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Containing elements of pop-punk, garage-rock and early-'60s radio rock, Gentleman Jesse and His Men's music doesn't blow people's minds so much as permanently lodge itself therein. "All I Need Tonight" is a highlight of the group's eponymous debut, and as with so many great pop songs, it feels immediately familiar.

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Vanderslice has earned a reputation for writing smart, adventurous, appealing pop music that fiddles with form and structure. Now, nearly a decade into his career, Vanderslice is about to release his best record yet: Romanian Names. Hear the entire album on NPR Music as part of our Exclusive First Listen series.

The friendly syncopations and playful, romantic lyrics of calypso create an inviting Caribbean aura, which has endured remarkably well. These five songs survey the way Trinidad's signature music has been adapted, reshaped, packaged and marketed around the world.

Pianist Ben Folds has crafted a series of alt-rock hits over the past 15 years. For his pseudo-"greatest-hits" package, he's commissioned new arrangements of those songs from university a cappella groups across the country. Folds and host Jacki Lyden compare and contrast the various versions of his songs.

With a gentle acoustic style and evocative lyrics, up-and-coming folksinger Alela Diane has developed a devoted following. The Nevada City native's latest album, To Be Still, blends Americana and psychedelic folk with finger-picked guitar and clear, evocative vocals.

Though it's titled Grrr..., there's nothing threatening about the third album from the Brooklyn pop-rock band Bishop Allen. Its peppy melodies are framed by sing-along vocals, quirky approaches to wordplay, a solid rock foundation and lyrics about the reliable yet relatable subject of trying to grow up.

When you think about Celtic music, piercing tin whistles, mournful violins and galloping bodhran drums generally come to mind. But in the last few decades, many bands have melded Celtic folk music with punk-rock energy. Hear a five-song sampler.

Army Navy's "Unresponsive Ears" starts out sweet and subtle before dissolving into a tsunami of melody and distortion. In the process, it underscores the youthful essence of power-pop in all its bittersweet glory.

With a gentle acoustic style and evocative lyrics, up-and-coming folksinger Alela Diane has developed a devoted following. The Nevada City native's latest album, To Be Still, blends Americana and psychedelic folk with finger-picked guitar and clear, evocative vocals.