One of the most valuable qualities of good music is its ability to transport you to a moment in your past, a place you'll never see or somewhere that doesn't even exist. Thanks to their gloriously retro (and occasionally eerie) three-part harmonies, Seattle's Fleet Foxes accomplish all the above with their self-titled debut.

The time between now and its 2005 Sub Pop debut, "Apologies to the Queen Mary," allowed the group to more fully develop its sound. At Mount Zoomer expands upon the bits-and-pieces pop approach of its debut into a solid set of rock songs.

Beautifully fatalistic and unimposingly pedagogical, Brainwashed is quite possibly Harrison's next-to-best album and a sober reminder that his passing is a loss too large to measure.

This is by far the moodiest, mellowest stuff MacKaye has ever been involved with.

It may be because of its unevenness that Alone II is an intriguing look into Cuomo's complicated mind, because unlike his largely homogenized Weezer albums that have stuck to the center of late, these recordings shed light into every dark corner.

A treasure trove of musical curios.

Whether discoursing about Jesus freaks and thugs, wanting something real out of life or his biracial background, the Angela Davis-fro'd Michael takes the listener on an energetic romp that swerves from lovelorn R&B to playful funk. Keep an ear open.

Lotusflow3r has Prince channeling his Hendrix spirit guide on a cover of 'Crimson & Clover' shot through with riffs from 'Wild Thing;' on 'Wall of Berlin' and 'Dreamer,' he squeezes the Jimi out of his guitar until you can almost see the hologram.

Lofty comparisons, sure. But Bingham's not a "new" anything: He's his own man, and a singular talent at that.

By refocusing on the dancefloor, the Rapture remains a step ahead.

A truly welcome return.

A set of rousing, sharply focused, late-night pleas and barroom romps that take the group well beyond its garage roots.

Tilly and the Wall stick with their signature combination of half-shouted words and harmony vocals. But the group also breaks new ground with punk rock riffs and percussion that well surpasses the standard of tambourines and Jamie Pressnall's tap dancing.

This folk album is a loud, energetic, arena-ready fiesta.

Aggressive yet soulful, "War" doesn't just straddle the line between rock and electronica—it destroys it.

Hitting a second stride with "Murray Street" in 2002, the band maintains its leadership position among melodic noise-makers with The Eternal, which is so chock-full of hummable pop hooks you'd think a hit doctor lent a hand.

Beyond merely blowing with avant-tinged, Coltrane-inspired tenor gusto, Lovano employs multiple strategies on several reeds, setting up melodic motifs, rhythmic start-and-stop phrases and playful dance-like romps.

Easily its most lushly orchestrated and diverse output yet.

A must-have for any fans of true alternative music and a primer for younger generations to see where their favorite bands got their inspiration.

Producer Bjorn Yttling, who brings in his Peter Bjorn & John bandmate John Eriksson and, on many of these 12 tracks, a full string section to add a kind of lush power to the group's melodic drone.

Underoath has made definitive strides at progression without abandoning the muscular, broad-shouldered hardcore that made it a household name.

The blues- and country-influenced songs on Break Up the Concrete are an engaging departure from the group's earlier hits, while Hynde's dynamic alto voice gives the set the unmistakable Pretenders identity.

Francis' production has noticeably tightened the band's sound, as Freddy Feedback's bass bounces crisply alongside dueling riffs. Art Brut may never shed its screwball charisma, but Satan is a successful step in a mature direction.

Consider "Silent Alarm" to be one of the best debuts of 2005 so far.

Despite her prolonged absence, Bush sounds as vital as ever.

Manners, the debut album from the Boston-based electro-pop outfit Passion Pit, is a charming combination of danceable synth grooves, falsetto shouts and infectious vocal hooks.

By turns playful, sexy, soulful, funky and passionate, Evans showcases the full range of her talents on her most consistent effort yet.

Though Brown's sweet songs are set up to appeal to a young female fan base, the narratives are mature enough to sway some older folks.