Fridae

Check out a guilt-free MP3 download of "The Sun Ain't Shining No More" from Danish newcomers The Asteroids Galaxy Tour." It is a delicious slice of Motown-inspired coolness updated with some free-flowing European spunk. It's groovy.

I have to be honest. I've never been a big fan of the formulaic sound of Maroon 5, but I got to hand it to Adam Levine and his pals guys for consistently serving up solid pop tunes.

At the risk of turning into a Janelle Mon�e fan site, there's more to report on the singer today.

After a couple of false starts, Norwegian trio Lorraine is shooting once again for international success with their excellent new single "When I Return To The World" that will be released in the U.K. on May 19. The song is taken from the group's long-awaiting debut album, tentatively titled "Pop Noir," that is scheduled for release this summer.

Creating a mesh of late-70's disco-infused dance punk and 80's synth-pop, newcomers Heloise & The Savoir Faire might remind you of Scissor Sisters, Glass Candy and perhaps even The Gossip. The group is fronted by the charismatic Heloise Williams and backed by two dancers (Joe Shepard and Sara Sweet Rabidoux) and full band (James Bellizia on guitar, Luke Hughett on drums and Jason Diamond on bass).

British crooner Jamie Lidell rings in the weekend by posting a brand-new track from his upcoming new album "Jim" on MySpace. The song is called "Wait For Me" and if this sun-splashed soul-pop stomper is a good indication of the rest of this new Lidell LP then we're in for a treat. "Jim" will be released in the U.S. and Europe next week. (Click here to pre-order "Jim" on Amazon.com)

Time for a hot new serving of Americana on your Wednesday.

Duffy had the crowd dancing on April 10 when she performed her U.K. smash hit "Mercy" at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The singer joined a star-studded line up of performers for a special concert in support of Roger Daltry's Teenage Cancer Trust.

There's always something good in something bad.

Listen to the second part of my interview with Daughtry last sunday at The Beatles Revolution lounge at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. The group played an acoustic set to support the One Campaign, which fights global AIDS and extreme poverty around the world.