As I listend to Pompette, the new EP from New York’s Hey Anna, I couldn’t help thinking of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, the bright-and-sunny twee pop movement of the early 2000s, and one of my current favorite bands, ‘Allo Darlin. All good company to keep.

The band is two sisters (one named Anna), and a couple of their friends, and they make music that’s guaranteed to lighten your load. It’s so nice to hear good, danceable pop rock and roll that doesn’t sound like a 1980s tribute. I love how much fun they sound like they’re having.

And best of all, it’s free!

Here’s another plug for Matthew Sweet’s new free “Acoustic and Live Sampler.” It’s awesome. Get it here.

Run, Forever’s new album is called “Settling.” Kinda punkish indie rock and roll. Here’s an mpFREE: Basement

And a second plug for the third STS “Gold Rush” mixtape.  Sugar Tongue Slim is easily one of the most deft rappers in the game today, and this is my favorite rap album so far this year.  Get it free here.

And while we’re on the subject of great new hip hop, E-Dubble!!!!

Internet sensation and classy ukelele player Julia Nunes is on tour with Great Big World, and they’re offering a Justin Timberlake song as a free cover to tempt you. I would totally go to this show but it’s on a damn Monday night when they blow through my area, and my job is more important than music. Sighs heavily.

Des’ree.  Jill Scott.  Gladys Knight. Lauryn Hill. It’s been too long since I heard some truly excellent R&B.

Chic Gamine belongs with the greats.

Actually, there is no one chick named Chic Gamine. It’s a Winnipeg girl group that’s full of soul and splendid music. (Plus one dude.)

Splendid, yes.

Best album I’ve heard so far this year, hands down. It inspired me to start a best of 2013 tag. That’s how much I love it.

Darn good indiefolkpop worth a check.

A nice quiet album. Very atmospheric, without being annoying ambient music.

Neat dubstep.

And finally, a very neat cover!

Free tastes if you follow these links.  It tastes a little like 1960s pop, but only a little.  I think it’s the psychedelic guitarwork.

“Pleasure Center”

“Sleepy”