Moody Australian duo Dead Can Dance plays The Beacon Theatre on Wednesday night. Download the track "Amnesia" from the band's first new release in sixteen years.

Our listener Ted in Atlanta sends us an update about his summer resolution project, proving that he has been hard at work achieving his goals. 

Underground System Afrobeat puts a New York spin on a classic West African pop sound. The band plays Brooklyn Bowl Tuesday night. Download the track "B.O.B."

New York-based painter, poet and songwriter Joseph Arthur plays City Winery on Monday night. Download the track "Travel as Equals."

For 56 years, people wrote in about love, life and loss to the weekly column by Ann Landers. But there wasn’t anywhere to go if you needed advice of a musical nature. Until now. Music writer Jessica Hopper  pens a weekly advice-to-musicians column at the Village Voice under the name Fan Landers. We got Jessica, er, Fan, on the line to answer a few questions.

New Orleans band Hurray for the Riff Raff brings its bluesy, gothic Americana to the Mercury Lounge on Sunday Night. Download the track "Look Out Mama."

Nite Jewel is the name of the electro-lounge project from Los Angeles artist and musician Ramona Gonzalez. Recently, it sounds like she’s been listening to the German pop avant garde, like Kraftwerk -- who she’ll be paying tribute to tonight at Le Poisson Rouge.

The English electronic artist Squarepusher stands out from a crowded field, both for his innovative music and his distinctive look. The musician has created a visually captivating lighting rig that works perfectly with his music.

Indie rock pioneers Sebadoh play the Bowery Ballroom tonight. Download the track "Keep the Boy Alive" from the group's brand new EP.

Soccer may be the world’s game, but it has a surprisingly American soundtrack.

New Orleans-bred New York-based pianist Jon Batiste performs at Rockwood Music Hall on Tuesday night. Download the song "You and I."

The end of August is traditionally a slow time in the music biz. But between a few recent releases and some advance glimpses at a few of the many projects set to be unleashed in September, there's still plenty to occupy your ears. John Schaefer looks ahead to three new releases worth checking out.

Electro-pop duo Teengirl Fantasy plays Summerstage at East River Park Monday night. Download the track "Cheaters."

Host John Schaefer follows a hunch, and connects the popular hit "Feel So Close" by British DJ Calvin Harris to the African "Congotronics" sound.

Indie-pop group Imperial Teen plays the Knitting Factory on Friday night. Download the band's impossibly catchy single "Runaway."

It is happening again: a political campaign uses a song to pump up the crowd - apparently without really listening first.  And the band says no way. 

Blues guitarist Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons, of Carolina Chocolate Drops, play Joe's Pub Thursday night. Download the track "Girls Are Crazy About Me."

Vaudeville swing duo The Two Man Gentlemen Band returns to our studio with its latest release, Two at a Time. Tune in at 2pm for a live audio stream from the Soundcheck studio.

Bespectacled Baltimore musician and composer Dan Deacon performs live music from his new album, America. Plus, we talk with Billboard editor Joe Levy about rock shows at sea - and our listeners chime in with their concert cruise nightmares. Get the full episode here, or on iTunes.