May was a weird month for me for music. As always, I had a lot of music at my disposal, but no matter how much I tried to listen to it early on, I just kept drifting back to old favorites by bands like States and Mindless Self Indulgence. I got back into my groove with new music, though, by the end of the month and went out with a bang.

Phantom Planet – "Jabberjaw"

Heather () gifted me this album for my birthday thinking I would like it because they reminded her a bit of Arctic Monkeys (which she knows I love). I have to agree, they do remind me a bit of Arctic Monkeys, too, but even without the similarity, I'm pretty sure I would have loved this band.

Everything Everything – "Cough Cough"

This one is completely Maggie Stiefvater's () fault (and this isn't the first offense (I'm not mad about it, though)). I have no idea if this band is actually any good since I've yet to check out more because, you know, I've been too busy listening to this track 200+ times for that. I'll get to it eventually.

The Neighbourhood – "Sweater Weather"

In just a few days time, this band has become my favorite new music to report this month. I discovered this song and fell instantly in-love with it and figured I'd give the album a shot, but really didn't expect much. In case you're new here, I'll just start by saying that it is very rare for me to like every song on an album by anyone. I only have a handful of bands that qualify. So color me surprised when there wasn't one song on this album worth getting rid of on the iPod. And it goes further than just liking them all, I'm currently at the point where I can't stop listening to them. You should definitely give them a listen.

Other tracks that pleased my ear in May include:

Papa Roach – "Not the Beautiful"
Skylar Grey – "Words"
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams – "Get Lucky"
Tegan & Sara – "Shock to your System"
I The Mighty – "Echoes"
Chevelle – "Same Old Trip"
The National – "Fireproof"

There are quite a few new releases coming out in June that I'm crazy excited for like new City and Colour, I The Mighty, and Beady Eye so I'm sure Music Friday in June will be full of awesome.

What have you guys been listening to lately?