McCarley has already gotten some love from Grey's Anatomy this season for her debut album. The singer-songwriter brings a nice whimsy to songs like "Blue Suitcase" and the first single, "Pony (It's OK)."
DUNCAN SHEIK Whisper House
Since his last CD, Sheik's been off picking up Tonys for his musical Spring Awakening. These songs, written for an upcoming theatrical piece, also work as a stand-alone set of artful chamber pop.
ANYA MARINA Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II
This lady really is a vamp, seducing you with a sultry mix of pop, folk, blues, jazz, even bossa nova—and a Lolita-like voice that brings to mind a naughty Corinne Bailey Rae.
THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND Already Free Trucks was named one of the "New Guitar Gods" by Rolling Stone in 2007. And there's plenty to worship on this true-bluesy collection of originals and covers like Bob Dylan's "Down in the Flood."
