What the Creative Loafing music team is listening to this Monday to get us through the day and rocket launch the week… Click here to check out previous entries.

– Blonde Redhead, Penny Sparkle (2010)

Dreamy, ethereal, and sexy … the new release from Blonde Redhead [pictured right] is certainly more Swedish trip-hoppy electronica than its predecessors, which I rather enjoy. The opening track, "Here Sometimes," starts with a slow burning build of synth and melodrama that could easily be mistaken for the XX at first listen, with a smoldering chorus I just can't seem to get out of my head. The band brought in a production team that has worked with Radiohead, Fever Ray, Depeche Mode, and My Bloody Valentine; and their influences are distinctly present throughout. Though a complete departure from the early distorted guitars I always associate with the band, the album maintains just enough of Blonde Redhead's uniqueness, mostly due to the chilly restrain of Kazu Mazino's heavenly voice. Click here to check out the album in full at NPR.

Jeff – Frank Royster, Innocence is Bliss (2010)

Recently-released power pop album with some really great tunes. Working on a review right now!!

Taylor – Eddie Vedder, Into the Wild Soundtrack (2007)

Technically interesting and lyrically moving, Vedder's all-too-short acoustic songs put the film's message to music. With Vedder's signature growl and finger-picking galore, this is a perfect soundtrack for a wanderlust's journey.

This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2010.