Mother Mother

What they sound like: A mix between alt-rock and bubblegum pop. Think The White Stripes meets Mika.

Why you’ll like them: Infectious rhythm and great lyrics.

Songs to download first: “Hayloft,” “O My Heart,” “Dirty Town.”

Munchausen By Proxy

What they sound like: A girl band that doesn’t suck—gentle feminine vocals coupled with morbidly funny lyrics.

Why you’ll like them: How can you not like a band that sings about “keytars?”

Songs to download first: “Uh Huh,” “Keystar.”

Eels

What they sound like: Mellow, but never boring; an alternative band without all the depressing lyrics.

Why you’ll like them: Clear vocals and great beats make this band appeal to almost everyone.

Songs to download first: “Goddamn Right It’s A Beautiful Day,” “Hey Man (Now You’re Really Living),” “Fresh Feeling.”

Jeremy Fisher

What he sounds like: Folk music (in a good way); a modern version of Simon and Garfunkel.

Why you’ll like him: Sharp, catchy acoustic rhythms, lyrics that are political without being pretentious.

Songs to download first: “Scar That Never Heals,” “Cigarette,” “Goodbye Blue Monday.”

Corb Lund

What he sounds like: Good country (yes, it is possible!); Corb used to front punk band The Smalls before going cowboy.

Why you’ll like him: Witty lyrics, awesome vocals, and he’s just so Canadian!

Songs to download first: “Expectation and the Blues,” “Young and Jaded,” “Spanish Armada.”