As I continue to avoid the nightlife - just kidding, I was working last night - I still have the desire to drop some new music on all your waiting ears. Take a second and listen to what's showed up over the last few days.

Sono Oto :: Granny Smith (audio)
- Mark Phillips is one hell of a song writer as well as one of the nicest kids I know. Go support his project Sono Oto tonight at the Mercury Lounge (10:30pm) as they celebrate he celebrates the release of the Apple EP with folks like Jack Champion joining him on stage. As an added bonus, all comers will receive a copy of the EP upon entry.

Sam Champion :: LIVE! (Thursday)
- They are breaking my heart with this gig because it inadvertently put them up against The Big Sleep's Record Release Party, but I still have to show love to one of my favorite quartets. Check them out at The Deli's party over at The Annex. If you time it perfectly you might be able to see both. Sam Champion is planning to grace your ears with some new tunes so it's well worth the effort.

The Blow :: Pile of Gold (audio) :: Pile of Gold (video)
- Exactly what you might expect from a Portland duo. Their new record - Paper Television - hits shelves on October 24 courtesy of K Records. For all you Beavis and Butthead fans; their URL ends with blow.us.

The Whigs :: Technology (audio)
- Yesterday marked the release of this Athens based trio ATO debut Give Em All A Big Fat Lip. I caught their promising show this weekend at the Mercury Lounge. They come highly recommended if you like pretty girls and gritty rock. Check out their website for a bunch of dates with Mute Math.

Justice :: Paris Release Party (video)
- Ed Banger recently threw down in NYC, but I'm sure Justice's return to will be twice as bananas. They are stopping through on November 4 at Studio B to show all the little college CMJ bitches how we do it Tits Out style.

Read Yellow :: Sister Soul (audio)
- Whether you call it Post Rock or Angular Punk, it is still the best thing to come out of Massachusetts for quite some time. To be fair; I hate Massachusetts. Catch them on a Northeast tour with A Place To Bury Strangers.

The Flaming Lips :: Live @ Oklahoma City Zoo (video)
- This is just what is sounds like, but much to my dismay, Wayne isn't riding any elephants.

The Panda Band :: Eyelashes (audio)
- A new style of Aussie indie rock. The recent domestic release of This Vital Chapter (Filter) has some fans of the Flaming Lips' sound turning their heads.

The White Rabbits, The Head Set, Snowden & Favorite Sons :: LIVE! (Friday)
- Can you handle back-to-back-to-back nights at the Mercury Lounge? The answer must be yes because after Sono Oto (tonight) and The Big Sleep (tomorrow) you'll need to settle in for this stellar lineup (top to bottom) that will surely be a great start to another tremendous weekend.

Cold War Kids :: We Used to Vacation (audio)
- New take of the song originally featured on their debut EP. Look for this to be included on their new record Robbers & Cowards and watch out for them on tour with The Futureheads. This shit is soulful.

Emily Haines :: Doctor Blind (audio)
- The biggest indie crush steps away from Metric and Broken Social Scene to deliver her solo debut Knives Don't Have Your Back. With only a couple shows booked in NYC, SF & LA it's going to be difficult to lay your eyes on the reigning prom queen of the scene.

Asobi Seksu :: Strawberries Remix (audio)
- The press absolutely loved the shoegaze goodness of this NYC four-piece, but they may dig it even more upon hearing the Cassettes Won't Listen remixes. Stop by their Myspace page to find out when they are stopping in your home town during their month long Fall Tour.

Beck :: LIVE! (tix onsale now)
- Beck is returning to the Big Apple on October 18 and setting up shop at MSG Theatre for one night only. I fully advocate your attendance at this show. They are magical. I have to credit Beck for being the catalyst to one of my best relationships ever. God bless that man - I nearly saw the light.