This enhanced-CD experience is TMBG's first official album geared toward the younger set, with 17 children's songs with titles such as "Where Do They Make Balloons?" and "I Am Not a Grocery Bag." (Not that the titles themselves make this any different than a grownup TMBG album, mind you.)

Founded in 1996 in San Francisco, this now New York-based instrumental outfit (which shares some members with the band !!!) has previously drawn a bit of acclaim for their vinyl-only releases. This six-track effort represents their first CD release, which showcases their dancier, dubbier, funkier brand of post-rock.

One of the first Next Big Things of 2002, Sweden's The Hives follow last year's media darlings The Strokes and The White Stripes in bringing the rock back to alternative rock. The only catch is that the band has been around for over a decade, with this particular album actually dating back to 2000, when it gained a limited U.S. release on a tiny Epitaph imprint. However, the Swedes were able to benefit from the rush to capitalize on the neo-garage/punk-rock movement by scoring a major label deal in early 2002 and a rerelease of this, their second full-length. (They've got The Strokes beat on length, though, managing to release an even shorter album, at just 27 minutes.)

Written for a Robert Wilson stage production of Georg Büchner's unfinished 1836 play 'Woyzeck,' 'Blood Money' is one of two Waits releases in May 2002 (the other being 'Alice,' which was similarly created for the stage).

The Oklahoma band finally returns with a follow-up to perhaps their strongest effort to date, 1999's 'The Soft Bulletin.' Here, the Lips venture even more into electronic territory, working once again with producer Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev). Yoshimi of Japanese band The Boredoms guests on vocals on one track and lends her name to part of the album's title (the "Yoshimi" part, not the "Pink Robots" part).

It's a bit hard NOT to get noticed when your band consists of a couple dozen people dressed in white robes, but having one of the most memorable debut albums in recent years (think Mercury Rev + Spiritualized + Up With People) certainly doesn't hurt. This 10-song debut (which was originally intended as a demo) did in fact land the Austin, Texas band led by former Tripping Daisy member Tim DeLaughter a major label deal.

The band's first album since 1997's 'This Is Hardcore' is produced by Scott Walker and features 12 new tracks.

The Canadian singer-songwriter's fifth album finds Sexsmith experimenting with electronica for the first time.

This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. The original version, featuring mainly electronic instrumentation, was intended for release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). This new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.

Toronto-based singer/songwriter Hayden (Paul Hayden Desser) returns to his bedroom-recording indie-label roots, after two previous releases for Geffen.

The very, very distinctive Icelandic band generated an enormous amount of positive press (and deservingly so) for their previous effort, 'Ágætis Byrjun,' which led to a major-label deal and this album, which, like each of its eight tracks, does not have a real title.

Alt-country singer-songwriter Neko Case returns with her third solo album, after last appearing on the New Pornographers' acclaimed 'Mass Romantic" album. Here, the moody, cinematic music is provided by members of Calexico and Giant Sand.

The fifth album (and first in three years) for the bassist/singer features 16 new tracks (including a bonus remix of "Pocketbook" by Missy Elliot and Rockwilder) in an eclectic mix of styles.

The Boss' first studio album with the E Street Band since 1984's 'Born In The U.S.A.,' 'The Rising' contains 15 new Springsteen songs produced by Brendan O'Brien.

Pop/jazz vocalist and pianist Norah Jones, the daughter of Ravi Shankar, picked up 5 Grammy awards for this debut album, produced by Arif Mardin.

The Leeds, England band celebrate their 25th anniversary with this 11-track release that veers from country to punk.

This is the second international release for Japanese producer/remixer/artist/recording star Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada), following his 1998 breakthrough debut for Matador, 'Fantasma.' A bit less cut-and-paste than its predecessor, 'Point' still showcases a range of musical styles in its 11 tracks.

The moody alt-country band led by David Eugene Edwards returns with its darkest set of songs yet.

Now into their third decade of recording, Sonic Youth offer up a return to form that has more in common with their output of the 80s than with anything they have released in recent years. Multi-instrumentalist Jim O'Rourke, who worked with the band on their previous effort 'NYC Ghosts & Flowers,' is now a full-fledged member of the group.

Often compared to Doves and Radiohead, Manchester-based Elbow is yet another new alternative band to emerge from the British music press hype machine. This debut album was shortlisted for 2001's Mercury Music Prize.

Missy Elliott reunites once again with super-producer Timbaland on this, her fourth studio album. The lead single is "Work It," a huge success even before the album's release. Guests on the disc include Jay-Z, Ludacris, Beyonce Knowles, TLC and Method Man.

While the first full-length for the English chill-out duo, 'LemonJelly.KY,' was a collection of previously released singles, 'Lost Horizons' represents their first true album, with eight new tracks clocking in at precisely one hour in length.

You won't read very many reviews of this New York band without seeing the words Joy Division pop up, and although there are some similarities, Interpol has something new to offer as well. This debut LP includes the tracks "PDA" and "NYC" from the group's well-received first single for Matador.

The Bay Area's Josh Davis (aka DJ Shadow) finally returns with a proper full-length follow-up to 1996's groudbreaking 'Endtroducing,' which achieved near-legendary status for its imaginative use of samples (a style that would later be adopted by acts such as The Avalanches).

This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.

This is the debut album for the downbeat electronica duo from Norway, which has drawn comparisons to bands such as Air, Groove Armada, and Boards of Canada. Erlend Oye (Kings of Convenience) provides vocals on several tracks.

Jay-Z's mortal enemy returns with his third (!) release of 2002, which includes collaborations with Alicia Keys and 2Pac (yes, that 2Pac, who, as you may recall, died several years ago).

Indie Boston rapper Mr. Lif returns with his fourth album.

This is the fourth Ninja Tune release for the innovative London-based hip-hop outfit, mixing somewhat more traditional rap cuts with acid-jazz and trip-hop instrumental pieces.

Singer/songwriter Josh Rouse's third solo LP was produced by Roger Moutenot.

Ugly Casanova is the alter ego of Modest Mouse singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, who makes his solo debut with this release. The 13 tracks were produced by Brian Deck (Tortoise, Sea and Cake), and the backing band includes Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession) and Tim Rutili (Red Red Meat), but it sounds a lot like a Modest Mouse release.

This is the second full-length album for the Los Angeles-based indie band, who are now labelmates of Omaha's Bright Eyes. Fans of the TV program "Boy Meets World" (all three of you) may recognize guitarist Blake Sennett, who played Joey on that show. (Singer Jenny Lewis has also guested on numerous sitcoms over the years.)

The UK quartet follows the critical and commercial success of their 2000 debut album 'Parachutes' with this long-awaited follow-up release, which the band has suggested may be their last.

Slightly (and confusingly) changing their name to Godspeed You! Black Emperor for this outing, the Canadian instrumental band recorded these 5 tracks (clocking in at 75 minutes) with Steve Albini as a follow-up to their extremely well-received 2000 effort 'Lift Yr Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven.'

On his fifth album, the underground rapper ventures more into the rock, soul, and jazz territory of his influences, with production help from the Soulaquarians. An eclectic array of guests includes Prince, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier.

The California alt-metal outfit finally returns with a successor to the smash hit 1999 album 'Issues.'

Boards of Canada's very first release--once limited to just 100 self-released vinyl copies in 1995--has finally been reissued on CD. (So if you've been holding on to your 12-inch to sell on eBay, tough luck.)

Which Beck is it? The party-loving Beck of 'Odelay' and 'Midnite Vultures,' or the more serious, singer-songwriter Beck of 'Mutations.' On this latest release, it is the latter, as Beck reunites with Mutations' producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) for a set of darker, atmospheric, more acoustically-oriented tracks.

The legendary (and quirky) English band fronted by Robyn Hitchcock follow their 2001 reunion tour with this, their first new studio recording in 22 years.

Recorded live at a March 2002 show in Toronto, this 22-track, 2-disc set includes songs from Hayden's three previous albums, as well as three new tracks and a cover of Neil Young's "Tell Me Why."

This latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series of progressive/experimental jazz recordings is the work of turntablist DJ Spooky (Tha' Subliminal Kid), whose own mixing, bass, and kalimba are joined by jazz notables such as Matthew Shipp, Guillermo Barreto Brown, William Parker, and Medeski, Martin & Wood's Billy Martin.

Steve Albini was behind the boards for the Chicago-by-way-of-Seattle band's third album for Touch & Go Records.

Instead of a real follow-up to "The Hour of Bewliderbeast" (look for that later in 2002), Damon Gough returns with the score to the film adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel. The 16 new tracks here are split between short instrumental pieces and full songs.

Working with a variety of producers, the acclaimed New York rapper returns with his second album. Mos Def, Bilal and members of the Roots are among the guests.

Kurt Wagner & co. return for the band's sixth album, which is a more stripped-down affair than their previous effort, 'Nixon.'

The distinctive Liverpool indie/garage band is back with a follow-up to their well-received 2000 debut 'Internal Wrangler' (which was just released last fall in the U.S.). The positive press generated by these two releases led to the band signing a major-label deal with Universal, which re-released 'Walking With Thee' on August 6, 2002.

This is the sophomore effort for the duo of DJs from a popular London club known as The End. It is not a mix album, however; instead, the 14 trance-house tracks are original compositions.

The groundbreaking English four-piece art-punk band has reunited (25 years after their debut) to record this 6-track EP, representing their first new studio output together since 1990's 'Manscape.'

The official solo debut for the Phish head features 12 new Anastasio-penned tracks, with the guitarist backed by an eight-piece band.

The roots rocker tackles a variety of tough, contemporary issues on this latest release, perhaps his most political, issue-oriented album yet. Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris guest.

The New York-based experimental jazz trio expands its sound on this album by adding turntablists DJ P Love and DJ Olive and a five-piece horn section.

This is the fourth album (and third record label) for the Athens, GA indie outfit.

The veteran Chicago house producer offers up 16 tracks of modernized 80's electro (think Daft Punk or Ladytron), highlighted by "Silver Screen (Shower Scene)." The album picked up a great deal of acclaim in the UK when it was released in mid-2001, and finally secured U.S. distribution (through Emperor Norton) in early 2002.

Even the most casual DMB fan knows the story by now: Dave & Co. record a dark, challenging album with producer Steve Lillywhite, those "Lillywhite Sessions" are leaked onto the Internet where the tracks quickly become fan favorites, and the band chooses not to release them, instead heading back into the studio with producer Glen Ballard to record 'Everyday.' The new studio LP 'Busted Stuff' does not contain those original tracks from the 2000 sessions, but nine of those songs (plus two new tracks) are here, newly recorded.

This long-awaited fourth album from the London-based outfit headed by Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres is an even more eclectic mix of styles than previous efforts. The 13 new tracks include the excellent (and excellently titled) lead single "Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III," and a reworking of "People Power (In The Disco Hour)" from Singh and Ayres' Clinton side project.

This third album for the Jersey City rockers (who come across a bit like an emo Tenacious D) was produced by Steve Albini.

The aptly named 'Three' is the third solo release for graphic artist/Sea And Cake guitarist Archer Prewitt.

The Sunshine Fix is a 60s-themed side project for Olivia Tremor Control's Bill Doss.

Forget the Chemical Brothers; British producer/DJs Dan and John Kahuna really are brothers, and this, their debut LP, plays like a tour of electronica, venturing from electro to disco to acid to downtempo.

This is the third album for the San Francisco band featuring drummer Lynn Perko and former Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum.

Not the true follow-up to 'Toxicity' that fans were hoping for, 'Steal This Album' instead consists of outtakes from that 2001 album, originally leaked on the Internet in rough versions and now polished up for release on CD.

Prolific 22-year-old Nebraska singer-songwriter Connor Oberst returns to his Bright Eyes guise for this 13-track effort, following a stint fronting the band Desaparecidos.

The 54-year-old singer-songwriter returns with his first album of new material since 1997's Grammy-winning 'Hourglass.' Russ Titleman produces.

The Chicago indie band's fifth album is the first in a planned trilogy, and features a bit more electronics than previous outings. Members of Tortoise guest on the album, as does Rebecca Gates from the Spinanes.

The R&B singer returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'The Heat' which sees her moving in more of a hip-hop direction, with production help from hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Babyface, Irv Gotti and the Neptunes.

The Boys' eighth studio release features features Johnny Marr on guitar.

Although the 20-something New York City rockers have the names of two former Can vocalists in their moniker, their sound is more frequently compared to the MC5. 'Electric Sweat,' their second album, attracted a good deal of attention for the band from music publications in the U.S., drawing the now-mandatory Strokes comparisons.

After wowing music critics and winning Britain's Mercury Music Prize for his 2000 debut album, 'The Hour of Bewilderbeast,' Damon Gough (who is the one and only member of Badly Drawn Boy) took a bit of time off, recording only the soundtrack for 'About A Boy' in the interim. He now returns with a proper follow-up, preceded by single "You Were Right."

This is the fifth LP for the Athens, GA-based indie-pop band (part of the Elephant 6 collective) fronted by Andrew Rieger and Laura Carter.

This debut LP from the experimental punk outfit from Brooklyn known for their strong live sets features lengthy song titles and an even lengthier closing track (clocking in at over half an hour).

The late Beatle's final studio album was produced by Jeff Lynne with Harrison's son, Dhani.

Fresh off the Roxy Music reunion tour, Bryan Ferry resumes his solo career with this 13-track effort, a mix of Ferry originals and covers (including two Dylan tracks). Ferry has actually been working on this album for parts of the last eight (!) years, and it includes contributions from former Roxy Music partner/nemesis Brian Eno, the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, and Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood.

The suddenly prolific Amos returns with 18 new tracks, begging the question: Y Kant Tori Capitalize Her Song Titles? The album, her first for Epic, is structured as a cross-country journey through the U.S.

The Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and producer Ant offer up 18 new tracks.

The Duluth, MN indie band, known for their slow, sparse sound and vocal harmonies of husband and wife guitarist Alan Sparhawk and drummer Mimi Parker, scored their biggest critical success yet with 2001's 'Things We Lost In The Fire.' This follow-up features 13 new songs (many of which have been debuted live on recent tours) mixed by Tschad Blake.

The cosmopolitan electroclash foursome returns with a follow-up to their well-received 2001 debut, '604.'

Snoop's sixth LP features production work from The Neptunes and DJ Premier (among others), with guest appearances by Redman, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Jay-Z, and Ludacris.

Manitoba consists entirely of Toronto's Dan Snaith (yes, we are aware that Toronto isn't actually in Manitoba), and this is his debut album. [This release was originally credited under the name Manitoba before being re-released under the name Caribou after the name change]

This is the third album for the Irish indie-punk quartet, and takes a less harsh, more pop approach than their poorly-received 1998 sophomore effort 'Nu-Clear Sounds.'

One of many musicians to benefit from the unexpected success of the 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' soundtrack, 75-year-old bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley reunites with producer T Bone Burnett for this 12-track effort.

Luna's sixth studio album is their first on new label Jetset, and also their first (aside from Luna Live!) to feature Brita Phillips on bass (replacing Justin Harwood, and leaving Dean Wareham as the sole founding member remaining). The all-star production team of Gene Holder and Dave Fridmann were behind the boards for these 12 new tracks.

The London-based electronica outfit, known for their vintage analogue equipment and propulsive (and destructive) live shows, return with their fifth full-length.

The Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit returns with a follow up to their 2000 debut, 'Quality Control.' Nelly Furtado guests on one track.

Prone to making concept albums, the Athens, GA band led by Kevin Barnes returns with a more conventional offering for this, their fifth LP.

Basically a continuation of The Wedding Present (but with a broader, more "cinematic" sound), Cinerama features David Gedge and Simon Cleave from that band as well as Gedge's wife, Sally Murrell. Torino, the group's third studio album, was produced by Dare Mason and longtime collaborator Steve Albini, and features the UK hit single "Health And Efficiency."