This being the week of CMJ Music Festival, it’s not surprising that many of these artists whose albums are being released this week are also playing in NYC. In fact, two of them will be featured live on KEXP this week: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson on Wednesday at 9AM and Alec Ounsworth (of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) on Friday at 7AM.

Also among the releases that should top KEXP listeners’ “must buy” lists is the latest from Maps, whose previous, debut release was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2007. Seattle represents this week with bands The Tripwires, U.S.E , and current Seattle resident Spiral Stairs (Pavement) all making a showing, as do Seattle labels Sub Pop and The Control Group with great new releases by Flight of the Conchords and El Perro Del Mar respectively. Of the Brits, be sure to check out the buzz-worthy Florence and the Machine and the latest from The Rakes. There are lots of other great releases included on Largehearted Boy’s list, including some interesting compilations, the most exiting of which has to be Yo Gabba Gabba: Music Is Awesome with contributions from The Shins, Biz Markie, Mark Kozelek, Of Montreal and more!

Kyle Johnson

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show Show host Kevin Cole, is “Hurt Feelings” by The Flight of the Conchords from the forthcoming album I Told You I Was Freaky on Sub Pop.

By now you’ve made the decision about your thoughts about New Zealand comedy super-duo Flight of the Conchords. Do intelligent, drop-your-jaw-in-drooly-amazement bits of well sung comedic genius spouted by two affable Kiwis named Jemaine and Bret make you giggle uncontrollably like a well-baked college kid? Or is your heart a cold, jagged bit of stone that rattles about in your robot chest, depriving you of the ability to smile? Does the tongue-in-cheek rapping of a two white, white boys about subjects like the apparition of David Bowie and the inner most feelings of rap stars turn your stomach in to a ball of chortlin’? Or have you given up on humor and instead chose to sit within the darkened confines of your reading room, staring at the walls of leather-bound books? Yes, the line is drawn, the sides have been chosen. Take a step back, assess yourself and decide where you stand. And perhaps, if you’ve chosen the path of machine-like cybernetics you’ll crank “Hurt Feelings”, the duo’s single off their upcoming release, I Told You I Was Freaky, and the emotional yearnings of a couple of tough guy thug rappers, will sway you way of the comedic. It’s in your best interest. Just give it one listen.

Flight of the Conchords recently finished a North American tour, including two shows at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. You won’t find much on their MySpace page; you’re better off checking the gazillion fansites for updated information, such as this one, which claims to be the “4th best unofficial fan site.” To put it in context, here’s the song “Hurt Feelings” from the Flight of the Conchord’s television show: