Dengue Fever — Venus On Earth

Not many bands would think it a good idea to name themselves after a dreadful illness, but L.A.'s Dengue Fever have never really been in-the-box thinkers. Three albums into their career, the self-described "Cambodian pop rock psychedelic dance party" have yet to eschew the influences of their native culture and it pays off as a sort of world music for indie kids. There are a number of set-asides you'll have to accept before you can truly enjoy Venus On Earth. Set aside that it's only partially in English. Set aside the notion that a band should stick to one musical style (as the Fever jump with ease between lounge, jazz, chamber pop and surf). Set aside that there's a pretty blatant theft of some "Hotel California" riffs — the band have admitted they're heavily influenced by '70s American pop — and you'll find a novel expedition into a neglected brand of music.

Get it from