Kitty – also known as Kitty Pryde, also known as Kathryn-Leigh Beckwith, also known as Rap Game Pippi Longstocking – has just put out a come-hither/fuck-you track called “Barbie Jeep” as part of the Adult Swim Singles collection. Against the sibilant snap of a Hot Sugar beat, Kitty gets her trademark teenage-journal purr going at the beginning and then hits a quick, smooth flow by the time she’s dropping “Wingardium Leviosa” in the second verse. There really aren’t enough songs written about creepy dudes, as a rule; can’t wait to use her “I don’t really want your hands in-my-ge-ne-ral-vi-ci-ni-ty” delivery next time some weirdo tries to get it in the club.

STREAM: Kitty – “Barbie Jeep”

Here’s a little lo-fi island music (lo-fisland?) to match the tropical torrent we’ve been beset with here in the district. Noble Savage looks to be an offshoot project conceived amidst the indefinite hiatus of indie rock ensemble Animal Astronauts, masterminded by Trevor Lang, who’s setting sail on his maiden voyage to the land of the jangly melodies and pitter-pattery hand drumming. Throw in some Wilsonesque vocal multi-tracking, and it’s breezy but compelling first single, ho!

Is conceptual island music going to be for this summer what conceptual surf rock was a few years back?  Can I lay claim on the coinage of the term “Luauwave”? Is it time for the youth musicians of today to trade in their DSI Prophets for sturdy ukuleles? Take to the comment section if the spirit moves you, and be safe out there, DC.

STREAM: Noble Savage – “Bloom”

Greyjoy is a stellar dreampop band from the Western Australian city of Perth, whose debut single “Idle Thoughts” remains one of our favorite tracks of the year. “Idle Thoughts” is one of those rare songs where you’re not entirely sure how it was made – which instruments are live, which are sampled, what’s a loop – but everything sounds just right and the final product is something new and wonderful.

New track “Distance” is another songwriting and production tour de force marked by some of the same 90s folk- and psych-rock influences (think Madchester and bands like The Stone Roses) that appeared on “Idle Thoughts” and that render the “dreampop” label a bit too restrictive for this band. Far from hopping on the latest trend, Greyjoy are charting new musical territory with their gorgeous vocals, haunting melodies and innovative sound engineering. While it’s tempting to lump them in with other Aussie indie acts that effortlessly combine electronic and acoustic elements – Cut Copy, Miami Horror, Empire of the Sun, Strange Talk, Gold Fields – they’re doing something unique and awesome and we love it.

Greyjoy’s self-titled debut EP will be released July 23rd.

STREAM: Greyjoy – “Distance”

The Knocks‘ ”Modern Hearts” is a great song. Dave Edwards agrees and transforms that greatness into something even more extraordinary (dare we say, the anthem of summer ’13?). Edwards’ remix is about as rave-ready as they come. In fact, if you could hold on for just one second, I’m going to crack my glow sticks real quick (I kid – I used the last of my glow sticks when I lost power the other day). Anyway, Edwards’ remix experiments with a series of chord progressions that avoid the all too familiar monotony typically found in this genre; he manages to work these chords in a way that allows them to exist as stand alone beats during the absence of the original’s melody and lyrics. But when the two come together, it’s magic. With some subtle yet ostentatious enhancements courtesy of his creative mixology, Edwards makes this song a playlist must. Stream it below.

STREAM: The Knocks – “Modern Hearts (Dave Edwards Remix)”

Dornik, the latest addition to the PMR Records roster, has graced the interwebs with his debut single, “Something About You,” an addictive groover rooted in R&B. Laced with Thriller-era MJ and the sultriness of Boyz II Men, Dornik whispers sonic sweet nothings over some ethereal instrumentals while mainlining smooth goodness directly into your brain. Stream it below.

STREAM: Dornik – “Something About You”

My introduction to “Varsity Jacket” was simply, “For fans of Jai Paul.” If you throw out a description like that, you damn well know I’m going to listen. And personally, I am picking up what Bayou is putting down. Bayou is a producer, singer and songwriter out of London with sultry pipes and a knack for lo-fi downtempo beats. His work is smooth as the earlier comparison would imply; “Varsity Jacket” could have easily found a home on that leaked Jai Paul “album” that found its way online earlier this year. Stream it below.

STREAM: Bayou – “Varsity Jacket”

The lo-fi fuzz balls known as Unknown Mortal Orchestra are getting all nostalgic over everything with their latest release: a cover of Otis Redding’s seminal “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” The track, recorded live on BBC6 Music with Marc Riley, is more faithful than I was anticipating it to be; it’s got that languid beat, the sultry vocals, and shimmering guitar you loved from the original. The breakdown does let a little of the distortion of the guitar clang out, before they rein it in and close it out in style. This rendition isn’t going to change the world, but it’s a loving tribute paid by a band that knows and respects the original. Stream it above.

Asher Roth’s latest is an impressive freestyle laid over Missy Elliott’s ”Pass That Dutch.” While under three minutes, Roth’s song is packed with catchy lyrics rattled off at an Eminem-esque speed. It seems as though Asher has done some growing up in the past few years, moving on from rapping about drinking in college to making tunes about smoking weed (although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to rocking out to “I Love College” back in ’09). Roth’s approach in this new one is more developed than his previous hits, allowing for his lyrical aptitude to shine through. Keep your ears open and your limbs loose while you listen, because you WILL start dancing. A truly enjoyable song that will compliment any “awfully crazy” party you choose to throw. Stream below.

STREAM: Asher Roth – “Pass That Dutch”

Anyone who’s spent more than a few hours behind the wheel knows a solid car playlist can be the difference between a road trip and a nightmare. This month, we’re celebrating the summer cruising season by bringing you the ATG staff’s #1 favorite road trip anthems. If you had to listen to one song on repeat from coast to coast, which would you choose? See our staff picks and let us know in the comments.

Indie rock journeypeople of various acclaimed ensembles, projects and collaborations? Check. Love of folk fundamentals but an even greater love of blowing up those fundamentals and pushing stylistic envelopes? Check. Purveyors of nu-Americana (Numericana?) committed to genre pluralism and deconstruction of — don’t fall asleep on me, this is going somewhere! Neko Case and M. Ward, the hardest-working alt-country crooners in show business have been teaming up since Ward’s 2006 album Post War. It makes a lot of sense given their career parallels and stylistic similarities, namely their proven willingness to make any kind of music under the sun, so long as it’s good.

Enter “Man,” which could be the soundtrack to a road trip from college radio-era Athens to Riot Grrl-era Seattle. Crunchy guitar riffs and blistering drum fills are the coins of this realm. Case’s vocals, accustomed to driving, take a backseat. The gender bending directness of the lyricism is very punk, if the smooth production belies a reluctance to go all the way down the rabbit hole. But who cares, Case seems to be saying – “Man” isn’t just a subversion of the gender binary, but stylistic pigeonholing too. Case is no Kathleen Hanna, and she’s well aware, but there’s nothing wrong with being a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.