The somewhat raunchy Louis XIV from San Diego, not 17th Century France, kick off this month's mix with a tune and album cover (left) that could make The Rolling Stones proud. Relatedly, the Australian trio known as Wolfmother ("Woman") pay homage to early metal and acid rock pioneers Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer.

Other great discoveries include The Books, a producer duo who have worked with Prefuse 73 and fuse together trippy soundtracks of sound effects, conversations and loops. Fischerspooner may move past their self-pronounced electroclash label with the just-released Odyssey. Their "Everything To Gain" is a surprisingly melodic and glossy drone with echoes of 60s Britpop. This is fitting since the 00s may be feeling a new wave of Britpop with the Futureheads, Bloc Party, the Kaiser Chiefs and Maxïmo Park. The latter two are included here with tracks that are deeper and far superior musically to their current novelty-esque singles on the radio.

Lastly, your eyes do not deceive you and this is no retro tribute — Robert Plant has buzzworthy music in 2005! After a successful SXSW showcase with a band comprised of Portishead and Massive Attack contributors, "Shine It All Around" is the lead single from the upcoming and supposedly experimental The Mighty Rearranger (May 12, Sanctuary Records).