GOOD LISTENER

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, "I Learned the Hard Way"

The first time we heard this bluesy single, we thought we'd accidentally tuned into an Oldies station. But Sharon Jones and her cluster of trumpets and saxophones are a current band, operating since 1996 as the continuing voice of funk and soul in America. This song is by turns grooving and sad - but also easy to play on a dance floor.

Darren Criss, "Teenage Dream" (Katy Perry Cover)

Don't fight it - next to Lea Michele and Idina Menzel's amazing take on "Poker Face," this might be the best Glee cover ever.  Darren Criss for (class) president!

The Like, "He's Not a Boy"

Before you go after your crush this weekend, listen to this jazzy wailer from California It GIrls, The Like - it'll stop you from going home with the bad boy you really like.  Or not...

Breathe Owl Breathe, "Swimming"

It's freezing cold outside and we're stressing over which winter parka to buy. So, yes, Breathe Owl Breathe, we wish we were swimming too. Too soon to start a summer countdown?

Christina Perri, "Bang Bang Bang"

This 23-year-old singer and songwriter just won some serious bragging rights - her debut EP, The Ocean Way Sessions, shot straight to #1 on this week's iTunes Pop Charts. And although her lead single, "Jar of Hearts" is a soulful ballad, we can't get enough of her spunky, sing-a-long track, "Bang Bang Bang."