The Detroit-based "brother-sister" (or, if you don't believe everything you read, ex husband and wife) indie duo of Jack (guitars) and Meg (drums) White continue their stripped-down sound on this, their third full-length.

Much as he did for another Steven Soderbergh film ("Out Of Sight"), David Holmes provides the score for Soderbergh's Rat Pack remake. Much of the album consists of Holmes originals (including "69 Police," which also appears on his 'Bow Down To The Exit Sign' LP), supplemented by songs from the likes of everyone from Handsome Boy Modeling School to Elvis Presley.

The final installment in the 52-year-old Lowe's comback trilogy follows 1994's 'The Impossible Bird' and 1998's 'Dig My Mood.'

Perhaps best known for being the album that depicted the World Trade Center towers in flames on its cover (before the events of September 11 necessitated a last-minute change of artwork), 'Party Music' is the fourth full-length for the ultra-political rappers.

The Austin band's follow-up to 'Series of Sneaks' was a critical favorite in 2001, appearing on seemingly every year-end Top 10 list (and with good reason).

The second Four Tet album from producer Kieran Hebden (who is also in the band Fridge), 'Pause' is a dense, eclectic collection of a variety of electronic and live instrumentation and found sounds.

What started as a series of HBO shorts has turned into a full-fledged band, featuring actor Jack Black ("High Fidelity") and Kyle Gass. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Steve McDonald (Redd Kross) are among the guest musicians on this, the D's debut album, produced by the Dust Brothers.

Stuck in label limbo since 1997, 'Old Ramon' finally sees the light of day, thanks to Sub Pop records. It is the first official RHP release since 1996's 'Songs For A Blue Guitar,' although frontman Mark Kozelek released the solo album 'What's Next to the Moon' and appeared in the film "Almost Famous" in the interim.

The eclectic Washington, D.C.-based indie band follow their best-received album, 1999's 'Emergency & I,' with this, their fourth LP. The Plan announced their breakup subsequent to its release.

The latest release from GBV is a continuation of the band's new, more polished sound introduced on 1999's 'Do The Collapse.'

Brothers Nick and Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy return for the Lilac Time's sixth LP. The Barenaked Ladies' Stephen Page also contributes to the album.

The German electro-experimenters return with a follow up to last year's 'Niun Niggung.'

The debut album from 22-year-old Bilal Oliver features production work from Raphael Saadiq, Dr. Dre, Mike City and James Poyser. The first single is "Soul Sista," which originally appeared on the Love and Basketbal soundtrack.

The follow-up to his 1998 self-titled debut (which gained the Canadian singer-songwriter "Best New Artist" honors from Rolling Stone), 'Poses' contains 12 new tracks from sessions with five different producers. He also has songs on the soundtracks for "Shrek" and "Moulin Rouge."

This debut LP brought the much-hyped Liverpool band frequent comparisons to (and a tour with) Radiohead.

The debut solo release from the former leader of indie-rock legends Pavement.

The solo debut from The Indigo Girls' Amy Ray is a bit of a departure from her band's folk sound, instead offering a harder, punk-rock edge. Joan Jett is among the guests appearing on the album.

The follow-up to the Jaxx' critically-acclaimed 1999 debut album, 'Remedy,' 'Rooty' finds the British house duo adding to the party vibe with elements of pop and R&B thrown into the mix. The lead single is "Romeo."

One of the preeminent practitioners of the style of electronica labeled "Intelligent Dance Music," Autechre (consisting of Sean Booth and Rob Brown) returns with its first album in three years.

Although Lucinda Williams' recording career began in 1979, this is just her sixth full-length release, following 1998's well-received 'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.' 'Essence' features 11 new trackes penned by Williams and co-produced by Charlie Sexton and Bo Ramsey.

San Francisco's Beulah, part of the Elephant 6 collective of indie-pop bands, returns with a follow-up to their well-received 1999 effort 'When Your Heartstrings Break.'

Philly's psychedelic Bardo Pond offer up a 72-minute, ten-track disc. This is their fifth official release, and like its predecessors, it continues the tradition of using a drug reference in the title.

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have... the second album from the UK outfit featuring members of the Auteurs and Jesus and Mary Chain. The title track was a Top 20 hit in the UK.

Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega fills her sixth studio album with 13 new compositions. Former producer (and former husband) Mitchell Froom is gone, replaced by Rupert Hine, who creates an overall sound that is more like Vega's earliest recordings than her Froom-produced output during the 1990s.

Another solo release from the former Throwing Muses singer.

Britpop, New Wave, and Kraftwerk-style electronica come together in the debut full-length from Britain's Ladytron (named after a song from Roxy Music's debut album). The album repeats three of the songs from 2000's "Commodore Rock" EP (including the ever-catchy "Playgirl") and adds 12 new tracks plus the 1999 single "He Took Her To A Movie."

This is the third album for Mark Linkous and Sparklehorse.

The bands fifth studio album (and first for Beggars Banquet), 'Can Our Love...' features eight new tracks produced by the band with Ian Caple. It expands on the more-soul-based sound that appeared on 1999's 'Simple Pleasure.'

The release notes say that this is the third installment in the trilogy that began with "Not For Threes" and "Rest Proof Clockwork" and that it deals with the "duality of the ear." Hey, as long as it sounds good.

The Chicago-based avant-garde musician (best known for his work in Gastr Del Sol) offers up seven new tracks in his follow-up to 1999's 'Eureka.' Wilco's Jeff Tweedy adds guitar.

This is the Buffalo, NY band's follow-up to their acclaimed 1998 release 'Deserter's Songs.'

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith returns with his fifth album, produced by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy.

Produced by Matt Hyde, 'God Hates Us All' is the eighth studio album (and first in three years) for the Southern California thrash-metal band. Originally set for a July 2001 release, the album was delayed so that American Recordings head Rick Rubin and producer Sean Beavan could remix each of the tracks.

The fourth LP (and the first on Matador) from the experimental San Francisco outfit is a concept album about plastic surgery, utilizing samples from actual surgical procedures in its seven electronic/techno tracks. A track from this LP was included in the Whitney Museum's Bitstreams Exhibit in Spring 2001.

The Boise, Idaho trio returns with a follow-up to 1999's 'Keep It Like A Secret.'

The Welsh Britpop band returns with its second album in 2001 and sixth U.S. release overall. The first single is "Stood On Gold."

The first new album from Cave and his band since 1997's well-received 'The Boatman's Call.'

This CD collects the first three 10-inch EPs from the British electronica duo, whose Fred Deakin also designs the band's album covers.

This is Sam Phillips' first new album in five years, following 1996's poorly-received 'Omnipop.' Phillips' husband, T-Bone Burnett, produces.

The first full-length solo album from Red House Painters frontman Mark Kozelek (following his 2000 EP, 'Rock N Roll Singer') consists entirely, believe it or not, of Bon Scott-era AC/DC covers. You'd never guess it by listening to the album, however, as Kozelek transforms them into something entirely new.

The singer's third solo album was produced by T-Bone Burnett.

The suddenly-prolific 74-year-old Mississippi bluesman offers up a back-to-the-basics live set, recorded in Portland in January 2001 with two backing musicians.

'Gold' is the second solo release for former Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams, and garnered a good deal of attention for the singer-songwriter in 2001.

French band Fugu mines the pop sounds of the Beach Boys and the Beatles, a la contemporaries Stereolab (who contribute to this album) and Apples In Stereo.

Soul singer-songwriter Maxwell returns with his third studio album, following 1998's 'Embrya' and his well-received 1996 debut 'Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.' The disc includes a cover of longtime live staple "This Woman's Work" (a Kate Bush cover).

The normally prolific DiFranco hasn't released a new album since 1999's 'To The Teeth,' but now she returns with a vengeance: this 2-disc, 2-hour, 29-track collection of new songs. Ani goes solo on about half the tracks; the others feature members of her touring band. Guest musicians include trumpter Jon Hassell, sax man Maceo Parker, and guitarist Lloyd Maines.

Kathleen Hanna (also of Bikini Kill) returns for her second album with Le Tigre, the follow-up to the band's well-received 1999 debut.

"Money" Mark Nishita has worked with the Dust Brothers and the Beastie Boys. This is his third album and first for Emperor Norton.

This is the smash-hit debut album from 20-year-old singer-songwriter (and classically-trained pianist) Alicia Keys.

After the breakup of Olivia Tremor Control, Will Hart went on to form Circulatory System along with fellow musicians from that group as well as others, such as Jeff Magnum (Neutral Milk Hotel). This is their debut release.

Neil Hannon returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'Gin Soaked Boy.' A bit of a departure, this album utilizes Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and a larger group of musicians to highlight a more serious side to Hannon's music.

The sixth album from Mary J. Blige features guest appearances from Lenny Kravitz, Eve, and Missy Elliott and production work from The Neptunes and Dr. Dre.

The second full-length (not including a collection of EPs) from Britain's heralded Beta Band is just as eclectic as the band's first outing, combining pop and indie rock with touches of hip hop and electronica. The ten new tracks are highlighted by the singles "Squares" and "Broke." (And if the immodest album title reminds you of the Stone Roses' 'Second Coming,' don't worry--the comparisons end there.)

Busta's fourth solo album includes 20 new tracks produced by the likes of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock. Guest vocalists include P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, and the Flipmode Squad.

Working again with longtime producer Allen Reynolds, Brooks' first country-pop album in four years includes duets with George Jones and Trisha Yearwood. If Brooks' claims are to be believed, this will also be his farewell album.

Los Angeles-based alt-country outfit Beachwood Sparks return with a second album for Sub Pop. The disc includes a cover of Sade's "By Your Side."

The first album in four years (since 1997's 'The Drop') for Brian Eno finds the legendary musician/producer paired for the first time with German DJ/percussionist J. Peter Schwalm. Longtime Eno friend Laurie Anderson provides vocals on one song, although most of the thirteen tracks are atmospheric, soundtrack-like instrumentals (some with strings). Believe it or not, Eno will be performing live in support of the album, with at least one scheduled date (at the Fuji Rock Festival on 29 July 2001).

The second installment in the "Art Official Intelligence" series (following 2000's 'Mosaic Thump') features the hit single "Baby Phat" and guest appearances from Slick Rick and Cypress Hill's B Real.

Recorded during a 2000-2001 European tour, Radiohead's first live album contains just eight tracks: seven songs culled from 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac,' plus long-time live staple "True Love Waits."

'Reveal,' the Athens, GA band's 12th full-length album, marks the 20-year anniversary of the group. Operating as a trio for the second consecutive outing, R.E.M. offer up 12 new tracks, mainly of the mid-tempo acoustic guitar and keyboard variety. Guests include Joey Waronker, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), and Scott McCaughey (The Young Fresh Fellows).

This is the third album for Detroit-born Aaliyah, who debuted in 1994 (at the age of 15) with 'Age Ain't Nothing But a Number.' Timbaland produces three tracks. The singer died in a plane crash in August 2001, shortly after the release of the album.

Shawn Colvin's first album of new material in five years contains 11 tracks, including a collaboration with Edie Brickell ("Roger Wilco").

The legendary (and influential, at least among the indie rock set) New Zealand band The Clean returns with its first album in five years (and only the fourth of their 22-year career). Yo La Tengo's Georgia Hubley and Ira Kaplan guest on two tracks.

The debut LP from Britain's Turin Brakes (whom the press have heralded as 2001's Coldplay) collects five tracks from previous EPs as well as seven new songs.

The third LP from Scotland's Mogwai was produced by David Fridmann of Mercury Rev.

This is the debut American release for the Tokyo-born (but internationally-raised) singer-songwriter, who is the daughter of producer Don Costa and the goddaughter of Frank Sinatra. Costa has been performing since the age of five and has already scored hits in Europe and Australia.

Leonard Cohen's first album of new material since 1992's 'The Future' contains, oddly enough, ten new songs. Sharon Robinson co-wrote each of the tracks, as well as providing instrumentation and backing vocals.

This is the debut album for the former Mazzy Star chanteuse's new band.

These eleven tracks were recorded during the same sessions that produced 2000's 'Kid A,' but are a bit more song-like and a bit less electronic.

This is the former Beatle's first album of original recordings since 1997's 'Flaming Pie.'

Alison Krauss and her band have gained popularity in recent months, thanks to the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack (which featured the band's version of "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" among other contributions). This is their first album since 1999's 'Forget About It.'

Luna's first live recording compiles performances from New York's Knitting Factory and Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club, including the band's final show with bassist Justin Harwood and one of its first with Harwood's replacement Britta Phillips. The disc includes songs from each of Luna's five studio albums, as well as one track ("4th of July") from frontman Dean Wareham's previous band, Galaxie 500.

This is the third album for the Washington-based indie rockers.

Mark Eitzel's fifth solo release since the breakup of American Music Club is his first album in three years. Unlike on his previous albums, Eitzel is mostly alone here, both producing and playing most of the instruments.

The band's first album of new material in five years was produced by Tool with David Bottrill and features 13 tracks.

This is the third full-length album from the Brooklyn-based art-school indie rockers.

Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has ditched the other two members of his band (Ben Folds Five) for this 12-track solo album, on which he plays every instrument himself.

The "Madchester" scene is long over, but the Charlatans [U.K.] are still making music, following 1999's well-reviewed 'Us And Us Only' with this, their seventh album, which sees the band take a more playful, soulful approach.