Alt.country pioneers breathe new life into their 1996 album 'Where The Sun Doesn't Shine' via the awesome Indiecater series. Sun-scorched, porchlight Californian country rock of the highest order, 'Saddest Girl' is a fitting re-introduction to Red Star Belgrade. Find out more over at www.mp3hugger.com

Thankfully sitting in deep contrast to the stripped-backed malaise of last year's 'Everybody' LP, The Sea and Cake's new record 'Car Alarm' seems a far more raucous and energetic affair. This free album title track testifies ten fold to that; sounding to all extent and purpose like The Sea and Cake have hit their stride once again. Joy. www.thrilljockey.com

Taken from the six-track 'Danielson Live' EP that Secretly Canadian are currently giving away through their official site, 'Southern Paws' is a Dutch Radio session for VPRO which the band recorded back on 22nd November 2006. For those unfamiliar with Danielson, think offbeat indie pop coupled with strains of gospel and porch-side country/ folk. Daniel Smith's vocal squeals are at first difficult to get beyond but once you do you find an interesting and inventive collection of New Jersey musicians. www.danielson.info

With previous touring experience alongside the late Elliot Smith, Marykate O'Neil is something of a veteran on the New York folk scene. 'Green Street' is a smoky cut of Greenwich Village life that finds O'Neil settling herself comfortably between the intimate melodicism of Maria Taylor and Jenny Lewis' stark honesty. O'Neil releases her new EP 'mKULTRA' through Nettwerk on October 28th. www.marykateoneil.com

October 2008