Upon reading that Jermaine Jackson was on a quest to find five Australian artists to turn into a modern-day Jackson 5, I was a little perplexed, maybe a little befuddled. Jackson 5 were one of my favorite groups as a youngster because they encapsulated the joy and freedom that many associate with childhood. In other words, they’ve always been a perfect soundtrack to anything resembling happiness (in my humble opinion). C’mon, who doesn’t love “I Want You Back”? Just take a listen to their greatest hits if you’re a skeptic. So, what exactly is Jackson trying to accomplish? Is he trying to revive the soul-group aesthetic of a past generation? Or is he simply trying to realign himself with pop culture to give his name some longevity and weight?

Your guess is as good as mine, but in an interview with UnderCover, Jackson states that “you just don’t see the kind of band or that kind of mania that the Jacksons created any more.” Jackson is even wrangling the kids online by using the Internet to give his endeavor an extra boost. Using online social media and a website, JJ5TV.com, where users and viewers can give their opinions and feedback, Jackson can pick the top five people to take JJ5 to the brink of stardom. (Oh yeah, JJ5 is the name of the group). So, keep your eyes peeled, your mouse in hand, and you could be one of the voices that decides who and what JJ5 will be—assuming you care, of course.

Formed in ’79 while they were in High School, Fishbone were signed by a record label the same year they graduated. For over three decades, they have shared their unique punk/funk/ska hybrid with fans everywhere, breaking down racial barriers and earning street cred with punk rockers and rappers alike.

The newest documentary, Everyday Sunshine: the Story of Fishbone is currently available on Netflix Instant. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, it takes you on a raw journey through the emotional ups and downs of Fishbone’s founding members. Revered by music heavyweights such as Flea and Mike Watt in the film, the same sentiment is often echoed: As good as their recordings are, they will never compare to the electric frenzy of a live Fishbone show. If you’ve never seen one, you’re in luck. Fishbone will be blowing the roof off Sister Monday night. Thirteen bones will get you in the door (ten in advance through Hold My Ticket).

Gardens and Villa sounds like the name of a decorating magazine that I would read. Instead, it’s a funk-laced, intergalactic-feeling Santa Barbara-based band with post-punk undertones. Listen via the link above. See it live on Saturday, July 23, at Corazon in Santa Fe.