The National is the latest best band that you've never heard of, according to most music reviewers. They have a different sound that takes a moment to get used to but they are pretty good. I'm not sure that I'm ever going to become a huge fan of them but they are a solid group. Here's the latest single.

Speaking of groups with singers with low voices, the Crash Test Dummies are back with their first new album in like a decade. I know, you liked Mmm Mmm Mmm so much that you couldn't wait for this latest record. The songs on the album are... capable. I've only listened to the first few songs but they all start off promising and then kind of don't go anywhere. Kind of like the band's career.

Jack White's side project, The Dead Weather, has a new album out and I've never really been a fan so it's hard for me to weigh in on whether it's good or not. On the other hand, I was a big fan of Keane and they seem to be making a cash grab with their last couple albums and coming up empty. In fact, I think all they've done is push their fans away.

Two albums that I haven't listened to yet are the new ones from Broken Social Scene and The Hold Steady but both seem to be popular. They could be a future tryout but I feel like I've listened to both bands before and neither really grabbed me.