Free Album Streaming: New CDs from M. Ward, Cowboy Junkies, Paul Weller, & More

Whatever kind of music you're into, you'll find something to like among this week's free album streams. There's the return of established artists like M. Ward and the even more established Cowboy Junkies and Paul Weller (of The Jam and Style Council).

Indie rockers Bear in Heaven, Oberhofer, and Of Monsters and Men are back with new releases, and in the singer-songwriter vein I'm enjoying the new release from sisters Allison and Catherine, The Pierces. (Note: The Pierces are the musical guest on Jay Leno Tuesday night; I'll post the video tomorrow. Update: you can watch The Pierces doing "You'll Be Mine" on Leno here.)


Video for M. Ward's "The First Time I Ran Away," from his new album.

For a change of pace, check out the new EP by the group Poor Moon, which features two members of Fleet Foxes and Crystal Skulls... the new album by the psychedelic/progressive band Astra... and Macy Gray singing Radiohead.

Yes, that's right, the R&B/soul singer-songwriter tackles "Creep," the band's first single on new album of covers. The collection also features several funny skits, making this more creative than your average cover album.

It's a diverse line-up this week; dig in and enjoy!

NPR First Listen:"A Wasteland Companion" by M. Ward
"I Love You, It's Cool" by Bear in Heaven
"My Head is an Animal" by Of Monsters and Men

Spinner.com's Listening Party:
"Sonik Kicks" by Paul Weller
"Time Capsules II" by Oberhofer
"You, Anniversary" by Lindsay Fuller
"Rob Me Blind" by Jay Brannan
"Illusion" EP by Poor Moon
"The Black Chord" by Astra
"Wave Sleep Wave" by Wave Sleep Wave

AOL Music Listening Party: 
"You and I" by The Pierces
"Covered" by Macy Gray
"Wilderness" by Cowboy Junkies
"Into the Sky" EP by TJ Courtney
"Divide the Blackened Sky" by The Veer Union