It’s business time when Plastic Fantastic Lover is wafting out of your speakers. And if that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s also the title of a Jefferson Airplane song, which brings us to the acid-trip revival that is presently called NorCal. Hailing from behind the Best Buy on Treat Street San Francisco (their words, not mine), this local band has a stripped down, quirky twang to its vibe that would be the perfect soundtrack to a road trip dominated by wheat fields screaming past your passenger window. Wheat fields of lovable hippieish oddballs, that is. Oddly enough, they describe their sound as akin to panic attack medication and I couldn’t agree more: this album would sound amazing if you were high in a very mellow sense (not that I condone that type of behavior, kiddies). Mostly I like this band because they perfectly personify their city, a.k.a we’re all a bunch of musical misfits in San Fran. Don’t believe me? Take a gander at this video:

Yes, these kids are crazy, but they’re talented and non-conformist, which makes them a-okay in my book. Myspace stalk them by clicking HERE.

On to the next topic of conversation, Ivana XL is another refreshing songstress is this pop-tart dominated century. Her music is enchanting without being fluffy, sentimental without being pedantic, and under influences she’s posted a picture of Kate Moss during the Johnny Depp era, which let’s you know she’s a bitchin’ broad. Musically, she’s a cross between She Keeps Bees and Laura Marling and that mix is a particularly potent blend of awesome. You can find her on the ‘Space by clicking HERE and check out this mildly disturbing but artistically meritorious music video: