The Chicago-based post-rockers return with their sixth album, their once frenetic pace of releasing albums slowed over recent years due to numerous side projects (solo albums for vocalist Sam Prekop and guitarist Archer Prewitt, and work in Tortoise, among other things, for drummer John McEntire). Included here is the band's cover of David Bowie's "Sound and Vision."

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.

The former Style Council and Jam frontman returns with a solo album, and finds Weller producing and playing most of the instruments himself, with the help of a few celebrity guests such as Noel Gallagher, Kelly Jones and Aziz Ibrahim.

'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).

Byrne's latest release originated as the soundtrack to the film 'Young Adam' (itself based on the novel by Scottish beat writer Alexander Trocci). Since the film is set in Scotland, and since the former Talking Head himself was born there, he decided to enlist members of Glasgow-based groups such as Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian and The Reindeer Section to assist with this music (only a small portion of which actually is heard in the film).

The eleventh album from Bill Callahan and (Smog) features new vocalist Sarabeth Tucek.

Turntablist Eric San (aka Kid Koala) finally emerges with a follow-up to his acclaimed 2000 debut 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' after spending a few years touring, writing a comic book, and serving in the band Gorillaz.

Frequently compared to the Beta Band, this equally eclectic Isle of Wight-based duo of Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher literally recorded this debut album in their shed.

The duo of Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) return with their fifth LP.

This debut disc from the hyped London garage band (deemed the UK's version of The Strokes by British music mags) was produced by The Clash's Mick Jones.

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.

The sixth studio LP for the distinctive English band is preceded by the EP "Don't Even Go There" (which shares one track with the album).

This major-label debut for the Massachusetts alt-metal band finds the group willing to experiment with and open up its sound, adding more adventurous elements into the mix.

The ever-prolific Robert Pollard returns with a brand-new GbV studio disc (the 15th or so since 1987), retaining the core group of musicians that has been with him for the last few albums.

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 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.

Adams' 'Love Is Hell' 2-part album concludes with seven more tracks.

The Virginia band's sophomore disc has a more immediate sound compared to their trip-hoppy self-titled debut.

The New-York four piece makes its full-length debut with this 10-track effort that has drawn comparisons to the usual suspects (Joy Division, The Cure, The Pixies, et al) as well as to newer bands who also draw from the same sources (Interpol, Hot Hot Heat, et al).

The Glaswegian guitar rockers emerge with their second full-length album, an even more intense affair than their 2001 debut 'Story In White.'

Named after a recent documentary about him, Westerberg's latest home-recorded solo disc contains some of the songs first heard in that film, as well as new material. It was released concurrently with 'Dead Man Shake' by his alter-ego, Grandpaboy.

This debut LP for the Brooklyn retro rap outfit (consisting of three female vocalists--including two high school students--backed by a pair of DJs) includes their surprise hit single, "Cameltoe."

The talented singer-songwriter reunites with producer David Rawlings for her fourth album.

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

This sophomore effort for the former Whiskeytown member was, like her acclaimed 2002 debut, produced by Chris Stamey. Mary Chapin Carpenter and Mitch Easter are among numerous guests on the album.

This mini-album marks the debut for the New York-based all-female hip-hop trio (think "Beastie Girls" and you won't be too far off).

This is the latest challenging release for Sole, one of the founders of the anticon collective of underground hip-hop artists.

Stephin Merritt's soundtrack to the film "Pieces of April" includes previously released tracks from his bands The 6ths and Magnetic Fields, as well as four brand new songs from the latter.

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

This is the fourth album for the Florida-based emo band led by Christopher Carraba.

The Los Angeles-based indie-rock band led by Blair Shehan (formerly of Knapsack) makes its long-awaited full-length debut after several years of touring with bands ranging from Death Cab For Cutie to the Foo Fighters.

Nominated for Britain's Mercury Music Prize for his 2001 debut 'Here Be Monsters,' DIYer Ed Harcourt returns with his second studio recording.

The trio worked with producer Dave Eringa (Ash, Manic Street Preachers, Kylie Minogue) for this sophomore release.

21-year old Rjyan Kidwell seems to have all the bases covered on his latest full-length, which might be considered your typical glitchtronica-indie-folk-hip-hop-emo-electro-party jam, if it weren't for the fact that there is absolutely nothing typical about it at all.

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.

This six-track disc is a collaboration between Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, drummer Glenn Kotche, and Jim O'Rourke (known for both his acclaimed recent solo albums and work with Wilco and Sonic Youth).

Unlike Jack and Meg White, this brother-sister garage-blues duo really are brother and sister. 'Gallowsbird's Bark' marks the full-length debut for New Yorkers Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger after several years touring with the likes of Spoon, The Kills and French Kicks.

The fifth album from the experimental electronica duo of M. C. Schmidt and Drew Daniel (best known in the past few years as Bjork's backing "band") takes a 21st century approach to 19th century themes. Members of Radar Brothers and Acetone guest, as does pianist David Grubbs.

Portland, Oregon's The Thermals recorded this "no-fi" (otherwise known as "very, very, very lo-fi") debut album direct to four-track at the house of founding member Hutch Harris.

Denmark's Raveonettes--now including two new members in addition to founders Sune Rose Wagner, Sharin Foo and their drum machine--make their major-label debut with this 13-track effort produced by Richard Gottehrer (Blondie). As on their debut EP, all songs are restricted to a single key (here, b-flat major) and must be shorter than 3 minutes.

The days of hard-rocking Yo La Tengo appear to be over (at least on record), as the Hoboken, NJ trio continues along the atmospheric, lower-volume path begun on 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out.' Included among the 13 Roger Moutenot-produced tracks is a cover of Big Star's "Take Care" and the James McNew-sung "Tiny Birds."

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

Trail of Dead fans waiting for the band's follow-up to 2002's 'Source Tags & Codes' will have to make do, for now, with this 5-track EP (which also contains three videos).

This is the fourth album for the Neil Halstead-fronted band, who have taken on a more alt-country feel since their origins in Slowdive.

Otherwise known as the backing band for Robert Pollard in Guided By Voices, Cleveland's Cobra Verde combine numerous 70s rock influences on this, their third studio album. J Mascis guests.

Back together for the first time since their 1996 breakup, the college radio faves offer up 12 new tracks on this self-titled release. The lineup here includes original co-founder Kristen Hersh, drummer David Narcizo and bassist Bernard Georges, with fellow co-founder (and Hersh's half sister) Tanya Donelly on hand as well to contribute backing vocals.

After a five-year break from the music business, Lisa Germano returns with a new record deal and a new album, hoping to regain the cult following she developed through a series of critically-lauded releases for 4AD in the 1990s.

The eclectic Mexican five-piece returns with a sophomore LP.

The experimental English electronic duo of Rob Brown and Sean Booth was able to find enough time while serving as curators of the 2003 UK version of All Tomorrow's Parties to record this, their seventh full-length as Autechre.

Kyoto, Japan's Nobukazu Takemura plays all of the instruments (and computers) on his latest release of playful, poppy electronica, which features vocals from a speech synthesizer.

The solo debut for the Kings of Convenience guitarist (who also provided vocals on the recent Röyksopp album) features 10 tracks recorded in 10 cities with 10 different producers, including Schneider TM, Soviet, Prefuse 73, and Metro Area's Morgan Geist.

The first album in four years for Kurt Heasley and his band continues his fixation with all things British.

The former member of Guided By Voices returns with a solo album (his fourth), recorded in his Michigan home.

Thirsty Ear's Blue Series continues with the unlikely pairing of avant-garde jazz pianist (and Blue Series curator) Matthew Shipp with the experimental New York hip-hop outfit Anti-Pop Consortium. This is also the very last album to be released by APC, who have officially disbanded.

The Brooklyn band's dance/punk/80s hybrid debut follows months of hype and anticipation fed by several years of touring. Included here is the single "House Of Jealous Lovers."

This 1999 debut album for the all-girl Swedish garage band gets a belated U.S. release (complete with new packaging and bonus tracks) to capitalize on the recent success of their American breakthrough, 2002's 'Jennie Bomb.'

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.'"

John Hammond follows his successful album of Tom Waits covers, Wicked Grin, with his first-ever original material. Well, ok, so he only wrote one song on this new album, but it is his first. Complimenting that track are selections written by the likes of Tom Waits, George Jones, Jagger/Richards and David Hidalgo (who also appears on the album).

More "rocking" than recent LP 'Summer Sun,' this six-track EP includes four new songs plus alternate versions of "Cherry Chapstick" and the title cut.

Perhaps the most successful Dirty South rapper, Ludacris returns with his third Def Jam release.

Mixing post-rock and emo with punk edigness and experimentalism, Chicago's Joan of Arc features members of the Owls and Cap'n Jazz, including Owls vocalist Tim Kinsella. On this fourth album, they are also joined by members of Califone, Isotope 217, and Ugly Casanova, among others.

The latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series (which mixes cutting-edge jazz with elements of electronica and hip-hop), 'Equilibrium' showcases the talents of avant-garde pianist Matthew Shipp.

The Reverend returns to his roots, reuniting with the same producer (Willie Mitchell), Memphis studio (Hi Records' Royal Studios) and session musicians that made him a legend during the 1970s.

Berlin's Stefan Betke (aka Pole) makes his debut for Mute with this 4-track disc, the first in a planned series of EPs.

If you think the concept of a guitar-drums blues duo from Detroit sounds a bit, well, familiar, consider this: Soledad Brothers guitarist Johnny Walker allegedly is responsible for teaching the White Stripes' Jack White how to play guitar. This is the Brothers' third studio LP.

A reunited Jane's Addiction (sans bassist Eric Avery) is back with their first studio recording in 13 years.

Bassist Britta Phillips and guitarist Dean Wareham (each a member of the band Luna) offer a mix of originals and covers, including takes on songs by Madonna, the Silver Jews and the Doors, all produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex).

Already being heralded as 2003's version of The Streets, the suburban London duo who compose the Audio Bullys combine everything from punk, ska, new wave, and house on this debut.

'Beauty Party' represents experimental hip-hop artist Mike Ladd's second album in a planned trilogy, the first being 2000's 'Gun Hill Road' by The Infesticons. Unlike its predecessor, the Majesticons disc ventures into commercial rap territory (albeit with a satirical bent), attempting to skewer contemporary hiphop by beating it at its own game.

This self-titled disc (the band's fifth studio recording) was recorded in Arizona with Calexico/Giant Sand producer Craig Schumacher.

This is the third LP for the Louisville-based emo band known for their strong live shows.

The sixth solo release for Yo La Tengo bassist James McNew finds him playing all of the instruments on 13 tracks that veer from style to style but share a certain lo-fi charm. There are ten originals and three covers, including the unlikely album-closing take on Thin Lizzy's "Cowboy Song."

Southern California native Harper has gained a cult following for his jam-band-like approach to roots rock. This is his fifth studio LP.

Rjyan Kidwell's second release of 2003 (third, if you count his all-instrumental alternate version of 'Being Ridden') features 8 new songs that run the gamut from rap to industrial rock to glitchy electronica.

The first of two planned 2003 releases for the far-from-prolific Bristol-based electronica collective sees the group pared down to one original member: Robert "3-D" del Naja (although Grant "Daddy G." Marshall intends to return to the group for the next disc). Horace Andy returns to provide vocals on several tracks, and Sinead O'Connor also guests on two songs.

Hersh's sixth solo album finds the Throwing Muses founder working with Howe Gelb (Giant Sand).

The Boston-based trio has developed a devoted following over the course of three albums and ten years of touring. This fourth album, produced by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo), adds additional elements such as bass and drums to their ususal mix of two acoustic guitars and bongos.

Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan's side project returns with a second LP on which he's backed by Jeordie "Twiggy Ramirez" White (Marilyn Manson), Billy Howerdel (Tool's guitar tech) and Josh Freese (Guns N' Roses).

This sophomore LP for the Reading, England band continues the retro-futuristic pop sound (frequently compared to Stereolab) from their debut, with vocals sung in English, Spanish and French.

The fourth album for the alt-country trio (whose song "Moment in the Sun" is the theme for NBC's "Ed") was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (American Music Club).

This is the second album from the post-punk outfit, one of the edgier, less-mainstream bands on the current New York underground circuit.

This self-titled release is the fourth studio album for the California alt-metal outfit.

Love Is Hell, Part 1 is one-half of the planned 'Love Is Hell' full-length that Adams had intended as his official follow-up to 2001's 'Gold' until Lost Highway refused to release it intact (instead encouraging the singer to record a more upbeat LP, 'Rock n Roll'). John Porter (The Smiths) produces.

Skull Ring marks Iggy Pop's first appearance with his original band The Stooges in 30 years, as they provide backing on four tracks here. Also guesting are members of Green Day and Sum 41.

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.