Old 97s — “The Fool” (from Blame It On Gravity)
The Old 97s returned to Dallas, Texas (the same town that launched them in the mid-’90s) for the recording of Blame It On Gravity, an album that brims with hometown inspiration and countrified melodies. Jumpstarting the record with power chords, snare hits, and acoustic shuffle, “The Fool” is a welcome reminder that alt.country can still thrive in 2008, even if No Depression (R.I.P.) can no longer champion the band.

I Love Math — “Josephine Street” (from Getting to the Point Is Beside It)
While Rhett Miller has always been the most visible member of the Old 97s, drummer Philip Peeples deserves credit for releasing two albums in the same month — one with his native 97s, and another with the supergroup I Love Math. “Josephine Street” is the understated crown jewel of the latter album, mixing power-pop hooks with mellow attitude, ambient street noise, and the sound of a lady speaking in French.

Death Cab for Cutie — “No Sunlight” (from Narrow Stairs)
Kudos to Death Cab for NOT resigning themselves to a long career of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” clones. Narrow Stairs is a different animal altogether, taking Gibbard’s literate lyrics to gloomy places and boasting a rougher sound than 2005’s shimmering, pristine Plans. Despite its title, though, “No Sunlight” is one of the album’s brightest songs, meaning that returning fans can revel in the band’s familiar pop hooks without worrying that Gibbard and company are relying on their old tricks.

The Submarines — “The Thorny Thicket” (from Honeysuckle Weeks)
Last time we heard from the Submarines, bandmates Blake Hazard and John Dragonetti were singing indie pop songs about heartache and loneliness. Honeysuckle Weeks is the group’s second effort — but more importantly, it marks the first time that Hazard and Dragonetti have written songs together as a married couple, and tracks like “The Thorny Thicket” sound appropriately content. Dragonetti takes over most of the instrumental duties here, layering piano riffs and electronic percussion beneath his wife’s affable vocals.

The Morning Benders — “Crosseyed” (from Talking Through Tin Cans)
Kick these Beach Boys in The Shins and watch them crawl around like youthful Beatles. Or don’t, because that would be mean. Cool song, though.