With each new record, single, or collaboration in pop culture, I find myself hoping Teegan and Sara gain wider acceptance and success. With their new album, "Sainthood," have they taken a step in that direction?

"Strict Joy" is, without a doubt, as grippingly gorgeous a record as anything we've come to expect Glen Hansard to be associated with over the years.

Just in case this nugget of pop culture is not on your radar, Twilight: New Moon is about vampires. You'd expect dark, moody and sinister, right? Well, that's what you get.

When I expected them to sell out, they made "Embryonic," possibly the most challenging work they've delivered their current fan base at any given time in the band's career. I should have known better. With the Lips, it's best to expect nothing beyond something unexpected.

Mumford and Sons new album, "Sigh No More," as catchy as H1N1, is inspired by folk and bluegrass.

Known for their emotionally naked lyrics, the Avett Brothers don't hide behind elaborate metaphors or vague language.

On their debut album "Album," San Francisco band Girls deliver a messy, spectacular collision of singer-songwriter sensibilities and noisy, bratty indie rock.

Success hasn't diluted Brother Ali's message but on his new release, "Us", he stops short of drawing a line in the sand.

Never have three songwriters who sing come together for such a project in such a diplomatic way, even to the point of taking it on tour.

"Blood of Man" is Mason Jennings' eighth release, but a shift from what we've come to expect from him. He's daring to rock like never before.