Top Five New CD Releases

Be Your Own Pet Be Your Own Pet (Ecstatic Peace) – Thurston Moore signed this teenage band from Nashville. Critics like to compare the lead singer to Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Most critics think it’s a fun, infectious record but detractors criticize the lack of sophistication. The whole thing only lasts 33 minutes. Tickets are still available for their show at the Troubadour on June 27th.

Carla Bozulich Evangelista (Constellation) – The talented (and versatile) local singer-songwriter worked with members of Godspeed! You Black Emperor, A Silver Mt. Zion and the Mae-Shi on this release. It’s being called intense and emotional with interesting instrumentation (strings, loops, mandolins, organs, etc.). Appearing live at the Echo on 6/29.

Mojave 3 Puzzles Like You (4AD) – The core of Mojave 3 is still Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell from the excellent shoegazer band, Slowdive. Sadly, Ms. Goswell has some serious ear problems (see her Myspace page for details) so she won’t be touring with them. Usually their music is dreamy with hints of country-rock but this album is a little more upbeat. Recommended stuff. Download “Breaking the Ice”

Smoosh Free to Stay (Barsuk) – Smoosh are two adorable sisters from Seattle. Asya plays keyboards and she’s 14. Chloe plays drums and she’s 12. They play light indie pop and they’re currently touring with the Eels. They were taught and mentored by the Death Cab For Cutie drummer. Download “Find a Way”

Sound Team Movie Monster (Capitol) – This is the major label debut from the Austin, TX indie band. A lot of bloggers love these guys (but their last show in LA didn't blow us away). They get compared to everybody from Sonic Youth to Spoon to Interpol. Tickets are still available for their June 15th show at the Troubadour. It’s an indie band trying to breakthrough on a major label, and even Amazon is selling it for $18.98. Ouch. Download “Movie Monster”

Also out: Ice Cube Laugh Now, Cry Later (Lench Mob), Juana Molina Son (Domino), Zero 7 The Garden (Atlantic), etc.