Brooklyn singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur has released "The Graduation Ceremony," his first solo album since 2006. While also working on new music, he's pursued an art career with gallery openings in Paris as well as an interests in politics -- particularly the Occupy Wall Street movement.

When indie music first started gaining ground in the early 2000s, one of the most successful bands in receiving mainstream attention was Mates of State, the married duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel. Now they are back with their seventh album in a career that spans 14 years.

While listening to this album, I can't help but think how effectively it is going to translate into the live show. The huge sound is going to fill any room, the sense of urgency in the music will captivate the audience, and the constantly rotating cast of MCs will never leave time, need or want for a breather.