This Tuesday has some new schoolers going old school, some paving the way to an electronic future and some old schoolers still staying staying true.---

Pokey LaFarge has a voice that sounds as if pulled through a tin can, and he has an old school swagger that predates “old school,” although he isn’t nearly that old. LaFarge, backed by The Sound City Three, exudes a genius that comes out of fervently picked guitars and old country, blues and jazz licks that is reminiscent of the Sun Records era of the late 1950s. Dig on Middle of Nowhere for this week’s best bet.

The Vermont-based girls group, Mountain Man, releases a live album today with Live at Wiltern. From the opening track, “Holy Father,” the band’s strong-point is unmistakable in their ability to weave gorgeous harmonies and counter melodies that can stand alone without backing music. But when the guitar strums come in on the third track, the little addition adds stunning depth to a simple, yet powerful live recording.

It’s hard to believe that Theophilus London has garnered such a devoted underground following without having released a full-length album to date. So with Timez Are Weird These Days, the rapper/producer melds electronic pop with hip-hop and a dash of an alternative fuzzy sensibility that will only gain him attention exponentially.

And it’s hard to believe that They Might Be Giants is still putting out albums. But with 18 new tracks on Join Us, the Brooklyn-based rock band is still relevant and interesting.

What did you/would you do for your 30th birthday? Japan’s most famous alternative band just blew out the birthday candles with an album dedicated to their heroes, The Ramones. Check out Osaka Ramones and it might feel like your birthday, even if it isn’t.