Willis Earl Beal

Another week, another Mercury music section to toss away in disgust as you learn it contains nothing about the news of Lisa Marie Presley's new album. She's decided to title it Storm & Grace, so I can only assume it is a concept album about the wacky adventures of a pair of strippers. Sold!

Willis Earl Beal is tired of people fixated on his backstory. He's ready for his music to stand on its own, and so are we. (Okay, we snuck in a little bit of his backstory for you, too.)
LISTEN:

Willis Earl Beal - "Monotony"

Father John Misty was once J. Tillman, maker of "wound-licking" solo albums and drummy bits for Fleet Foxes. A move to LA and a resultant new outlook on life has resulted in Misty releasing a fine, surprisingly joyous new record.
LISTEN:

Father John Misty - "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings"

Fellwoods is a great heavy local band you've never heard of. They're big in Europe. It's time they were big at home.
LISTEN:

Fellwoods - "Crown"

Say what? The Black Keys are playing the freaking Rose Garden? You know who couldn't sell out the Rose Garden? Bruce Springsteen. Just sayin'.
LISTEN:

The Black Keys - "Gold on the Ceiling"

Plus an ample portion of Up & Coming shows.