Another week, another music section... the clock is ticking so let's jump right in.

Nick Jaina has an amazing new album. He recorded Primary Perception with good friends and kept things spontaneous. Tonight Jaina and a group of friends—many of them the same as those on the record—will play at the Doug Fir. Tell me if this sounds good to you: One of Portland's greatest songwriters, fronting a crack band of some of the best players in town. Right. See you there. Trust me, it will be outstanding. And it's your only chance to hear these Primary Perception tunes, as the record's not out for a couple weeks yet.... Okay, fine, here's one:

LISTEN: Nick Jaina - "Don't Come to Me"

Unknown Mortal Orchestra has a phenomenal new album, too—and it's called II. (You can hear this one, as it came out in February.) UMO frontman Ruban Nielson gave us a wonderfully candid interview and touched on a great many things, including the difficult balances between songwriting vs. record production, and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle on the road vs. normal family life at home. In these seemingly irreconcilable chasms is where Unknown Mortal Orchestra's excellent work lies.

LISTEN: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "So Good at Being in Trouble"

Phosphorescent has a very fine new album, too! It's called Muchacho and it sounds sad, even though the guy responsible is not quite as sad as all that.

LISTEN: Phosphorescent - "Song for Zula"

Bubble Cats didn't make a really good album—instead they made THREE really good EPs. Also, they are called Bubble Cats. You are intrigued.

LISTEN: Bubble Cats - "Forever Alone"

Plus a fragrant potpourri of Up & Coming shows!