Fockstrot - Not Nebraska EP and The Fondue EP

Texas music abounds. As far as I can tell, Fockstrot is a guy somewhere down in that big state making cool, lo-fi folk stuff. There is a lot of surprisingly sophisticated instrumentation to go along with the cute acoustic numbers. It works, in a way that calls to mind Sufjan Stevens. Granted, Fockstrot is a lot less ambitious. He seems content to make simple songs with simple messages that manage to stay awesome. He has two EPs out, and you can stream and get them both for whatever you want here.

Mystery Skulls - EP

Mystery Skulls make electro you can groove to and hang out somewhere near Dallas. They have an EP at their Bandcamp, where you can stream their music or, if you're feeling kind, buy it for a paltry dollar. It's well worth it if you enjoy dancing or just bobbing your head in front of your laptop in the dark late at night. Considering the lack of great dance tunes released in 2012 thus far, Mystery Skulls are a welcome visitor to the party that is new music.

Drake x The Weeknd - Crew Love (Shlohmo Remix)

LA beat peddler Shlohmo recently took on "Crew Love," the insanely good collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd from last year's Take Care. "Crew Love" managed to play off the strengths of both artists and was easily the second-best song on the entire album. The remix doesn't stray too far from the original, sounding like Sclohmo chopped and screwed it underwater. I mean that in the best way possible. It's truly remarkable, so hear it at Self-Titled.

Lil Ugly Mane - Mista Thug Isolation

Lil Ugly Mane is a Richmond rapper with a penchant for fun and quirky production with a dark side, as well as hideous album artwork. Most of his lyrical content concerns bitches, weed, sizzurp, and being generally awesome. Obviously, I love it. You will too, so long as you love hip-hop that can be equally awesome in your car stereo or in your earbuds. Hear standout track "Radiation (Lung Pollution) Ft. Supa Sortahuman" and the rest of the album at his Bandcamp.

Kendrick Lamar x Gunplay - Cartoon & Cereal

Kendrick Lamar's creative trajectory seems to be reaching new heights every single day. Between the unique flow, varied and clever lyrics, and generally awesome production, he's primed to ascend for years and years to come. Lately, he's been busy recording his first official LP and follow-up to last year's incredible Section.80. Until we get our hands on that, check out Kendrick Lamar on an ambitious track featuring Rick Ross associate Gunplay at Complex.

Sun Sister - Rich American White Kidz

Sun Sister are a Massachusetts band that sounds pretty happy. I consider that a good thing. They seem to inhabit the same ballpark as dreamy pop superstars like Wavves, Best Coast, and Cults. If you like sun drenched beach music, this will be right up your alley. Make sure to stream standout "Growing ur hair out" and then get their whole EP for free on their Bandcamp.

Chromatics - Kill for Love

Johnny Jewel is the man behind Desire, Glass Candy, and that excellent Drive soundtrack that wound up going mostly unused in the film. Most of his tracks sound like the a mixture of modern club slow jams and Miami Vice inspired synth-adoration.  Though 2011 seemed like his year, he's staying strong by releasing a new album via his successful Chromatics project. Listen to the title track of said album and make sure to check out the excellent Neil Young cover as well.