This tongue-in-cheek Canadian duo mixes 70s and 80s electro, funk, rock, and dance sounds on this debut.

The former Throwing Muses and Breeders member's third solo release finds her collaborating with the likes of Dean Fisher (who doubles as Juliana Hatfield's bassist and Donelly's husband) and Rich Gilbert.

The Berlin-based trio (who share a member with the band Tarwater) continue to mix electronica with post-rock on their first album in three years (and first for Domino).

The Norway-based indie-folk duo of Erlend Øye and Erik Glambek Bøe reunite for a third album, following some detours by Øye into more electronic-based music.

Jim Heath & co. return for an eighth album of rockabilly tunes.

This is the sophomore LP (third, if you count their debut demo collection) for the Toronto band led by Joel Gibb.

'Brother Is To Son' is nominally a solo effort for Daniel Smith (aka "Brother Danielson," aka leader of the Christian indie-rock outfit the Danielson Familie), although fellow Familie (and, in real life, family) members appear throughout this acoustic-only disc, as does frequent collaborator Sufjan Stevens.

The Def Jux rapper expands into the realm of modern jazz, with the help of Blue Series stalwarts Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Guillermo Brown.

Recorded live at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theater in 2003, this 2-disc set finds Reed supported by a small (drummerless) band on material culled from his recent disc 'The Raven' as well as older albums from his 35-plus-year career (including Velvet Underground tunes "Venus In Furs," "Candy Says," and "Heroin").

Among the producers and guest vocalists appearing on Usher's fourth album are Ludacris, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

On of the many aliases of rapper Daniel Dumile (who is best known these days as the masked MF Doom), Viktor Vaughn is joined by a guests such as DJ Sure Shot and Kool Keith on this second release.

The German noisemakers return with a somewhat quieter affair, marking their first studio recording in four years.

A side project for Matmos' Drew Daniel, The Soft Pink Truth here offers (in their own, unique way) a variety of punk covers, including songs by the Angry Samoans, Minor Threat and Die Kreuzen.

Elvis has returned to the land of rock--or at least, country-flavored rock, as he's joined on several tracks by Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris. It's his second disc to feature (and first to credit) his new backing band, The Impostors, who look an awful lot like his former backing band, The Attractions, save for the addition of bassist Davey Faragher.

The Toronto lo-fi indie-rockers, led by Will Oldham-esque singer-songwriter Aaron Riches, make their Sanctuary debut with this third album.

The UK five-piece worked with producer Tchad Blake for this fourth LP.

On their third full-length, the Icelandic band Mum continues to blend pastoral electronica with the distinctive vocals (think The Cranes as a comparison) of Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir.

The country singer's fourth studio album and Sugarhill debut was recorded in just two weeks with returning producer R.S. Field.

Classically-trained guitarist Jimmy LaValle, who has played on albums by Tristeza and Black Heart Procession in addition to his own Album Leaf project, traveled from San Diego, CA to Iceland to record this third Album Leaf disc as a guest of Sigur Ros. Members of Sigur Ros, Mum, and Black Heart Procession appear on the album.

The B-Boys, who have moved back to New York from their temporary home of Los Angeles, return with their first album in six years and their second to utilize the beats of Mixmaster Mike. These 15 tracks are all self-produced by the band (a first) and recall the style of their earliest work.

James McAlister (Ester Drang) joins band leader David Bazan and his longtime collaborator TW Walsh on Pedro The Lion's fifth album.

This is the second DFA release for the Brooklyn outfit who have evolved from abrasive noise rock to a little less abrasive psychedelic electronica. Production was handled by the DFA, Steve Revitte (Liars) and Nicolas Vernhes (Fiery Furnaces).

Rhett Miller & co. recorded the stripped-down 'Drag It Up' (the band's first release in three years) in a 19th century church in Woodstock, NY.

The solo debut for the No Doubt vocalist features an eclectic group of guests, including Martin Gore, Andre 3000, The Neptunes, New Order, Wendy & Lisa and Dr. Dre.

Available for several years on his own website, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Gary Jules' second album finally got a major-label release in 2004 thanks to the unexpected success of one of its tracks--a cover of Tears For Fears' "Mad World"--that appeared on the Donnie Darko soundtrack.

The Canadian collective (who wowed critics with 2003's 'You Forgot It In People') offers a compilation of B-sides and previously unreleased tracks.

Wales' Jem Griffiths makes her debut with this 11-track LP, which combines her vocals with downtempo electronica from Jem and collaborator Yoad Nevo, reminding critics of recent albums from Dido and Zero 7.

The veteran singer's first completely self-produced album is his first studio recording since 2001's 'Songs From The West Coast.'

This is the second album for the Reading, England rock band.

Although the Dallas-based robe-wearing collective (who number close to 30) recorded their buzz-generating debut in just two days, this sophomore effort is the result of a full year in the studio. (Presumably, it's a very large studio.) Eric Feldman (Sparklehorse) and The Speekers produced.

'This Is For Real' is the full-length debut for the trashy electro-punk outfit out of Sheffield, England.

The Portland, Ore. duo of Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel are back with their third album, and first for Sub Pop.

Their first Sub Pop release finds the noisy Detroit band as a threesome, with founder Nate Young joined (as he has been since 2000) by Aaron Dilloway and John Olson.

The Donnas' second major-label effort was produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Injected).

'Glamour' is the debut disc for the English band led by singer Greg Gilbert, whose voice has drawn him numerous comparisons to the Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser (as odd as that may sound).

The Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist returns with a follow-up to his 2001 solo release, 'To Record Only Water For Ten Days.'

Rick Rubin produced this third LP for the popular mask-wearing Des Moines-based metal outfit, who are set to headline Ozzfest this summer.

The Vermont jam band has announced that 'Undermind,' their 11th studio effort, will be their last. Tchad Blake produced.

The veteran Southern California hardcore punk band returns with--as you may have guessed from the title--a political-themed disc, complete with carefully-footnoted lyrics.

The Canadian folk-rock twins return with their third album.

The singer-songwriter (who also appears in the group The Thorns) releases his first official solo disc since 1999's 'In Reverse.' Van Dyke Parks guests.

The Canadian singer-songwriter's Nonesuch debut features covers of songs by other Canadian singer-songwriters, including Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Ron Sexsmith, Jane Siberry, and William Shatner. (OK, so maybe not the last one.) There's also one lang original for good measure.

This loud but eclectic disc marks the debut for the sextet from Nottingham, England.

This is the second album for the nu-metal band out of Wales.

Crowded House's Neil and Tim Finn reunite with producer Mitchell Froom for this disc, which also finds them joined by Los Angeles musicians Matt Chamberlain and Jon Brion.

The brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger return with a second quirky, challenging and eclectic LP.

Trick Daddy, Nate Dogg, DMX and Nas guest on the latest from the Atlanta-based rapper, with production from Timbaland, among others.

This is the fourth release for the chamber-pop outfit led by--yes--Matthew Pond and based in--you guessed it--Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, to be exact).

This ninth album for the Chicago rockers was recorded with Steve Albini.

No, it's not a Jeopardy answer meriting the response "Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen?" but rather the latest noise-fest from Tim Kinsella & co.

This is the fourth album for the Kansas City (Mo.)-based emo band.

The veteran duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray continue with their well-established sound on this ninth studio album.

On this sixth album, the Athens, GA band's lineup has been expanded to include guitarist Eric Harris (Olivia Tremor Control) and bassist Craig McQuiston (The Glands). Vic Chesnutt guests on the title track.

This is the debut disc for the duo of Beachwood Sparks/Tyde member Brent Rademaker and vocalist Michelle Loiselle, featuring contributions from Mia Doi Todd and members of The Warlocks, Rooney and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

This 70-track, 4-disc collection is just what the title says: every Cure B-side and compilation track, in chronological order, from 1978-2001, each newly remastered and accompanied by extensive liner notes by Robert Smith.

No, Jon Spencer hasn't left the blues trio, but they have officially shortened their name for their seventh release (their first for Sanctuary after a long stay at Matador). With all the money they saved by cutting out those extra two words, they were able to afford an all-star team of producers, including David Holmes, Alan Moulder, DJ Shadow, Dan The Automator and Steve Jordan.

The electronica duo of Andrew Weatherall and Keith Tenniswood return with 12 new tracks, featuring both vocals (from Weatherall) and live instrumentation (from Tenniswood) and departing significantly from the techno of past albums.

After 15 years and six albums, the brothers Hartnoll are calling it quits with this final release. Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) guests on one track, with The Sparks collaborating on another.

The three Hanson brothers (now ranging in age from 19 to 24) return with their third album, a full seven years after first hitting the pop charts.

This unusual set from the Pixies frontman includes a disc of demo solo recordings dating from 1987, and a second disc of new studio recordings of an assortment of Pixies songs by Black with collaborators such as Pere Ubu and Two Pale Boys.

The dancehall artist returns with a more genre-consistent (and yes, back to basics) album, with a lone Timbaland-produced crossover track, "All Girls Party."

Grand in scope, 'Lost Riots' is the debut disc for the UK band who are often described as falling somewhere between Coldplay and Godspeed You Black Emperor (wherever that might be). The band's guitarist, Jimmi Lawrence, took his own life shortly after the album was recorded.

Slapped with the label "the female Beastie Boys" after their 2003 debut, the New York all-girl rap outfit make their major-label debut with 'All City,' which includes collaborations with Har Mar Superstar, ?uestlove and DJ Muggs.

The latest LP from Steven Tyler & co. includes just one original ("The Grind") with the remainder of the tracks occupied by covers of blues standards.

The veteran singer-songwriter was forced by Island to re-record the songs for this eighth album three times, before the label finally approved a release. This final version was recorded with producer John Shanks (Alanis Morissette) and marks the first of her albums to include songs not written by Etheridge.

What happens when you team Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard with a cutting-edge electronica artist? Sure, you have the Postal Service, but you also have this new full-length from Arne Van Petegem's Styrofoam, which features multiple contributions not only from Gibbard, but also from Valerie Trebeljahr (Lali Puna), Andrew Kenny (American Analog Set), Markus Acher (The Notwist) and rapper Alias.

The stripped-down 'The Will To Death' is not just the second solo disc in 2004 for the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, but marks the first of a whopping six planned albums for Record Collection this year.

N.E.R.D., the rock-oriented trio of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who also make up the in-demand hip-hop production team The Neptunes) and Shay, return with a highly-anticipated second album. Unlike their previous effort, 'Fly' finds Chad & Pharrell handling the instrumentation themselves.

The guitarist pays homage to legendary bluesman Robert Johnson with these 14 covers.

A better album title would have been 'Nancy Sinatra & Friends,' as the 64-year-old singer collaborates with fans such as Morrissey, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley, Sonic Youth's Jim O'Rourke and Thurston Moore, Jon Spencer, Pete Yorn and U2.

A concept album set in an alternate version of the U.S. where the states are actually countries, 'New Roman Times' marks the first studio album in 15 years for the newly-reunited California band.

The Chicago post-rock instrumentalists add vocals (courtesy of Kelly Hogan) into the mix for the first time on this, their fifth LP.

The mellow UK electronic outfit (who have been compared to artists such as Morcheeba and Air) follows up 2001 debut 'Simple Things' with this 11-track effort.

Yes, it 'has been' a long time since the last William Shatner album (and with good reason), but the veteran recording artist returns for this collaboration with Ben Folds. Other guests include Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann and Adrian Belew, but sadly, no Leonard Nimoy.

The soul singer's latest release marks her 25th year as a recording artist (she made her debut in 1979 as a member of the first female rap group ever, Sequence). Guests here include Missy Elliott, Floetry and Snoop Dogg.

This is the fifth LP in 15 years for the veteran hip-hop unit of Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and Sadat X.

This is the veteran Australian band's 17th album.

The Icelandic band's 1997 debut album received its first international release in 2004.

Released on the same day as 'Suit,' 'Sweat' is the more club-oriented of the pair, with production handled by The Alchemist, The Neptunes, and more. Christina Aguilera, Mobb Deep and Missy Elliott guest.

'I Dreamed' is the debut for the duo of Stars vocalist Torquil Campbell and electronic musician Chris Dumont (his music is electronic, that is; Dumont is not). Included is a cover of Pet Shop Boys' "Love Comes Quickly."

The English trip-hop outfit led by vocalist Louise Robinson (nee Rhodes) and producer Andy Barlow return for a fourth album.

The Los Angeles trio, making their recording debut with this self-titled release, have attracted a growing fanbase over the last two years via their live shows, which highlight their atmospheric, vaguely Stereolab-esque music. The group (who met via want ads in the L.A. Weekly) is led by singer/drummer Gena Olivier.

New husband Elvis Costello co-wrote six of the tunes on this latest disc from platinum-selling jazz vocalist Diana Krall.

The R&B singer's first studio album since 1994 includes a duet with Babyface.

The singer-songwriter's latest is a solo release in every sense of the word, as DiFranco wrote, produced, played, and sang everything on the album (not to mention releasing it on her own record label).