Your Hands (Together) by the New Pornographers, from the forthcoming Together (Last Gang)
A taut, Sabbath-crashing power-pop call to action from a band who does this kind of thing as well or better than anyone else in the world. Extra marks for the stuttering "put-put-put" by Neko Case and Carl Newman.
The Great Duncan Heist by James Gordon, from My Stars Your Eyes (Borealis)
A smiling story-song that's wryly about folk music and a real-life caper. It's a fun waltz of banjo, accordion and sousaphone that wins over petty thieves and, we bet, you too.
Rave on Sad Songs by Jason Collett, from Rat a Tat Tat (Arts & Crafts)
"Happiness is for amateurs," suggests Jason Collett, a singer-songwriter who appreciates Dylan's phrasing as he salutes the melancholic music that comforts. Something like Jerry Jeff Walker's Mr. Bojangles is what he may have in mind.
Too Late by Broad Way Sleep, from Broadway Sleep (Sukha)
Dreamy, shimmering and sluggish, with a chorus-clap beat and a Broken Social Scene way with brass. Is it too late for love? Keep this track on repeat - the night's still young.