The Cure are releasing yet another album today, but the true musical gems take a different form this week, in a female-fronted pop trend. I don't mean pop ala the Pussycat Dolls, however; I mean pop as it should be — blissful tunes that stay in your head and can easily be adapted to situations in your life, like a score for your everyday. Give these new albums a listen and you'll see what I mean.

Dressy Bessy Holler and Stomp (Transdreamer)

This album is dreamy indie pop from a band that brought you two songs from the But I'm a Cheerleader soundtrack. Frontwoman Tammy Ealom gets a little angsty on "Simple Girlz," and the song is better for it.

Jem — Down to Earth (ATO)

Not to be be confused with the Jem that is truly outrageous, this one is a Welsh vocalist which you might remember from several TV shows utilizing songs from her 2004 album, Finally Woken. On Down to Earth, expect more TV-ready pop rock love songs. … continue reading