"How do I say this diplomatically? I don't love everything I hear," Mayer writes on his blog. "I think that's fair to say. When I hear something I do love, it stands out. And if it's in the singer/songwriter genre, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Dave Barnes is that sore thumb. My thumb aches for Dave Barnes (one word: T-Shirt!). I was trolling the internet a while back – for songs – and came across a tune of his called 'Grace's Amazing Hands' and I was immediately floored."

"Dave and I have kept up over the years, but it took listening to his tunes recently to realize that I've been comatose when it comes to calling out his name in public... He's one of those rare talents that comes so complete out of the box that you can't ask to change a thing, even if you think at first you want to. It just is – and it's great. Dave has never pounced on me, he sends his CD and then – rightfully so – let's the music do the promoting. And he's right in thinking it works. Even though I'm late as hell in responding."

His new album is called "Me and You and The World", and it's so up and coming, it's both in the iTunes top10 right now, AND it only costs $5.99. If you're into the John Mayer/smooth voice/r&b over acoustic guitar thing, you should definitely grab this one.

Ever since I saw Zooey Deschanel sing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" in the movie Elf, I prayed that someday she would release an album. Zooey has an unbelievable voice: it sounds at once classic and modern. Strong yet vulnerable.

So obviously I was psyched when Zooey teamed up with indie star M. Ward to put out She & Him: Volume One.

It's an eclectic collection of original material and covers. It covers alt-country territory tread by Neko Case before, as well as 60's motown. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and each track improves on multiple listens.

The first track to tempt your ears with is "Why Don't You Let Me Stay Here?", but I really think the entire album is deserving of a listen.

Grab "She & Him".

You know the Weepies, even if you don't think you do. You've heard their music on commercials, or maybe on Grey's Anatomy, or in a dozen or so movies. To me, they were the seminal album of 2006, every song so simple and so achingly gorgeous. I've been waiting with baited breath for the arrival of their new album, Hideaway.

If you don't know the story of the Weepies, it's a good one. Deb Talan, a folk singer, was a huge fan of another folk singer Steve Tannen. They saw each other in concert, and met each other, and totally fell in love. So they started writing and singing together. The Weepies, and a marriage, were born.

They named themselves "The Weepies" because they want their music to make you cry: both tears of sorrow and of joy. And with the recent birth of their first child, it will be interesting to see how they've woven that tremendous new experience into their work.

Pre-Order Hideaway by the Weepies for $9.99

Wow. When I woke up this morning, I certainly didn't expect to end up listening to a "Beat It" cover by Fall Out Boy. And then to discover that John Mayer was the one shredding the guitar during the course of the song? I'm so freaked out, I'm seriously considering going back to bed.

There's no video yet, thank Thor. I have serious doubts that Pete Wentz can moonwalk. And I know for a certainty that John Mayer will think that he can moonwalk, but his attempt will be an epic fail.

Check out "Beat It" on iTunes.

Ben Gibbard's Death Cab for Cutie found mainstream success with their last album, "Plans". Many of their cult fanbase accused them of selling out, and certainly the album was a bit less thoughtful than the quirky work of their past.

It will be interesting then, to see how Death Cab bridges art and mainstream with their upcoming album "Narrow Stairs".

If their first single, "I Will Possess Your Heart" is any indication, they are embracing their art sides all the way. Over eight minutes long, the song has a four minute instrumental introduction. That's right. Four minutes with no vocals. After all, the band is full of master instrumentalists, why not show off what they can do?

It's likely the radio version will cut out those four minutes and get straight to Ben's lovely singing voice and DC's harmonies. But check out the newly released single and see whether you like the new Death Cab.

Pick up Death Cab for Cutie's new single: I Will Possess Your Heart

I won't own up to it. I never watched the P.Diddy "Making the Band" reality show that put Danity Kane together. "Show Stopper" was never a huge guilty pleasure for me. And Aundrea is certainly not my favorite of the group.

Which is why I'm completely neutral and qualified to comment on Danity Kane's new album: "Welcome to the Dollhouse". Pluses here: the album is really well done. The arrangements are complex and interesting. The songs are all danceable and catchy. The first single "Damaged" was voted on by the fans as their favorite new song off the album and features a couple of great hooks. Missy Elliot makes an appearance on "Bad Girl".

Still, part of me mourns every time I hear a Danity Kane song. If you watch the show (which I don't), you know that these girls have legitimately great voices. They are extremely talented. But the way that their vocals are produced, layering on *heavily* the AutoTuner and the digital effects, means that all of the individuality is washed out of their sound. They could be any five hot girls off the street. Or Fembots, for all we know. Is it too much to ask for one song that turns off the vocal effects and lets us hear them raw and real?

Still, I'm digging it. Secretly. Shhh. Don't tell. And pick up Damaged.

When I clicked on the newly released Heroes Soundtrack, I was pretty surprised what I found there. After all, the show isn't like "Grey's Anatomy", renowned for its music. It has a pretty decent original score, but only a few of those tracks are featured on this album.

Instead, what's on there are a bunch of unique, new songs from some of my favorite bands. Imogen Heap's "Not Now, But Soon" is a highlight. Death Cab for Cutie, The New Pornographers, My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf, Panic at the Disco, and Wilco have new tracks on here as well.

Mix that up with a few great tracks from David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and the Chemical Brothers and it's like listening to the greatest "Heroes"-inspired mix tape that was ever created.

Many iTuners will be annoyed that you can't pick up the singles individually, but IMO that's not as much of an issue when the whole album is this good.

Download the Heroes Soundtrack.

I've been a huge Jason Mraz fan ever since I saw him perform live. He is just such a dynamic performer with such a huge, pure voice. It's impossible to listen to his music without being lifted up by some karmic, happy boost.

He is prepping for a new album coming up, and has released an 4 song EP called "We Sing" in anticipation of it. The lead single, "I'm Yours" is unspeakably adorable. Pick it up - it will immediately brighten your day.

Leona Lewis won an American-Idol like show in the UK called "The X Factor". With her stunning looks and a voice capable of both belting remarkably high notes and shimmering soft ones, she's gotten a number of well-deserved comparisons to Whitney Houston.

Her first US single is Bleeding Love, and I strongly encourage you to check it out on iTunes. It's incredibly catchy and pleasing to the ears. A good guilty pleasure.

Usher is getting ready to drop his new album, and the racy first single has already raced to the top of the charts.

Love In This Club features Usher trying to convince his young lady friend that they should risk imprisonment, shed their clothes, and start getting it on in the middle of the dance floor.

I'm not sure why they can't wait until they get home. I guess she's that irresistible...

Still, the track is almost as hot as Usher himself. Pick it up on iTunes today.

If you're like me, you've listened to the new Arcade Fire album about three million times at this point. You've mastered the delicate art of keeping the car running while no cars go, and you've secretly cranked out the beginning of "Intervention" at your church. It's still brilliant, but it's growing a little stale. So what else can you listen to?

For all of you Arcade Fire fans out there, let me suggest British Sea Power as a suitable alternative. Their newly-released album, "Do You Like Rock Music" has received universal acclaim from critics. Plus, it has all of the epic, sweeping, ethereal soundscapes that you look for from Arcade Fire. Their lyrics are just complex enough to be intriguing, and this indie band packs stadiums in the UK.

As a sampler, I recommend downloading the track "Waving Flags". Listening to it feels a bit like you're caught in an angry thunderstorm. Even if you don't like rock music, there's a chance you might by the end of the track...

I discovered Joshua Radin through Zach Braff a few years ago. I was randomly reading Zach's blog, trying to figure out if he really was dating Mandy Moore or whether it was just rumor, when he mentioned that this guy Josh was the best singer/songwriter he'd ever heard.