a new track every month of 2009, available from Chunksaah Records or you can check out their extensive back catalog on Bouncing Souls.

MP3: Bouncing Souls – “Serenity”

Just as another indication of how far behind I am with my music, I’d like to talk a bit about A.A. Bondy. He caught my ear way back in March or April of 2008 and I’ve been meaning to write about his Dylan-esque brand of folk since. He got a ton of attention, deservedly so, at SxSW in ‘08 and his debut “American Hearts” is a stunningly crafted record. Bondy, who fronted Verbena in the 90’s, is in a songwriting groove in this, his solo debut. Buy “American Hearts” from A.A. Bondy - American Hearts.

MP3: A.A. Bondy – “There’s A Reason”

I’m going to break my own loosely observed no major labels rule because Portland’s The Decemberists are one of my favorite acts on the scene. They make smart, historically inspired and elaborately instrumented indie pop. They also put on a hell of a live show if they ever make it down to your neck of the woods. They’ve got a new LP due March 24 and have leaked a track from that record that is just enough to whet my appetite. Look for “The Hazards of Love” next month and while you wait, check out their back-catalog on The Decemberists.

MP3: The Decemberists – “The Rake’s Song”

Country music, when done well, is just a wonderful thing. The problem with the genre is that it is rarely done well. This is the reason that so many folks hate country. I’m incredibly thankful for bands like Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Slimfit. I don’t know where five Yankee boys get off, but they’re making the the best rock-tinged country that I’ve heard since Slobberbone or the Drive-by Truckers in their Gangstabilly days. Their latest “Make It Worse” is out and available from Slimfit - Make It Worse. I’ve been trying to sit down and write up some interview questions for these boys for a couple of weeks, so check back soon to learn more about Slimfit.

MP3: Slimfit – “Which Way You Gonna Go?”

Seems like every time I write one of these posts there is at least one band from Brooklyn featured. Brooklyn seems to be the Seattle of the 2000’s – there’s an absolute explosion of creativity Team Genius is the latest to tickle my fancy. They’re a loosely arranged group of musicians that have managed to put together a wildly eclectic, but thoroughly entertaining record with their self-titled effort. I hear a lot of Stephen Merritt in their music, a little bit of Luna as well as some of their Gotham contemporaries – Forest Fire and Oxford Collapse to name a couple. Check out their debut on Team Genius - Team Genius.

MP3: Team Genius – “While We’re Asleep”

Let’s close things out this week with the lovely Neko Case. The ginger chanteuse’s last record, “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood” was easily one of the best records of the decade so far. She’s got a new one due in March and if the track that she leaked is any indication, she may have exceeded the last one. She certainly gets points from A Free Man for the album cover. Pre-order “Middle Cyclone” from Amazon.

MP3: Neko Case – “People Gotta Lot of Nerve”

I’ll be back with some new music in a week.

Or so.

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