We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list here (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record sotre personnel and DJs). Many of the bands in this list will play The Deli's Best of NYC Fest in Williamsburg in May (6 shows in 3 different venues between the 13 and the 15).

Since in 2010 the 80s are officially the new 70s, in the upcoming years we can expect a lot of artists influenced by the sound of the most controversial of decades. Light Asylum present themselves as the answer to the re-emergence of "New Romantics" - who were rather reserved, black wearing types who danced to electro-goth tunes served by the likes of early Ultravox, Depeche Mode and - dare we say - Nick Kershaw. The band's sonic signature is so strongly grounded in the sound of the 80s that the word "revival" might seems appropriate here, although the Williamsburg duo's eerie vocals steer away from the more commercial and familiar stereotypes of the genre, referring instead to its darker and deeply troubled fathers like Diamanda Galas, Dead Can Dance and Bauhaus. Don't miss their intense live performances.

So this review was supposed to be published on a sunny spring day, but it's really gray out there. That might be a good thing nevertheless, because Mama Bear's "How We Go" is probably going to make some of you think of happy sunny days spent outdoors. Yeah, I know: it seems like every April all music reviewers MUST find their own album or song that perfectly incarnates the most enjoyable of seasons. Well we'll embrace this habit fearlessly, and go ahead and say that Mama Bear is the perfect band to boost your appreciation of Spring 2010 - and that they stole our hearts. The band's upbeat, folky tunes are catchy as hell, without lacking in intensity or intimacy, which makes them sound like a more fun and lighthearted version of 10,000 Maniacs. The simplicity and pop effectiveness of this band's songs, the beauty of the melodies and Vivi's outstanding voice and delivery might have the power to put an end to your SAD syndrome - for good. Don't miss their record release party at The Studio at Webster on 04.14, AND... DOWNLOAD THE EP FOR FREE HERE NOW!

Smoke & Feathers and Headdress are trading punch for punch in our current all-psychedelic poll, created in anticipation of the third annual installment of Austin Psych Fest - happening at Mohawk April 23-25. Only two more days to vote...

Coming up sooner on the calendar is the Giant Steps/Versatile Syndicate shindig, featuring Maneja Beto, Red Leaves, Hotel Hotel, Petals (above), Prayer for Animals and more, this coming Saturday the 17th also at Mohawk. I am told there will be free beer from 9-10, and that the beer will be of the Lone Star variety. 

We were big fans of the Nanuchka's theatrical pop - but then they split up. The band's Israeli lead singer and multi instrumentalist Yula Beeri is now going the solo way with an album that (apparently) was not only recorded but also written in just 24 hours - now that's what we call being extremely productive! On her side ex Blue Man Isaac Gardner and a bunch of talented musicians that call themselves "the Extended Family". Yula's histrionic qualities are once again confirmed in the breathtaking - almost ska - single Back Off America. The release party of the CD (entitled "Dark Side of The Bee") promises to be entertaining - don't miss it: April 23 at Santos Party House.

Yes, The Salts have split up, but in their wake they leave three solid albums that you can now download for free. Each band member has other projects to focus on, Travis Lee Wiggins is still continuing to play and record with his solo project Essex Chanel, as well as with his other two current bands, The Personal FX and Dolphins Swimming. Mike Rice is starting a new band that you can visit here. Luke Krause has been playing drums for City at Large. It sad to see the band part ways, but it’s great to get some free music!