Lynn's Pick
Paul Banks is the British-born, world-raised, very serious baritone who fronts New York's Interpol. He's also been known to adopt the stage name Julian Plenti and performing as a solo artist. Julian Plenti was performing live, in fact, before Interpol was formed, and with the band on break after its third record, Banks has rolled that persona out for a summer release and some touring between here and the end of the year. Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper is the name of the record. Banks' Interpol mate Sam Fogarino pitches in some drum work, but otherwise the album is in every way independent of the band--Banks' robotic vocal delivery that's an Interpol trademark is traded for something more-relaxed, and the record generally sounds more raw and fun than Interpol's always-controlled vibe. "Games For Days" is the single. Here's the EXcellent video:

Toby's Pick
Aaron Bruno takes up arms in AWOLNATION, rallying wizards, heroes and beautiful-ones as he ignites from the embers of his previous band Under the Influence of Giants. AWOLNATION holds nothing back and blurs the mind and limits of pop, rock and soul with an unrelenting sound assault of energy and style as heard in songs like "Burn It Down" and "Mothaf#@kr".
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Chuck's Pick
They wear funny hats and make goofy entertaining songs, but are one serious band…at least when it come to making you laugh. Humor-core is a genre of metal that was invented by this band, on the assumption that everything is _____core nowadays anyway. Psychostick has the uncanny ability to play really good music, write extremely funny lyrics and poke fun at not only the establishment of metal, girlfriends, and ham, but also take care of the business musically. Hailing from the deserts of Arizona, the heat went to their heads and made them a little…off. That’s why I am a fan, and you should be too. Check out more information at www.myspace.com/psychostick