By marty

A lot of good new music is spinning around my brain, so lets dive right into it.

Saturna, a Portland-based quartet, brings a deliciously dirty rock with a touch of a rhythmic psychedelia.  Often compared with Jesus and Mary Chain and Lush, Saturna’s latest album, “Some Delicious Enemy,” is starting to get that all important and well-deserved buzz.  The band will spend the month on the West Coast touring with After Hours favorite Bob Mould.  Circle the March 25th date at the legendary El Rey Theater in LA.  In the meantime, listen to “Pop Rocks” and find yourself singing along for the rest of the week.

Download: Pop Rocks.mp3 by Saturna

Lightspeed Champion is the latest adventure for ex-Test Icicle guitarist Devonte Hynes.  Hynes has left the post hardcore sound of the Test Icicle and headed to Omaha, Nebraska, home of Saddle Creek records.  The result is a thoroughly enjoyable quirky mix of indie pop and folk.  The album, “Falling Off The Lavender Bridge,” has been on my playlist for the past month and it is something I keep returning to. Check out his website, which is pretty funny.  Hynes will perform at the SXSW this month before heading off to tour Europe

Download: Tell Me What It's Worth.mp3 by Lightspeed Champion

I can not tell you how stoked I am to be braving the elements this weekend to attend the Langerado festival.  The Saturday night headliner is the revitalized R.E.M.  Having first saw the Athens, Georgia group some 27 years ago, I have since followed the band through its many diversions.  But there is something special brewing for this appearance.  First of all, the band’s hometown paper calls the upcoming album, “Accelerate,”  the best since “Document.”  Strong words and damn near impossible to achieve.  However, the first single, “Supernatural Superserious,” gives a bit a credence to the praise.  R.E.M. is returning to its swampy roots.

Download:  Supernatural Superserious.mp3 by R.E.M.

Ever since the shower scene from Elf, it was apparent to just about everyone that Zooey Deschanel can sing. Now, Zooey has teamed up with indie stalwart M. Ward to perform as She and Him.  There is a strong Ronettes feel combined with a Chet Atkins guitar to the songs that have been leaked.  it is definitely music from a different era and its worth the trip there to listen.  The album, “Volume One,” comes out March 18th.

Download: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here.mp3 by She and Him 

I must add that I literally cheered when I heard that The Whigs were going to play the “New Music Night” at Sunfest in West Palm Beach.  The Whigs are another After Hours favorite and check the archives for the review of their album. “Mission Control.”