Like Thus Spake Drake, we are in full support of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival bringing a little rock and roll to Park City courtesy of some shows by ThisNext-loved bands and artists. And maybe most exciting of all will be folk-rock legend Donovan’s performances this Thursday and Friday at The Star Bar. The Sunshine Superman’s Greatest Hits collection has long been one of my most beloved records, while Layla’s Classic Rock Faves names Donovan as her “all-time favorite,” despite the fact that she’s “too young to have been an official hippy or flower child of the ’60s.”

To feel like an official hippy/flower child of the ’00s, give a listen to the new Apples in Stereo song “Energy” (there’s an mp3 available for download at Stereogum). All bright and shiny and bouncy, the first single from the band’s upcoming album New Magnetic Wonder should “stand testament to Robert Schneider’s commitment to lo-fi jangle pop, hummable melodies, and old Beatles breaks,” according to Scott Stereogum. (The band takes the stage tonight at the Film.com launch party at the Star Bar.)

For more Beatles-worthy pop, turn to Michael Penn, who plays Wednesday at Sundance House at The Kimball Art Center. Dave’s Song of the Day recently spotlighted Spicoli’s big brother’s “Out Of Its Misery,” from 2000’s MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident. “Michael Penn is so underrated,” says Dave. “His songwriting is sharp and when it manifests in little rockers like this one, it can’t be beat.” But my favorite Penn track will always be “No Myth” off of March. I Rock Cleveland included that perfect little number on its “Let’s Go Power Pop Mix,” a 77-minute compilation of ridiculously catchy gems like “Flavor of the Month” by The Posies, “Alex Chilton” by The Replacements, “I’ve Been Waiting” by Matthew Sweet, and “September Gurls” by Big Star.

Equally catchy but with a whole different sonic approach, Shiny Toy Guns will be making Sundance go electropop at Thursday’s Music On Main free concert. Electroniclash Music hits the nail right on the head in describing the L.A.-based band as “dance infused with rock/rock infused with dance and electroclashes carrying you into a bliss before unknown.” It’s that crazy mish-mashiness that just might suck you into the Shiny Toy Guns sound, according to ThisNexter shazam, who recommends the group’s debut record We Are Pilots. “This band from L.A. has been all over the map lately,” says shazam. “I heard about half of their CD while getting my hair cut on Melrose recently, and I thought it was a mix of many different bands. When I asked, I found out it was Shiny Toy Guns, one band.”

Another irresistible L.A. band, Silversun Pickups descend on Sundance tomorrow and Tuesday at The Star Bar. The indie-rock foursome’s debut full-length record Carnavas was one of my most-spun CDs last year, fuzzing up the speakers with a dreamy, swirly, guitar-heavy noise. Check out their gorgeous single “Lazy Eye” over at La Blogotheque.