Simplicity Can Be Cool

Traditional rock instrumentation is uncommon in today's music - we rarely get to hear straight up guitar, bass and drums from relevant artists. If you want to hear how classic instrumentation can create a new and refreshing sound, download Real Estate's "Beach Comber" from their self-titled album. "Beach Comber" is surf-pop guitar tones, ghostly vocals, and a snare beat that keeps the whole thing moving. For a similar experience (from last decade), check out Ambulance LTD, especially "Stay Where You Are" and "Anecdote."

Find Your Summer Soul with Coconut Records

It's getting cold outside, football ends soon, and there is no better way to escape the winter blues than by listening to songs about the summer, the coast, and playing drums in a band. Listen to Coconut Records' Davy for your summer fix. Coconut Records is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist/actor Jason Schwartsman (Rushmore, I ♥ Huckabees), who consistently writes about the supreme charm, glamour and lonliness of the west coast (check out "West Coast" and "Nighttiming" from CR's debut album, Nighttiming). Davy is the Beach Boys without their wall of sound, Weezer without big guitars, and is dominated by Schwartsman's obvious admiration for Beatles melodies. The album is well-balanced, as the catchy brighter songs ("Wires," "Drummer," "Microphone," "Any Fun") are scattered between the wistful and remorseful ones ("Courtyard," "I Am Young," "Is This Sound Okay?"). Davy will be a good glimpse of California sunshine for your collection.