"Best of Me" - Morningwood

How can you not love a band with a name like Morningwood? Those were my exact sentiments when I first heard the band back in 2006. After listening to their debut album, I realized the band was more than just a cheeky name, and could definitely put together a catchy rock tune. Fronted by the fiery vocals of Chantal Claret, the band is just as likely to make you dance as they are to sell you a brand new Mercury. Alright, maybe that second part was a stretch. Above is the first single off of their new album 'Diamonds & Studs', to be released October 27. In support of the release, they'll be playing a show at Baltimore's Ram's Head Live on November 9, and I anticipate more dates to follow.

"A Thousand Bees" - Sara Lov

In case you are looking for something to do tonight, I'll present to you yet another reason to attend tonight's Sea Wolf show at DC9--opening act Sara Lov. I had the good fortune to recently listen to her debut album--Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming--and I would have to agree with NPR's description of her voice and style being "irresistibly seductive." If you dig this track, be sure to check out her cover of Beck's "Timebomb", which presents a truly unique take on of my favorite songs of the past couple years.

"Vanity Kills" - Codeine Velvet Club

Of all the trends in the music industry in recent years, there's no denying that the side project has certainly become one of the most prevalent. Whether it be Jack White's Raconteurs/Dead Weather, Billy Joe Armstrong's Foxboro Hot tubs, or Dave Grohl's Them Crooked Vultures, it seems that many of today's artists have actively sought out various side projects to explore their creative interests. Though not as well known as the aforementioned artists, The Fratellis' lead singer Jon Fratelli recently launched his own side project act in the form of a band called The Codeine Velvet Club. Combining brass and the sultry female vocals of Lou Hickey, the band achieves a sound reminiscent of 60s era American soul with a distinctively UK influence. Above is the first single off of their forthcoming album, to be released sometime in November.