The Best of Car Talk

On this week's show, our hosts are joined by Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite discoveries at SXSW. Everyone had such a swell time at the musical blitzkrieg that they came down with colds. Their respective illnesses cannot dampen the colorful and illuminating memories that they made at SXSW 2014. For Bob, the band that blew him out of the water was a British jazz-punk group called Melt Yourself Down. Robin was impressed by Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl's band, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, because of their shift from sweet ditties to full-on rock. Stephen was surprised by the passion, force and energy from an instrumental, electronic group, Anamanaguchi. As much scheduling that goes into SXSW, our hosts often find that the best shows spread through word of mouth. So, they listened to recommendations and stumbled upon some fantastic gems. The airy soloist Vancouver Sleep Clinic was a notable gem, along with the Korean rock group Jambinai. To hear an array of nuanced sounds, hear the discussion. Also, don't forget to download The Austin 100 which will be available until April 2. Songs Featured On This Episode Artist: The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Album: Midnight Sun Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl are back with bold, psychedelic-rock. The band's upcoming album Midnight Sun will be released April 29.   Endless Fantasy Artist: Anamanaguchi Album: Endless Fantasy Hear a glorious chip-tune track by the New York-based band, Anamanaguchi. For more information, visit the band's website.   Fix My Life Artist: Melt Yourself Down Album: Melt Yourself Down The London-based sextet melds jazz and punk sounds to create catchy, striking songs. For more, go to the band's website.   Look Out, Look Out Artist: Perfume Genius Album: Learning Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, hails from Seattle and creates gorgeous, somber, piano-driven music. For more, go to his Facebook page.   Rebirth Artist: Vancouver Sleep Clinic Album: Winter EP Tim Bettinson, who writes and records as Vancouver Sleep Clinic, is a 17-year-old artist who woos listeners with his high voice and impressive guitar segments. To hear more, go to his website.   Hey Mami Artist: Sylvan Esso Album: Sylvan Esso The sounds of the duo known as Sylvan Esso are sleek, experimental and infectious. The North Carolina-based band will release their self-titled album on May 13.   Leaving No Traces Artist: Highasakite Album: Silent Treatment This Five-piece Norwegian band makes music with a hint of pop, powerful vocals and booming percussion. Highasakite's upcoming album Silent Treatment will be released on April 8.   Time of Extinction Artist: Jambinai Album: Difference This instrumental Korean rock band mixes high-pitched oddities with pummeling guitar segments. For updates and more, go to its Facebook page.   Maidenhead Artist: Protomartyr Album: Under Color of Official Right This group from Detroit sounds like a garage rock version of Joy Division, with deadpan poetry and driving guitar noise. Its upcoming album Under Color of Official Right is due for release on April 8.