Looking for some new music? LimeWire Store recently teamed up with Seattle-based newspaper The Stranger to release a free mp3 sampler, showcasing Seattle's hottest emerging bands. Eric Grandy, The Stranger's music editor, handpicked his local favorites:

• Throw Me the Statue
• The Pica Beats
• Common Market
• Cancer Rising
• The Saturday Knights
• Truckasauras
• Sleepy Eyes of Death
• Past Lives
• Pleasureboaters

The free sampler is available for your downloading pleasure over at the LimeWire Store. Under the cut, you can read up on all of the featured bands.

Throw Me the Statue
"Throw Me the Statue started as Scott Reitherman's solo project, but has since grown into a five-piece band boasting four-part harmonies, melodica, and glockenspiel on top of the regular combo of guitars and drums. Their bright sound has hints of Of Montreal, the Microphones, and the Promise Ring, and they're fast becoming known for energetic live shows where band members play musical chairs—each taking a turn at various instruments throughout the set." (Eric Grandy, The Stranger)

The Pica Beats
"The Pica Beats accent their sweet, twee songs with prerecorded percussion and live sitar." (Eric Grandy, The Stranger)

"Their tight compositions of Neutral Milk Hotel–inspired orchestras are sure to make you feel warm, even if they cater slightly to a more melancholy state." (Megan Seling, The Stranger)

Common Market
"For Common Market, RA Scion's lyrical delivery hangs and shuffles with an even, clean, and weaving pentameter. The beats and raps pontificate on and navigate through a hedge maze of political, religious, and philosophical pleadings. Listening to enough Common Market could make you do something like vote or study or read the paper or do good." (Trent Moorman, The Stranger)

Cancer Rising
"Featuring DJ TilesOne and MCs Judas and Gatsby, the veteran crew spans the spectrum of NW styles but keeps it cohesive. A little angry, a little goofy, hard-rocking, deep-funking—Cancer Rising has one foot in the scene's roots and the other somewhere totally original." (Jonathan Zwickel, The Stranger)

The Saturday Knights
"The Saturday Knights aren't just any kinda hip hop act; they're a party band that specializes in hip hop, among other things. Combining banging drum samples and big, loud riffs with garage rock trashiness and the old-school desire to slam dunk the hooks, the group is loose enough to get laughs and slick enough to slide between genres." (Jennifer Maerz, The Stranger)

Truckasauras
"Truckasauras craft compelling yet playful techno tracks armed with an arsenal of electronic noisemakers—vintage Roland drum machines, synthesizers, a first-generation Game Boy. The band's sense of humor comes through during the live set when they perform in front of projections of classic WWF matches and monster-truck rallies." (Eric Grandy, The Stranger)

Sleepy Eyes of Death
"Sleepy Eyes of Death are as much a visual experience as they are an aural one. At live shows, carefully placed spotlights fade in and out of glowing red, blue, and yellow, while two smoke machines fill the room. The music shifts from intense and chaotic to fluid and melodic—live drumming and guitar pound through electronic atmospheres created by vintage analog synths and rare vocoded vocals." (Eric Grandy, The Stranger)

Past Lives
"Past Lives excise the pomp and bombast of late period Blood Brothers to reveal a lithe, rhythmically slithering postpunk animal." (Eric Grandy, The Stranger)

Pleasureboaters
"Though it might be indefinable, their sound is certainly succinct. The songs feel too well composed to be experimental and too in the moment to be at all planned. Some carry a dance-heavy backbeat while others swing more loosely, and they almost all have a moment of climax that reaches brain-blowing proportions. Claudon's bratty vocals bring the familiar bite of Mclusky, but their rhythms are more chaotic than the defunct Welsh band—the music is heavier and faster with a celebratory vibe that just begs to be performed in front of a live audience." (Megan Seling, The Stranger)

MP3: Beat Radio - Stranger Flower

Last time I checked in with Beat Radio's Brian Sendrowitz, he was hard at work on a follow up to his debut album The Great Big Sea. With four of his songs holding top spots on my iTunes "Most Played List," I've been patiently waiting for the new EP (Sunday Matinee) which will be released later this summer. To quell my anticipation, Sendrowitz sent me the EP's first single Stranger Flower, and has given me the thumbs up to share it with all of you. The tune presents the band's nostalgic musical style in a lighter, more upbeat manner. Couldn't be happier with the result, and I really hope these guys get the attention they deserve. Show your support on July 12th when Beat Radio plays Union Hall's 2nd anniversary with Wye Oak.

Stream: Princeton - Ms Bentwich

No need to thank me for finding your favorite summer tune. Totally my pleasure. I've been raving about Princeton since 2006, when they were just another west coast college band. Two years later, they are releasing their follow up EP Bloomsbury, a clever concept album in which each song reflects a member of the famed Bloomsbury Intellectual Collective of London -- leave it to a band called "Princeton" to write music about famous intellectuals. Regardless of the theme, Ms Bentwich is the perfect addition to that "July Road Trip" mix tape you've been putting together, from the chirping birds in the first few measures to the upbeat progressions that flow throughout. If you like what you hear, track down Princeton's earlier single, "The Indifference Curve," one of my all time favorite tracks.

MP3: The Bowery Riots - Can't Get Out

Here's a tune to add some pep to your memorial day weekend. Hipster big band The Bowery Riots just sent us a tune from their forthcoming EP, and we're loving it. "Can't Get Out" has it all -- an addictive verse, screaming trumpets, sassy backup singers, heart pumping drums -- the works. Download the tune by clicking here. If you're as big as a fan as I am, check them out this Sunday night at Gold Bar (Broome St) at 11:30.

Mp3: November - The Grind

Remember when Soundgarden and Pearl Jam made sweet musical love, giving birth to Temple of the Dog? If not, jog your memory with some hungerstrike. Now, imagine if Soundgarden was a cheating whore, and had an affair with Buckcherry. The illigitimate love child would be November, a five piece from Tennessee that revives good ol' '90s rock. I discovered this band during SXSW after seeing two belligerent old men playing some intense air guitar outside a venue. Intrigued, I headed into the rock bar to catch the final few songs from November's set, and was quite impressed. I asked for a copy of the band's new CD, Superstar Parades, which I've since listened to a handful of times. Above is an mp3 for their first single, "The Grind." If you're into alt rock bands from the '90s, this band is definitely for you, and if you happen to be in Nashville next Saturday (the 12th), head over to their CD release party at 12th & Porter.

Think nobody interesting uses Creative Commons?

CC is a special license that allows anyone to download, share and mix other people's music as long as they give proper credit. Recently, Nine Inch Nails released their album under a Creative Commons license, and it has been a great success!

Good old Charles Manson of the Tate and LaBianca murders has done the same thing. His recent album, "One Mind" is licensed in a way that allows anyone to share it with others, remix it and use it for non-commercial uses. The exact legal details are here.

So, you can download the full album here if you like (or you can shop for more Charles Manson at the LimeWire Store)

MP3: The Armageddon Overtures - Dawn/Sunrise (Hope)

Ever wonder what the end of the world feels like? Thanks to Stephan Carroll, you don't have to wait until 2012 to find out. The songwriter has explored the range of emotions mankind will go through as the end of time unfolds. In "The Armageddon Overtures" -- a full orchestra and choir suite -- feelings of hope, sorrow, anger, and euphoria form the soundtrack of the last day on earth. The music is accessible and deeply touching; it simultaneously captures the glory of the human race and its vulnerability.

With kind permission, we are offering the first part of the suite - "Dawn/Sunrise (Hope)." Carroll has made the entire orchestral score available for download as well. Oh, and fans of Nine Inch Nails might be pleasantly surprised...

It's not every day you discover a band you love, find out they have a new disc coming out on one of your favorite labels, and then get to book them to play at your party. But that's exactly what happened with us and The Low Lows.

The Low Lows' brand of psychedelic Americana sounds like a Raymond Carver tale baptized in the sweat of Galaxie 500 -- dirty, woozy, and beautiful. Get hooked on Fire on the Bright Side, then look forward to the follow-up out this spring on Misra Records. Hear some tracks from the new disc here.

Want to see the band live at the Lime Wire party during SXSW?

Win a chance to see The Low Lows along with Virginia Coalition, Golden Dogs, and Scissors for Lefty -- e-mail us for a chance to grab a spot on the guest list and a bag of Lime Wire swag: sxswparty@limewire.com.

Quincy Jones' grandson, Sunny Levine, has always had music flowing through his veins. He originally made a name for himself as a producer, but began writing his own songs while coping with a broken heart. The result is the forthcoming Love Rhino, his debut solo album, chronicling a love story gone wrong. Levine's style is honest and soulful, yet delicate and relaxed, giving it a beach-like aura. I'll bet a dollar that he'll be on tour with Jack Johnson by summer. Below, you can download his first single, "Daylight," a gentle tune with pseudo-edgy lyrics.

MP3: Sunny Levine - Daylight

Here's the newest addition to that "I'm awesome" iPod playlist you've been working on. After three years of prep and touring, Texan quintet Zykos just released Keep It Light with producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon). The five song EP brilliantly exposes the band's addictive piano pop, soulful vocals, and diverse range in sound. They subscribe to an upbeat style, yet keep their music chilled back and sophisticated. Take a listen.

MP3: Zykos - Race Rabbit

Don't be fooled by the "casual-hiking-trip-chic" pose in his press photo. NYC piano man Jesse Rubenfeld fuels his music with theatrical progressions, soulful harmonies and memorable verses. Initially, it seems like the songwriter aims to emulate a young Billy Joel. Instead, he emerges with a unique and original style, overlaying a subtle edge on easy listening. Below, you can take a listen to Nose to the Grindstone, the first tune off his latest EP Let It Go. Catch him this Saturday at The Bitter End in NYC.

MP3: Jesse Rubenfeld - Nose to the Grindstone 

The Raveonettes have made a name for themselves with their edgy revival of 50's pop. Recently, the Danish duo landed a deal with Vice Records, who will release their next album, Lust Lust Lust, on February 19th. Below, take a listen to "Aly, Walk With Me," and get a taste of the new material. Departing from their signature smooth and upbeat style, this track forecasts the new album's darker edge. The tune boasts an outlawish quality, making it a prime pick for Quentin Tarantino's next soundtrack.

MP3: The Raveonettes - Aly Walk With Me

After their recent feature in Pitchfork, Swedish collective Irene were quickly signed to American label, Twentyseven Records. The eight-twelve piece group use a cheerful blend of brass instruments, pianos, traditional guitars and doo wop vocals to create textured, soulful lounge rock. With such a large entourage, it may be months until they hit North America for a tour. In the mean time, check out their first US single below.

MP3: Irene - Baby I Love Your Way

Two years ago, I was walking along Houston, and saw a lonely CD sitting on the ground by Katz's Deli. As my hobo instincts took over, I snagged the album - - turned out to be the debut demo from Brooklyn based four piece The Epochs. Over the next few weeks, I couldn't stop listening. The band's sound, defined by their subtle blend of synthesizer and soft drums, was nothing short of smooth and relaxing. I became one of their few early fans, and proudly watched them grow as a band. Download their track "Opposite Sides" below.

MP3: The Epochs - Opposite Sides 

Ann Yu, lead singer of LoveLikeFire, is not your typical petite singer - - on the surface, she seems delicate and reserved, but her voice proves otherwise. Yu sings with a power and emotion that correlates nicely with the passionate music the band plays behind her. "From a Tower" (available below) slowly climbs from a mellow base to an exciting peak. Can't wait until these guys get big.

MP3: LoveLikeFire - From a Tower

Armed with an acoustic guitar and tranquil song catalog, Madeleine Wyatt is one of Manhattan's hidden treasures. Behind a pair of thick rimmed glasses, Wyatt creates an unassuming persona, embodied by her  delicate musical style. With her recent debut album Back Dive, Wyatt proves the depth of her talent as both a vocalist and songwriter, generating a signature brand of soothing folk. The opening track on the album, "Not Prepared," mixes her style with a subtle vaudevillian sound. Download it below.

MP3: Madeleine Wyatt - Not Prepared

Remember the music from Sonic the Hedgehog's casino level? Today's tune will take you back to those glorious 32-bit moments. Brooklyn's Tigercity use a clever mix of guitars and synthesizer to create an electronic lounge style. By placing blips over their funk-heavy guitar riffs, the band revives the soulful genre for the hipster dance set. Below, grab the mp3 for Are You Sensation?

MP3: Tigercity - Are You Sensation? 

Indie fans swooned last month when Brooklynites The Forms released the follow up to their Pitchfork-approved debut album Icarus. The latest effort shows the band's maturity as they presented a new catalog of songs under their chilled brand of dark piano rock. "Knowledge in Hand," encompasses their overall sound, using a powerful piano  melody to guide the listener through an emotion journey. Grab the mp3 below.

MP3: The Forms - Knowledge in Hand 

MP3: Tiffany Randol - Half a Second

Tiffany Randol, (lead singer of glam-punk outfit Valeze), recently released her solo debut EP, Kiss Me Kiss Me, on iTunes. In this effort, the spunky redhead explores all sides of love from a spiritual perspective, fusing soulful songwriting with pop-driven vocal arrangements. The result is an enlightening, emotional catalog. Below, you can download her first single, "Half a Second," which integrates an orchestra of southern horns with her fiery voice. Fans of Feist and Gwen Stefani will be all over this in a few months. Tiffany performs at the Brooklyn Rocks Music Festival next week.

In our recent interview with Semi Precious Weapons, lead singer Justin described his band as "garage-glam rock." Yesterday, the Brooklyn four piece released their new album We Love You for free download on their website (produced by Tony Visconti of Bowie and Morrissey fame). I've been listening to SPW for years, and can easily say that this is their most impressive piece of work yet. If you want to get a taste of their sound before downloading the full 10 songs, check out their first single, "Magnetic Baby," below.

MP3: Semi Precious Weapons - Magnetic Baby

Folk songwriter David Strackany, better known as Paleo, took on an ambitious project in 2006. For a full year, the songwriter traveled across the nation, writing and recording a new song every day. The 365-song project was released as a 17 hour DVD in August under the title "The Song Diary." Quite a remarkable achievement. What's even more surprising is the quality of the songwriting. For a 24 hour deadline, this guy churns out beautiful music.

Download: Paleo - Proud Little Man 

Swedish pop duo Johnossi has already swept their homeland with high energy acoustic rock. The efficiency of the songwriting is nothing short of impressive - - for a two person band, these songs are surprisingly full-bodied and textured. With a strong local fan base in place, the band's latest endeavor is spreading their melody-driven sound across the Atlantic. Johnossi is currently on tour with The Shout Out Louds as part of the Tankfark Future Sounds tour. Download their explosive first single below.

MP3: Johnossi - Man Must Dance

The missing link between Myspace's emo kids and Pitchfork Media's indie aficionados is defined by Brooklyn quartet Jared Scharff and the Royals. With their destined hit "Stereo," the band creates an emo song that is both layered and whine-free, drawing on positive aspects of different styles to create an infectious tune. Songwriter by day, guitar guru by night, Scharff is dedicated to his music, as proven by his flawless execution. Recently, Scharff landed the role as lead guitarist for Saturday Night Live's house band, so keep an eye out.

Download: Jared Scharff and the Royals - "Stereo"

In a previous post, I mentioned how addicted I was to Don't Dance Rattlesnake, the debut full length from The Films. Using lively guitars, heart pounding drum beats, and sing-along-lyrics, these North Carolina natives boast an upbeat, yet ironic catalog of feel good tunes. We were just given clearance by the band to post their single Tabletops for your auditory pleasure. Enjoy!

MP3: The Films - Tabletops

Valeze is one of those bands you really can't resist after seeing live. By mixing punk, glam and electronica, this Brooklyn five piece delivers sexy, energetic music, capable of inciting debauchery and/or dance parties. Their video is fine proof. Fronted by the talented Tiffany Randol, Valeze is not your average "let's bang on stuff" punk band - - all of their songs are carefully written and sung by a pro.

MP3: Go, Go, Go!

With years of NYC shows under their belt, Beat Radio has been on my radar for quite some time. The four piece collective manages to infuse their mellow rock with a subtle energy, creating a musical style similar to bands like The Postal Service. What makes this band distinct is lead singer/songwriter, Brian Sendrowitz's nostalgia-inducing voice - - this is music you should be listening to. 

Listen/Download the MP3: Treetops