The Microphones is an alias for Washington state-based Phil Elvrum, who returns here with a five-part concept album named after a mountain in his home state. The album is also being released in two limited edition alternate versions, one an a capella version called "Singing from 'Mt. Eerie,'" and one a drums-only version (!) called, naturally, "Drumming from 'Mt. Eerie.'"

The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)

Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'

This debut effort from Liverpool's The Coral is an inventive mix of numerous musical styles.

This eagerly-awaited second LP for the heralded/hyped New York five-piece was produced by Gordon Raphael (who also produced their debut 'Is This It?') after aborted sessions working with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.

'Get Born' marks the debut of the Australian garage-rock quartet Jet.

This is the fourth album for the Washington-based indie group led by Ben Gibbard (also of the Postal Service) and Chris Walla.

The neo-soul singer returns two years after the success of 'Songs In A Minor' with this sophomore disc.

'Reality' finds a now 56-year-old David Bowie working once again with longtime producer Tony Visconti. Included among the 11 tracks is a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso."

The far-from-prolific singer-songwriter's fourth album finds a 36-year-old Liz Phair trying to be... Avril Lavigne? Yes, her sound has changed quite a bit since her acclaimed 1993 debut 'Exile in Guyville,' taking on a glossy pop sheen on this release, thanks to production by the Matrix (as well as Michael Penn and Pete Yorn, we might add--but the Matrix????).

This sophomore disc finds the young emo band expanding on its sound with the help of producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Quicksand).

The critics were not kind to this follow-up to 'Chocolate Starfish...,' which sees the band with a new guitarist (who won the slot in a competition held at various Guitar Centers!) replacing the departed Wes Borland.

The veteran Britpop outfit's first new album in four years is the result of tumultuous recording sessions in Morocco with producer Fatboy Slim, which saw a growing dispute between co-founders Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon culminate in Coxon's departure from the band. Fatboy Slim only wound up producing two tracks, with William Orbit handling some of the others.

Following the unexpected critical and commercial success of M!ssundaztood, Pink returns with a third, even more rock-oriented album. Linda Perry returns to helm just a few tracks, with the bulk of the producing/writing chores falling to Rancid's Tim Armstrong.

This is the second album for the Portland, Ore.-based indie five-piece led by Colin Meloy.

Manson's fifth album finds the shock-rocker turning to the glory days of vaudeville and burlesque for inspiration.

This is the debut LP for the Weezer-esque Los Angeles band led by Robert Carmine (otherwise known as the younger brother of actor/Phantom Planet bandmember Jason Schwartzman).

'De-Loused' is the heavily anticipated debut LP from the group formed by former At The Drive-In members Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez.

The Boston-based punk-metal outfit returns with a third studio LP, produced by David Botrill (Tool).

A bit of a concept album (set as a play about sex and relationships), 'The Ugly Organ' is the Nebraska band's fourth LP, following 2000's acclaimed 'Domestica.'

Originally intended as a loose, spontaneous recording called 'Get Back,' 'Let It Be' was eventually released (after the band's breakup) after being shelved and then reproduced/enhanced by Phil Spector, leaving many fans (and an angry Paul McCartney) wondering, "what if?" This new release answers that question to a certain extent, with an altered track listing (which adds "Don't Let Me Down") containing some de-Spectorized versions as well as some originals that have been remixed and remastered.

This is the debut full-length for the Nashville-based rock band consisting of three brothers (the sons of a preacher) and their cousin.

The former Eurythmics' singer's third solo album is her first collection of original songs since 1992's 'Diva.'

This is the third album for the Winnipeg, Canada-based group led by former Propagandhi member John K. Samson.

This full-length debut for the Irish singer/songwriter has moved beyond his home country (where it was a massive hit) to attract critical praise and strong sales worldwide. Mostly self-produced and recorded, the disc also comes in specially-designed packaging including text, artwork and photographs.

The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.

The Toronto, Canada indie-rock collective generated a great deal of praise for this 2002 sophomore effort, which was released in the U.S. in June, 2003 for the first time.

The veteran prog-rock outfit led by guitarist Robert Fripp returns with their first full album of new material in thee years.

One of the highlights of Dntel's 2001 debut album was "This Is the Dream of Evan & Chan," where Dntel electronica mastermind Jimmy Tamborello was joined by Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard on vocals. Satisfied by those results, the two continued to collaborate (by mail), eventually resulting in enough material for this full album that ventures more into synth-pop/new wave territory than their previous single.

This 3-disc attractively-packaged retrospective on the groundbreaking New York band includes completely remastered tracks from each of their studio LPs as well as the same previously-unreleased-on-CD demos and new tracks included on the earlier 2-disc Sand In the Vaseline complilation. Also included are never-before-released alternate versions of five songs. The set also contains a DVD with an updated version of the Talking Heads music video compilation Storytelling Giant, with three additional videos not found on the original VHS release.

'Ghosts' marks the debut of the latest band from Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters). Filling out the lineup are RHP drummer Anthony Koutsos, American Music Club drummer Tim Mooney, and bassist Geoff Sanfield (Black Lab).

The Southern rockers make their major-label debut with this 12-track effort.

The sample-based indietronica LP 'Rounds' is the third solo effort for Fridge's Kieran Hebden.

The trip-hop duo continues to expand their sound on their third album, which features guest appearances from Michael Franti (Spearhead), Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and the Scratch Perverts.

One-hit wonders, you say? Well, the New York trio did score an MTV hit with "Popular," from their 1996 debut album, but it is a more mature and less commercial Nada Surf that returns now with a third LP, their first for indie label Barsuk.

Linebacker large, white, and very country, Bubba Sparxxx nevertheless became an overnight success with his 2001 hip-hop debut 'Dark Days, Bright Nights,' which was co-produced by Timbaland. This follow-up LP was also helmed by Timbaland and Organized Noize.

A quick follow-up by Spiritualized standards, 'Amazing Grace' finds Jason Pierce with a new record label (his own Spaceman Records imprint) and a more immediate, less orchestral sound than on 2001's 'Let It Come Down.'

This is the second album for the Brooklyn- (formerly Ohio-) based indie rockers fronted by singer Matt Berninger.

The eighth studio album for Gene and Dean Ween is their strangest (and definitely most eclectic) in quite some time. (And many Ween fans will probably see that as a good thing.)

The third solo album from the former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member utilizes production and vocal contributions from Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Method Man.

Nick Cave & co. return for a follow up to 2001's 'No More Shall We Part.'

Kelis' third LP (second in the States) features production from the Neptunes, Dallas Austin and Andre 3000.

This five-song album is the second release from the Austin, Texas instrumental quartet known for their fierce live shows.

The experimental collage artists combine samples, vocals (courtesy of Anne Doerner) and acoustic instrumentation on this second release.

The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter (who is frequently compared to Dave Matthews) attempts to duplicate the unexpected success of 2001's 'Room for Squares' with this third album.

Joe Pernice and company return with ten new indie-pop gems.

Professional surfer-turned-rocker Jack Johnson returns with his second LP of mellow alt-rock.

If you prefer your Fleetwood Mac songs written by Lindsey Buckingham, your 16-year wait is over. Joining Buckingham on this brand-new, 18-track album are Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

The Akron, Ohio guitar-drums blues duo (needless White Stripes comparison omitted) of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney recorded this sophomore effort in a single 14-hour session.

The second solo release for the former Pavement leader (although it is credited to "Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks"), 'Pig Lib' features 11 new tracks.

This is the major-label debut for the Bay Area punk rockers (whose initials stand for "A Fire Inside"), who got their start in Ukiah, Calif. in 1991. Garbage's Butch Vig produces.

They may not be easy to look up in search engines, but this very-much-rock quartet from Leeds, England could be found in all the UK music magazines, thanks to a much sought-after EP and this debut album.

The born-again Christian rap-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 hit 'Satellite.' Jason Truby replaces departed guitarist Marcos.

The hardcore rapper returns with his fifth studio album, hoping to duplicate the #1 success of each of his four previous LPs.

'Permission To Land' is the debut LP for the rock four-piece from Norfolk, England (and we're talking the big, loud, stadium-rock end of the rock continuum, not the indie-rock end).

The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).

Don't let the title fool you; the Glaswegian instrumental post-rockers are just as dour as ever on this fourth studio LP.

The Chicago-based emo band returns with their fourth full-length.

This breaktrhough sixth album for the German band combines a variety of disparate elements, most notably moody indie rock and glitchy electronica (think Hood's Cold House), to great effect.

Beseiged by legal problems (he was arrested in Chicago on child pornography-related charges) and rampant bootlegging of an earlier effort ('Loveland') that forced him to abandon that project, Kelly finally returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'TP-2.Com.'

Chan Marshall's first album of new material since 1998 was recorded in Los Angeles with Adam Kasper (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam), who in turn brought in friends such as Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder.

'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.

The former Clash leader was nearing completion of this fourth and final solo album when he died of a heart attack in 2002. It includes covers of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" (recorded without his backing band the Mescaleros) and Bobby Charles' "Before I Grow Too Old," as well as eight Strummer originals veering from reggae to rock.

The punk outfit led by Brody Armstrong (oops--make that Brody Dalle, now) makes its major-label debut with 'Coral Fang,' the band's third release overall.

The veteran Scottish band's first album for Sanctuary (after a long run on Matador Records) is also their first without singer/cellist Isobel Campbell. The 12 tracks here were produced by Trevor Horn.

Still going strong at 57, the Grammy-winning artist offers 12 new tracks, with some A-list backing from the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Jill Cunniff, Jane Siberry, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

The London-by-way-of-Los-Angeles-by-way-of-San Francisco rockers known as JAMC--er, make that BRMC--return with their second LP, which actually finds the group distancing themselves (at least a little) from the Jesus and Mary Chain-influenced sound of their debut.

The best indie rock band to come out of Modesto, California in quite some time (well, ever, we'd think) returns with a long-awaited fourth LP, arriving a full three years after The Sophtware Slump thanks to worldwide tours and a lengthy recording process.

The alt-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 megahit, 'Break The Cycle.'

The third album for the radio-friendly San Francisco-based alt-rockers is almost a concept album about breaking up with Charlize Theron, which--lest you think the band was getting wacky all of a sudden--band leader Stephan Jenkins actually did do recently.

The legendary English band, now re-formed, reunited and reinvigorated, return with their first LP in over a dozen years, with a sound that recalls the punk energy of their 1970s albums while sounding completely modern. Note that 7 of the 11 tracks here are also found in some form on 2002's twin "Read & Burn" EPs.

Yes, well, she does have a lot to be thankful for, doesn't she. This hit debut album is a direct result of the singer's victory on the first installment of Fox TV's "American Idol" talent competition in 2002. Judging from the album's credits, just about every musician and producer in the industry seemingly worked on the disc, although Clarkson did manage to co-write four out of the dozen songs.

Jason Molina rocks out a bit more on this latest offering, which finds the singer-songwriter backed by the same musicians on the 'Mi Sei Apparaso Come Un Fantasma' live album. Steve Albini produces, and to quote the official press release, "This is the first Songs: Ohia record with more than one song that could be played at a strip joint or monster truck show."

This limited-edition release from the Blur frontman consists of 14 original solo demos (recorded in hotel rooms during a recent tour) spread over four sides, each one clearly a work in progress.

Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.

The California nu-metal band offers a back-to-basics approach on this sixth LP.

This is the second album for the lo-fi indie-pop trio based in Montreal, Canada.

The soul singer's fifth LP is less political than previous efforts, as may be expected from a disc that lists three tracks titled "Love Song."

The British singer sticks to the successful formula established on her 1999 debut "No Angel" for this sophomore effort.

The Canadian singer-songwriter worked with producer Marius deVries (Björk, Massive Attack) for this third LP, which is actually the first half of what was originally planned as a double album ('Want Two' will instead arrive next year).

Less punk, more pop is the motto for the fourth album by the New Jersey emo band led by singer-songwriter Chris Conley.

Oft-compared to Joy Division, this unique British four-piece sports single-word names (Hamilton, Noble, Yan, and Wood), dons military apparel for their live shows, and tackles dark, weighty themes in their lyrics (Czech history, anyone)? 'The Decline' marks their full-length debut, drawing critical praise on both sides of the Atlantic.

The indie rockers took four years to record this third album.

America's favorite party animal attempts to move past the frat party/beer commercial sound of his hit debut album with this slightly more mature follow-up. Slightly.

Diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2002, veteran singer-songwriter Warren Zevon decided to record one final album. This 11-track effort includes contributions from numerous Zevon friends, including Ry Cooder, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Tom Petty, and Dwight Yoakam.