DJ Teridactyl

Considering my recent updates of Katy Perry, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that I would select her new album Teenage Dream, as my album pick for this week. I honestly was not a fan of Katy's after hearing her first album, but her 2nd effort is undeniably a much stronger offering. "Teenage Dream", "California Gurls", and "Firework" are all songs you'd actually enjoy (and expect) to hear on the radio. And although "Peacock" isn't a lyrical masterpiece, it still has an awesome enough beat that you can forgive Katy for her thinly veiled euphemism.

(Sorry I couldn't provide an album preview on this one, Amazon was acting glitchy).

Just 2 weeks away from the release of their self-titled album, Interpol graces us with their latest video for "Barricade." I miss Carlos D., but still awesome to see the rest of these boys back in action!

It’s been five years since we've heard from Jamiroquai, but frontman Jay Kay announced earlier this week that they're set to release a new album entitled Rock Dust Light Star, before the end of the year. Along with the news comes a new single, "White Knuckle Ride." Sounds like Jamiroquai at their best!

Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride

Usher's new video off his Versus album, has landed! As evidence by the video, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" (featuring Pit Bull) is a song that pretty much begs to be played at the clubs!

Jill Cunniff's name may not ring any bells, but her voice may sound familiar. As a founding member of 90's Alternative Pop group, Luscious Jackson, Cunniff wrote and provided vocals for a majority of the band's music. Seven years after the group disbanded in 2000, Cunniff resurfaced with this solo album, City Beach. Perfect to listen to on a laid back, sunny day, Cunniff's first solo effort is a welcome follow-up to the sonic legacy left by her former band.

New Zealand must be on the brink of a musical renaissance, because another Kiwi caught my ear this week with her new music. Similiar to Feist or Lykke Li, Kimbra appears to have a presence of her own in the Pop Alternative spectrum. No info yet on when we may be seeing a debut album from Kimbra, but you can enjoy her video for "Settle Down" for now!

This track by Lauryn Hill had been making the rounds recently, even showing up on the Billboard Charts. What's unclear though is if "Repercussions" is a new effort, or a previously unreleased song. Based on the way it sounds, my vote is that it's an old track, although I sincerely hope to be proven wrong, since it would be great to have her back. Do you think the song could be new?

If La Roux grew up in New Zealand and looked like Karen O, I think she would have become Zowie. Calling herself a "Bionic Pixie," Zowie aims to bring us electro-pop with an edge. No word on when her debut album will be released, but based on this teaser trailer, and the songs up on her MySpace page, I'd expect to be hearing a lot more of this Kiwi in the near future!

Not exactly a new album, but one that was new too me this week. Quadron is a musical duo from Denmark, and their self-titled debut album is a satisfying hybrid of electronic music and soul. They're definitely worth the listen!

M.I.A.'s video for "XXXO" has landed! Not sure what to make of it, but I still dig the song. Enjoy!

Katy Perry's music video for "Teenage Dream", off her upcoming album of the same name, was released today. It isn't as strong a track as "California Gurls," but it's still a reasonably catchy and cute song.

I discovered this cool little widget program on Amazon that provides pretty good previews of songs and albums. I was inspired to use it as a way to share with you new (and possibly old) albums that I recommend you check out each week.

To introduce my first pick, may I quote the words of @Billy Corgan's twitter: "I believe in my heart that @LadyGaGa is going to positively help shift the world for the better. She is a messenger OF God's Love and Grace." Amen!

It's good to hear Kanye West take a minute away from his nonsensical rants to get back to his music. The just released video for "Power" is a shortened version of the single, which will be featured on his upcoming new album. Hope it'll have more good songs like this one on it!