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The Cesarians, (self titled)
From London, a city with an apparently inexhaustible supply of quality rockers, rappers, folkies, and classical musicians, comes a band that is none of the above. The Cesarians describe their sound this way: "Had rock and roll been born in 1930's urban Europe, and not 1930's rural America, it would have been like this; part Kurt Weil, part Jacques Brel, part Ernst Kirchner, part klezma." They haven’t finished their first record yet, but a 2-song single is out, and includes this song, "Flesh Is Grass." --picked by John Schaefer

The "Flesh is Grass" single is available from iTunes. More information at the band's official site.

"InsomniMania," Jenny Lin, piano [Koch]
When pianist Jenny Lin's latest CD arrived in the Soundcheck office, it looked like yet another gimmicky lifestyle compilation – like classical lullabies set to hip-hop beats. But not so fast. Lin chose the ten compositions to show the various ways in which nighttime dreams and anxieties have been represented in contemporary piano music. It’s a surprisingly diverse collection. It includes John Cage’s ethereal piece "Dream," William Bolcom's stylish number "Dream Shadows," and this restless selection, "Sleepwalker," by Raymond Scott. --picked by Brian Wise

"InsomniMania" is available for purchase from Amazon.com

Beto Villares, (self-titled) [Six Degrees]
The first time that the Starbucks Hear Music Debut CD series featured an artist from abroad, last year, their choice was an album by this Brazilian singer and songwriter, CeU. The producer behind that record was Beto Villares. Beto has worked as a producer for several Brazilian artists and done music for films and TV shows. This is his self-titled debut album, where he shows his chops as singer-songwriter with a little help from the broad range of music rhythms from his native country… and plenty of famous friends. --picked by Gisele Regatao.

Beto Villares' debut is available for purchase from Amazon.com