Somewhere between hardcore music and Bruce Springsteen lie Titus Andronicus, one of the latest bands in a rich vein of hard-rocking Jersey kids. They're only on their second album, "The Monitor," a concept album inspired by the Civil War, but they're riding a huge wave of buzz from the Internet.

According to music aggregator Metacritic, Spoon are the best band of the 2000s, which is nothing to sneeze at. Their excellent new record, "Transference," keeps the Austin four-piece's rock revival tone while channeling lyrical inspiration from frontman Britt Daniel's personal life.

Trampled By Turtles have long been the beloved string-shredding sons of Duluth. Be it the northern climate or the band's punk and rock roots Trampled By Turtles play with a fury and vigor most "plugged-in" bands could only dream of.

Dosh is a master at creating lush soundscapes with little more than a piano, drums and a few choice electronics. Enlisting help from friends such as Andrew Bird, Mike Lewis, Jeremy Ylvisaker and more, Dosh has created his fifth album, "Tommy."