DEADMAU5: FOR LACK OF A BETTER NAME (ULTRA RECORDS)

Deadmau5 (pronounced “deadmouse”) weaves a range of electronic dance music styles into his latest release, which features deft synth work and crisp production throughout.

Here's an excerpt from "Ghosts n Stuff," which shows off some of the cool synth work on this album. (From Deadmau5; Lack of a Better Name; 2009, Ultra Records).

SLEEP WHALE: HOUSEBOAT (WESTERN VINYL)

Sleep Whale's original and mainly instrumental material blends electric guitar, cello and more into a spacey soundscape that the band's label describes as straddling the line “between experimental ambience and accessible psych-folk-pop.”

This excerpt from the song "Sleep Reprise" gives you a good example of the spacey, textural music of Sleep Whale. (From Sleep Whale; Houseboat; 2009, Western Vinyl).

THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA: SONGS FROM LONELY AVENUE (SURFDOG RECORDS)

Setzer and orchestra return with a set of hard-charging, horn-infused swing tunes with chromatic rockabilly guitar lines bubbling underneath. Lots of fun throughout.

LATIN BITMAN: COLOUR (NACIONAL RECORDS)

A catchy blend of dub, hip-hop and electronica defines this release. Bitman, who hails from Chile, brought in several Santiago-based vocalists to augment his self-produced tracks.

Download this free track, "Help Me," courtesy of Latin Bitman and Nacional Records. (From Latin Bitman; Colour; 2009, Nacional Records).

BRAZOS: PHOSPHORESCENT BLUES (BRAZOS)

This Austin, Texas-based indie band is spearheaded by frontman Martin Crane, and the album is infused with melodic and hypnotic tunes with rock, folk and jazz influences.