Its spring break! That means 1: I have time to write a lengthy post, and 2: you should have time to listen to it all. Also, this week I’m starting a “guest pick” portion to the blog—you’ll get to get a sample of what my friends from my small hometown of Los Angeles like listening to.

1. Gorillaz: “On Melancholy Hill”

So first things first: GORILLAZ. I’ve been waiting for their new album for a while and they have not disappointed. This is by easily my favorite song from their album. You’ll find yourself whistling this tune to yourself for the next few weeks. Or maybe that’s just me…whatever.

2. Wale: “Good Girls” (Andrew Clark + Quix remix)

Second on the docket is a great remix of a practically unknown Wale tune. I love the backing instrumentation that’s been added—it’s one of the few hip-hop remixes I’ve heard that’s good without having to take the song in an electronic direction.

3. Hot Chip: “One Life Stand”

Next up, I’ve got my favorite song from another new album: Hot Chip’s “One Life Stand.” This album isn’t as good as their others, but this song is still great.

4. (guest pick)Royksopp: “This Must Be It”

For some reason my friend Alex, a sophomore at St. Mary’s in NorCal—loves Scandinavian bands, and thanks to him I do too. Over the years he’s introduced me to Miike Snow, Shout Out Louds, Radio Dept., and Royksopp. This song from Royksopp, a Norwegian duo, has a cool Yeah Yeah Yeahs feel to it.

5. Foals: “Olympic Airways”

6. Foals: “Spanish Sahara”

One of my favorite bands has to be Foals, a British group whose “mathy” guitar work is second to none. They have a new album coming out in May and if it’s anywhere close to as good as their first, Foals just might turn into my favorite active band (Bloc Party is on hiatus right now, so they don’t count). Luckily, it looks like their next album is great to be great—just listen and WATCH “Spanish Sahara.” Probably the most beautifully filmed music video I’ve ever seen. I’m also giving you “Olympic Airways,” one of my favorite songs from their last album.

7. Cults: “Go Outside”

Finally, I’ve got a cool song from Cults, an unknown New York band that’s been getting some buzz recently. It’s called “Go Outside.” After finishing this behemoth of a post, I encourage you do just that — Go outside! It’s spring! Yay!!!

– R.J.