Buzz on March 13th, 2009

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[New flavors for your iPod, have a taste …]

Matthew Houck, who makes music as Phosphorescent, creates sepia-toned Americana that’s seemingly wired straight to the soul. His February release “To Willie” is a musical homage to Willie Nelson, much in the same vein as was Nelson’s 1975 nod to Lefty Frizell, “To Lefty From Willie.” Phosphorescent visits L.A. on Saturday night, joining Viva Voce and the Donkeys for a show at downtown’s Regent Theater (450 S. Main).

||| Download (via Stereogum): “Reasons to Quit”

Two years after being dropped by Capitol and only a few months after having to cancel tour appearances because of frontman Craig Nicholls’ continuing struggle with Asperger’s Syndrome, the Vines are back. The Australian quartet’s new album, “Melodia” (due March 24), nicks deftly from a cavalcade of Hall of Famers – which, if you love your brawny garage rock and big hooks, you can easily overlook.

|||” Download: “Get Out”

Lay Low is the alter ego of” Icelandic singer-songwriter Lovisa Elisabet Sigrunardottir. ” Go on, try saying that three times really fast. ” Her debut, “Farewell Good Night’s Sleep” (due May 26), is a genre-masher that was produced by” by” Liam Watson (White Stripes, Pete Molinari, Holly Golightly). The Lucinda Williams favorite visits L.A. to play the Troubadour on March 30 with Emiliana Torrini.

|||” Download: “Last Time Around”

Photos: Phosphorescent (via Dead Oceans); the Vines (via World’s Fair); Lay Low by Snorri Sturluson