Luna's sixth studio album is their first on new label Jetset, and also their first (aside from Luna Live!) to feature Brita Phillips on bass (replacing Justin Harwood, and leaving Dean Wareham as the sole founding member remaining). The all-star production team of Gene Holder and Dave Fridmann were behind the boards for these 12 new tracks.

Instead of a real follow-up to "The Hour of Bewliderbeast" (look for that later in 2002), Damon Gough returns with the score to the film adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel. The 16 new tracks here are split between short instrumental pieces and full songs.

Costello's first album of original material in six years is a return to his new wave/punk/rock roots, with several members of The Attractions (Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas) in tow.

The former Replacements leader returns with his first solo effort in three years, which actually is two albums in one: Stereo, his new 12-track solo release; and Mono, a second recording by Westerberg and full band under the Grandpaboy name.

The long wait for this fourth album from Jeff Tweedy & co. is partially the result of the tumultuous recording process that left the band without its guitarist (Jay Bennett) and its record label (Warner/Reprise). Fellow Chicagoan Jim O'Rourke mixed the 11 tracks.

The fourth album from the Milwaukee emo band is their first with veteran producer Stephen Street, who gives the album a more expansive sound.

This covers album from the former American Music Club leader includes versions of songs by everyone from Culture Club ("Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?") to Glen Campbell ("Gentle on My Mind").

This long-awaited fourth album from the London-based outfit headed by Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres is an even more eclectic mix of styles than previous efforts. The 13 new tracks include the excellent (and excellently titled) lead single "Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III," and a reworking of "People Power (In The Disco Hour)" from Singh and Ayres' Clinton side project.

The third album from the Chicago-based post-rock trio best known for their dual bassists was produced by John McEntire (Tortoise, Sea and Cake).

Christian-indie rocker David Bazan follows 2000's 'Winners Never Quit' with this full-length album. This time out, Casey Foubert (Seldom) lends a hand with the instrumentation.

This debut album from the Richmond, Virginia band (featuring Maura Davis and members of Engine Down) was produced in part by Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.

Sheryl Crow's fourth album features guest appearances from Emmylou Harris, Don Henley, Lenny Kravitz, Liz Phair and Stevie Nicks.

Bonnie Raitt's first new album in four years was produced by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake.

This is the third album for the San Francisco band featuring drummer Lynn Perko and former Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum.

Although the 20-something New York City rockers have the names of two former Can vocalists in their moniker, their sound is more frequently compared to the MC5. 'Electric Sweat,' their second album, attracted a good deal of attention for the band from music publications in the U.S., drawing the now-mandatory Strokes comparisons.

The mellow indie-pop duo (Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink, both former members of Bright Eyes) returned to the studio with producer Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf) to record this sophomore LP. Fink and Taylor also lend their vocals to a track on Moby's latest, '18.'

Believe it or not, these guys have been around for over 15 years now, and this is their eighth release (and first since 1998's 'Dizzy Up The Girl').

The Seattle-based emo trio (although now without one-time member James Bertram of Red Stars Theory) moves to Tiger Style Records for this, their fourth full-length release. Phil Ek (Unwound, Built To Spill) produced these 10 tracks.

The New York trio is back with their fifth album for Matador (and first since 1998). Here, they work with veteran rock producer Steve Jordan and get some help from Bernie Worrell and Dr. John.

This mellow, soulful effort features backing from Booker T & the MG's as well as a single track with Crazy Horse.

This is the Cincinnati, Ohio band's major label debut.

The third and final album by the current lineup of this Chicago-based indie band (band member and Aesthetics label head Ken Dyber is leaving the group) includes 10 new tracks, featuring the alternating male/female vocals of Joseph Costa and Lindsay Anderson alongside the band's moody, haunting sound.

The former backup singer for Missy Elliott and Timbaland comes into her own on this, her debut album, which was produced and co-written by her two benefactors. Tweet's presence and talent are evidenced by the surprising abundance of guitar/soul tracks here, instead of a reliance on electronic/dance numbers typical of a Missy-Timbaland production.

Kinky is a five-piece band from Monterrey, Mexico that combines rock, electronica, and traditional Latin music. This debut album was produced by Chris Allison (Coldplay, Beta Band).

This big-budget debut album from 22-year-old Detroit-raised rocker Andrew WK took the UK (well, at least its music press) by storm in late 2001.

This third album for the Jersey City rockers (who come across a bit like an emo Tenacious D) was produced by Steve Albini.

This is the fifth album (and a return to English-lanugage songs) for the well-regarded Welsh indie band, now signed to a major label (Epic). It is the first album ever to be released simultaneously on DVD and CD (with the DVD containing a movie and a remix for each track on the album). Paul McCartney and John Cale have cameo appearances on the album.

As you may have guessed from the title, this is an album of covers by Howe Gelb, mainly recorded with Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino. The ten studio tracks and three live performances include versions of Sonny Bono's "The Beat Goes On," Grandaddy's "Blue Marble Girl," and Black Sabbath's "Iron Man."

Three years after the industrial band's farewell album 'Adios,' founding member Sascha Konietzko is back recording under the KMFDM name, although just as on last year's album under the MDFMK moniker, co-founder En Esch is no longer with the group.

Kid Loco produced this sophomore effort for London's Departure Lounge, who are fronted by Tim Keegan (a former guitarist with Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians). Hitchcock guests on one track, as does former Cocteau Twin (and producer of Departure Lounge's debut) Simon Raymonde.

This is the first new album in three years for the folk-rock duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray.

Based in Los Angeles, the Eels have had some stateside success on MTV but have perhaps found greater popularity in the UK and Europe. This new LP (their fourth) features guest appearances by Koool G Murder, John Parish (who also produces), and Joe Gore.

Toronto-based singer/songwriter Hayden (Paul Hayden Desser) returns to his bedroom-recording indie-label roots, after two previous releases for Geffen.

Indie rock legend Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) returns with his fifth solo album, and first for his brand new record label (Granary Music). In another first, Mould delves into electronica for the first time as well, abandoning traditional instruments for synths and computers on half of the album.

The Buzzcocks are back. Well, almost. Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, founding members of that seminal punk band, have recorded together for the first time in over 25 years, resulting in these 14 brand-new electronica-laden tracks.

The distinctive Liverpool indie/garage band is back with a follow-up to their well-received 2000 debut 'Internal Wrangler' (which was just released last fall in the U.S.). The positive press generated by these two releases led to the band signing a major-label deal with Universal, which re-released 'Walking With Thee' on August 6, 2002.

This is the third studio recording for the Seattle-based outfit founded by members of indiepop forefathers Crayon. Ex-Sno*Boy guitarist Harold Hollingsworth has been added to the group's lineup.

This is the first album in over three years (and first for new US label Emperor Norton) for the all-girl Japanese indie-electronic-rock-pop outfit. Money Mark and John McEntire make appearances here, although Cornelius does not.

Natalie Imbruglia's second album is a follow-up to her 1998 international hit debut, 'Left Of The Middle.' Ian Stanley and Pascal Gabriel are among the producers working on this disc.

With the word "blue" appearing in four out of the seven song titles, you get a general idea of Jason Molina's mood as he recorded this sixth proper LP under the Songs:Ohia name. The entire album was recorded live in a Philadelphia studio with Molina backed by a new full band, including co-vocalists Jennie Benford and Jim Krewson.

A musician since his early childhood, 20-year-old Texan Ben Kweller experienced some minor success with the band Radish in the late 1990s before embarking on a solo career highlighted by 'Sha Sha,' his debut full-length for Dave Matthews' label Ato.

After recording two well-received albums of Woody Guthrie covers with Wilco, the anti-folk pioneer returns to recording original material, this time with his touring band, the Blokes.

The singer-songwriter's third album (which comes a full five years after her second, 1997's 'Firecracker') features 12 new tracks, including "We Could Still Belong Together" from the "Legally Blonde" soundtrack.

Los Angeles-based Phantom Planet is best known for counting among its members "Rushmore" star Jason Schwartzman and "Donnie Darko" star Alex Greenwald. 'The Guest,' their second album, was produced by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake.

Morissette's third studio album is the first one the 27-year-old Canadian songwriter has produced herself.

This disc collects remixes and B-sides (album title notwithstanding) culled from the singles generated by the animated supergroup's international hit debut album. The 9 songs here (totalling just 38 minutes) include two previously unreleased tracks.

The seventh album for the Texas-based rockabilly star and his band features the track "Like a Rocket," selected as this year's official Daytona 500 theme song.

Following the critical success of their 1999 effort, 'Madonna,' the lengthily-named Austin, Texas indie band signed with Interscope and recorded this, their major-label debut.

'C'mon' is the third full-length release for the experimental Chicago-based instrumental quartet.

This is the fourth album (and third record label) for the Athens, GA indie outfit.

The band that gave us alt-radio hit "6 Underground" returns with a third album, although their second (1999's 'Splinter') failed to secure U.S. distribution. Guitarist Chris Corner now handles lead vocals, replacing the departed Kelli Dayton.

Fog is 23-year-old turntablist Andrew Broder, and this is his debut album, a cut-and-paste mix of various sounds combined with guitar and vocals.

This is the band's second collaboration with French filmmaker Claire Denis, after recording the soundtrack to her earlier film "Nenette et Boni."

Singer/songwriter Josh Rouse's third solo LP was produced by Roger Moutenot.

Procuded by Mo'Wax label head James Lavelle (U.N.K.L.E.), the debut album from London's South mixes electronica and indie rock, drawing comparisons to everyone from the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays to Badly Drawn Boy and DJ Shadow.

The former member of Throwing Muses, Belly, and the Breeders returns with her second solo album, following 1997's 'Lovesongs for Underdogs.'

Kurt Wagner & co. return for the band's sixth album, which is a more stripped-down affair than their previous effort, 'Nixon.'

Australian alt-country singer Kasey Chambers follows her acclaimed 2000 debut ('The Captain') with this sophomore effort. Lucinda Williams guests.

Chris Isaak's eighth album is his first since the disappointing sales of 1998’s 'Speak of the Devil,' but also his first since he took to the small screen in a Showtime comedy series.

The second album from New York City dance-punk outfit Radio 4 utilizes the production work of DFA (U.N.K.L.E., David Holmes) to create a sound reminiscent of Primal Scream's 'XTRMNTR.'

Over two years in the making, 'After Everything' is the twelfth album from the Australian band, still best known for their 1988 hit "Under The Milky Way."

This is the debut album for psychedlic British indie-rockers Electric Soft Parade (actually two teenage brothers, Tom and Alex White), drawing comparisons to everyone from Grandaddy and the Charlatans to Teenage Fanclub and Buffalo Springfield.

This is the fourth solo album from the founding singer/guitarist of the legendary New Zealand indie band The Clean.

Former Camper Van Beethoven frontman David Lowery once again leads Cracker for the band's first new album in four years. Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous co-produces and adds backing vocals and instrumentation.

This is the debut release for the new project from Macha's Josh McKay. Unlike his work with Macha, McKay here avoids Eastern influences to concentrate on moody, atmospheric works.

This is the second full-length from the Kansas-based emo band.

The Sunshine Fix is a 60s-themed side project for Olivia Tremor Control's Bill Doss.

Often compared to Doves and Radiohead, Manchester-based Elbow is yet another new alternative band to emerge from the British music press hype machine. This debut album was shortlisted for 2001's Mercury Music Prize.

Clocking in at 65 minutes, this EP from Japanese experimental electronica producer Nobukazu Takemura contains just four songs, including the title track (which differs from the version on 'Hoshi No Koe') and "Souvenir in Chicago," a 35-minute jam session featuring members of Tortoise.

This is the sixth studio LP from the Scottish three-piece.

This first U.S. release (a debut album, 'Roulette,' was released in 2001 in the UK only) for the duo of ex-Cocteau Twins guitarist Robin Guthrie and ex-Mono vocalist Siobhan De Mare compiles the contents of three previous EPs along with three new tracks and a video (on a bonus CD-ROM).

This is the second international release for Japanese producer/remixer/artist/recording star Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada), following his 1998 breakthrough debut for Matador, 'Fantasma.' A bit less cut-and-paste than its predecessor, 'Point' still showcases a range of musical styles in its 11 tracks.

These 14 new tracks from the Los Angeles punk band mark the 20th anniversary of the group's first LP.

Following 2000's 'We Love The City,' the self-produced 'Dead Media' is the UK band's fifth album in just four years.

This is the first solo release from Slowdive and Mojave 3 frontman Neil Halstead, and includes occasional guest contributions from the likes of his bandmate Ian McCutcheon and Locust's Mark Van Hoen.

David Bottrill produced this third LP for the Peoria, Ill.-based metal band.

This is the first album in nine years for the reunited Los Angeles alternative act, featuring three original members Johnette Napolitano, Jim Mankey and Harry Rushakoff. The 12 new tracks here include "Roxy," a tribute to Roxy Music.

Brother-sister duo Jim and Alison Shaw return for this, the distinctive English band's seventh album. While Alison's unique vocals are still clearer in the mix (as they were for 'Population Four'), the music here is more varied and ventures a bit more into electronica.

This is the much-heralded debut album from the English foursome, produced by Steve Osbourne.

The follow-up to 'Return of Saturn' finds Gwen Stefani & co. working with a variety of producers (Sly and Robbie, Ric Ocasek, William Orbit) in a variety of styles.

Much as he did for another Steven Soderbergh film ("Out Of Sight"), David Holmes provides the score for Soderbergh's Rat Pack remake. Much of the album consists of Holmes originals (including "69 Police," which also appears on his 'Bow Down To The Exit Sign' LP), supplemented by songs from the likes of everyone from Handsome Boy Modeling School to Elvis Presley.

This self-titled effort is the California band's third album.

Guests on the Rolling Stones frontman's fourth solo album include Bono, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Pete Townshend, Rob Thomas, and Joe Perry.

The Detroit rap-rocker may be feeling a bit like his album title after his previous effort, 1998's 'Devil Without a Cause,' went platinum. (Actually, he was feeling like that even before that happened.) Snoop Dogg and Sheryl Crow guest on a track apiece on this, his fifth album of new material.

This religion-themed concept album is the artist's first official release in 10 years under the Prince name.