• You've heard Lou Reed's influence througout rock and roll, but how often do you hear the sounds of The Bells and Sally Can't Dance rather than the Velvet Underground and Nico? Not only is Seedy Gonzales' "Page 28" (MP3) a great tune, but its reference point is refreshing. The band has a new EP, Bird That Sings, now at online music stores via Gigantic Music.

• Neko Case, she of New Pornographers fame but an established solo artist in her own right, will have an album out on March 7th. Fox Confessor Brings The Flood will be released by Anti, a label that knows a thing or two about putting out challenging, quality albums aimed at an older-than-emo crowd. Download "Star Witness" (MP3).

• Free is good. Hard-Fi (no 'the' as far as I know) have a free download available at iTunes. Get "Cash Machine" in anticipation of the March 14th release of the full length, Stars of CCTV (approaching double platinum in the UK).