Spinner's CMJ 2011 Picks -- Who We're Seeing This Week

Yep, it's time for CMJ, aka five nights of running -- or stumbling, on occasion -- around New York City, bouncing from show to show and most likely staying up way too late. We've brought you 78 free MP3s and a 101-song Spotify playlist, and now here's our list of bands we'll be checking out this week, even if it means cutting you in line. If you feel like bumping into us, check out the schedule here.

Dum Dum Girls
It seems most of the times a band cleans up its sound, we start to lose some interest. But for Dum Dum Girls, the pristine audio of their second album 'Only in Dreams' is a definite step forward. Not to mention, the new songs are totally kickass.

Headless Horseman
Not much is known about this strange New York-based group aside from their prowess for turning indie pop tunes into gnarled and scary doom tracks. Often employing the lo-fi aesthetic of Dirty Beaches, Headless Horseman morph glossy songs into operas of frightening sound, sputtering about in remix gold.

Sleeper Agent
Featuring punk and garage influences with a twist, this Kentucky sextet's live show is anchored by the dueling vocals of Tony Smith and Alex Kandel, who's too young to enter most of the bars the band will be playing this week. Need more proof? Check out their set on The Interface.

Sleeper Agent Perform 'Get It Daddy' on The Interface

We Are Augustines
Featuring two former members of Pela, this indie-rock trio puts on some of the most uplifting performances we've seen in years. It's an especially impressive feat considering how heart-wrenching singer Billy McCarthy, who covers such topics as his mentally ill brother's suicide and the fact that he doesn't know his father's identity.

Balkans
Engineered with parts from the Strokes, Television and Pavement, these Atlanta-based rockers are the perfect mash-up of '90s-generation childhood radio dreams. Through digital hiccups, robotic drums and intricate lead lines, Balkans show off a confidence unfounded in modern indie. Affected, lazy, bored and incredibly talented -- these guys are a must-see.

Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers
Rather than stick to all rock 'n' roll during CMJ, you'll want to do yourself a favor and check out this New Orleans trumpet player and singer. On top of being talented and funny, Ruffins is also famous for his barbecue, so maybe you'll get lucky with some free grilling tips.

Lissy Trullie
While constantly billed as a "former model," Trullie is not some pretty face who got instantly famous the minute she picked up a guitar. Melding a cheerful pop sound with some Velvet Underground darkness, this singer-guitarist is one you'll want to keep an eye on, especially when her debut full-length finally gets released.


Class Actress
It seems like female-fronted electro-pop groups are everywhere these days, but this Brooklyn trio stands out from the pack. If you're a fan of the awesome 'Drive' soundtrack, you'll want to check out this band's just-released debut LP, 'Rapprocher.'

Zola Jesus
Sounding somewhat like Florence Welch if she took her foot off the anthemic-vocal gas pedal and dove headfirst into electronic noises, Jesus has just released her second album, 'Conatus.' Yeah, the buzz is everywhere, but it's well deserved.

En Vogue
Yeah, we were surprised to see their name on the list too, and the opportunity to hear 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)' and 'Free Your Mind' is just too good to pass up.

EMA
It's nice when a blog-driven buzz act actually exceeds the hype, isn't it? Check her out and you won't be sorry.

Watch EMA's 'California' Video

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