Sonically, it's well-tempered between its beat-driven and its acoustic pieces; lyrically, a unique, personal pain drips out from Stewart's whispered vocals, providing the driving force of Muscles' challenging, diverse ensemble.

In the band's able hands, the music still sounds dangerous, unpredictable, and potent.

Standout tracks include the Breeders' "Wicked Little Town (Hedwig Version)," the Polyphonic Spree's "Wig in a Box," Spoon's Stones-y take on "Tear Me Down" and the whisper-to-a-scream romp that Yoko Ono and Yo La Tengo let loose on "Hedwig's Lament / Exquisite Corpse."

What separates them from their peers is a refreshing feminine perspective that draws from '60s girl groups and the conflicted teenage angst of Leslie Gore.

He's simply not an authoritative enough singer to give many of his songs the treatment they deserve. Nevertheless, Lanois is an expert craftsman, and Shine is a rewarding, extremely enjoyable album.

The concept is difficult to follow and the music occasionally unpleasant. But the band’s willingness to stretch in new directions is refreshing.

Twice is a summery, psychedelic treat.

Are you worn out by your Travis and Coldplay CD's? In the market for some new Brit-Pop? Clearlake creates songs with equally appealing melodies to the aforementioned bands, while eschewing the relentlessly anthemic quality that occasionally mires the genre.

Immediately more accessible than their last effort.

What the band lack in cohesion they make up for with a healthy mania.

Mansions end result is a scarred mess, a fitting aesthetic for such introspective music.

Beggar Boys may not change anyone's view of the band, but it is another strong outing in what is turning into a pretty consistent body of work.

And though she may be running in place lyrically, her melodies have never been keener and her vocals grow richer and more confident with each release.

L'Avventura is a pleasant side-trip, a chance for Luna fans to see Dean let his hair down for 40 minutes.

Hypnotic and dreamlike, the album presents a vision of pop music's future glimpsed through the lens of its past.

The years are beginning to show on Smith, especially on the opener, "Green Eyed Locoman," but his backing band hasn't sounded this energetic and enthusiastic in years.

Is Malkmus treading water? Well, maybe. But despite the complaints of those fans who can’t let Pavement go, he’s still making valid, adventurous and - most of all - fun music.

Occasionally, Memphis' songs coast on an attractive soundscape rather than going for a compositional or lyrical knockout punch. Nevertheless, I Dreamed we Fell Apart is often quite beguiling.

A disarmingly beautiful album.

[Has] a mysterious backwoods vibe worthy of Murmur-era REM.

Mason's songs wander from folk to rock and dip their toes into country, but sound fresh, and never boring.

Manzanita may be too diverse to be cohesive, but it is filled with interesting songs and the continued potential for great things.

Betke's more minimal application of sound has opened up acres of sonic real estate between the beats.

More often than not it's stylish, adventurous and damn fun.

Dramatic and dark.

It's all Around You isn't their best -- or most challenging -- work, but it's a sign the band is still making music in a bubble.

Occasionally, you might wish for a more generous-sounding lead vocal or concise song structure, but 10th Avenue Freakout is populated with stimulating, rather than easily accessible, music.

The record... is able to maintain a thrilling tension between bright, dream-like songs and an encroaching darkness.