Beirut Gulag Orkestar (Bada Bing) – Beirut is a 19 year-old kid from Albuquerque who has the full attention of the blogosphere and other tastemakers. He worked with Jeremy Barnes from Neutral Milk Hotel so the comparisons to that band are prevalent but ultimately unfair. There aren’t any guitars on the record but there are glockenspiels, ukuleles and clarinets. Download “from Italy”

Danielson Ships (Secretly Canadian) – Daniel Smith shortened the name from Danielson Famile to Danielson for this release, but there are still loads of contributors (34 in fact). Members of Deerhoof, Serena-Maneesh and the ubiquitous Sufjan Stevens dropped by the studio. You’ll either love or hate the manic energy of it. The band makes a local appearance at Spaceland on 6/3. Download “Did I Step on Your Trumpet”

Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere (Downtown/Atlantic) – By now you’ve heard about their Myspace "secret show,” downloaded bootlegs from their Coachella appearance and even seen Cee-Lo’s spoiled daughter on My Super Sweet 16. But is the record any good? While some critics think it’s inconsistent, most think it's a fun listen that warrants the purchase. Somewhere in Milwaukee Gordon Gano is smiling and waiting for the publishing checks to roll in.

Grandaddy Just Like the Fambly Cat (V2) – Critics generally agree that this album represents a return to form after their disappointing last record. Jason shaved his beard, moved away from Modesto and wants everyone to know that he played all the instruments (except some of the drums). None of the ancillary stuff matters when the record is this good. Buy it, but don't expect a tour because it's their last album. Watch the video for “Where I’m Anymore” Stream the record HERE.

Neil Young Living with War (Reprise) – Neil’s just as pissed off as you at the Bush administration and current events. The album was released to coincide with the 36 year anniversary of his protest song, “Ohio” (about the Kent State shootings, d’uh). Most critics appreciate the sentiment and his passion for the subject matter. Stream the album HERE.

Also released: Art Brut Bang Bang Rock’n’Roll (Downtown), Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium (Warner Bros.), Snow Patrol Eyes Open (A&M), The Stills Without Feathers (Vice)