Former Nirvana drummer (and sometime Queens of the Stone Age drummer) Dave Grohl returns to the front of the stage for his role as vocalist, guitarist, and bandleader of the Foo Fighters on this, their fourth studio recording.

This is the fourth album for the London-based, Brazilian-born jungle/breakbeat producer and DJ, following 2000's well-received 'Supermodified.'

You know him from his days supplying the beats to the Fresh Prince, but DJ Jazzy Jeff has finally stepped into the spotlight with this solo debut. Vocals are supplied by a variety of guests, including Jill Scott, Raheim, ?uestlove and J-Live.

The British house trio has been performing, producing, and remixing for ten years, but 'Muzikizum' represents their first album, highlighted by the breakout UK hit single "Lazy" featuring guest vocals from David Byrne.

The No-Cal rap-metal outfit returns with a second album for Dreamworks (their third overall). Lead singer Coby Dick has reverted back to his given name, Jacoby Shaddix, but otherwise, the band and sound remain the same.

Former Camper Van Beethoven frontman David Lowery once again leads Cracker for the band's first new album in four years. Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous co-produces and adds backing vocals and instrumentation.

Founding member of Los Angeles punkers X and occasional actor John Doe returns with his fourth solo album, this one produced by Joe Henry with guest appearances from Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Aimee Mann, Jakob Dylan and Jane Wiedlin.

Known mainly for his work with PJ Harvey (most notably, 'To Bring You My Love' and 'Dance Hall At Louse Point'), producer/musician John Parish has previously released just one solo record under his own name. On this mostly instrumental record, he is supplemented by numerous guests, including Harvey and Portishead's Adrian Utley.

This debut LP for the electric English quartet was originally released in March 2001 to enough critical acclaim that Sony/Epic picked the album up for a re-release in the summer of 2002. Their sound combines harder-edged alt-rock with "shoegazing"-style noise manipulation.

This is the sixth studio LP from the Scottish three-piece.

Another member of the new generation of neo-art-punkers (think Interpol or Liars, perhaps), this Los Angeles-based British four-piece makes its debut with 'Chat & Business,' which comes with a complimentary set of stickers with which to decorate the album cover.

This Sub Pop debut for the British Columbia band falls into the 80s/punk revival category occupied by the likes of French Kicks and Radio 4, although Cure comparisons are more likely (since lead singer Steve Bays' voice sounds, at times, almost identical to Robert Smith's).

This is the second album for the eclectic indie-rock band fronted and founded by John Schmersal (Brainiac). For this outing, the band has expanded to a four-piece, with new members Matt Schultz and former Blonde Redhead bassist Toko Yasuda (who replaces Steve Calhoon and handles some vocals).

This self-released effort for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter (and former Til Tuesday frontwoman) is her first release since the twin 2000 critical successes of 'Bachelor No. 2' and the soundtrack to "Magnolia."

Yup... Up's two-letter name signifies that this is indeed a brand-new Peter Gabriel studio recording, his first since 1992's 'Us.' The music goes in a now-typical multi-cultural direction, with input from gospel singers The Blind Boys of Alabama and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The 60's star offers up ten new tracks with the help of friends Pulp, Blur, Billy Corgan, Beck, and Dave Stewart.

Australian alt-country singer Kasey Chambers follows her acclaimed 2000 debut ('The Captain') with this sophomore effort. Lucinda Williams guests.

The second album from New York City dance-punk outfit Radio 4 utilizes the production work of DFA (U.N.K.L.E., David Holmes) to create a sound reminiscent of Primal Scream's 'XTRMNTR.'

This debut album from the Richmond, Virginia band (featuring Maura Davis and members of Engine Down) was produced in part by Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.

American's favorite high school rockers have graduated and grown up, resulting in this, their fifth (and most mature) album to date.

This is the debut full-length release for the retro-pop band (think Cardigans or St. Etienne) founded by Lush guitarist/vocalist Emma Anderson and vocalist Lisa O'Neill. Many of the band's earlier singles appear here (in reworked versions), along with new material, all produced by Mark Van Hoen (Locust).

Fog is 23-year-old turntablist Andrew Broder, and this is his debut album, a cut-and-paste mix of various sounds combined with guitar and vocals.

Bonnie Raitt's first new album in four years was produced by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake.

What good's an Eminem movie without an Eminem soundtrack? It's not all Slim Shady here, though, as the soundtrack album incorporates other artists (Xzibit, Macy Gray, Jay-Z, Nas) in a mix of old and new tracks.

The man behind Built to Spill issues his first album under his own name, with a more acoustic, stripped-down, blues-influenced sound than you'll find on his BTS albums.

This is the debut full-length release for the New York art-rock four-piece, following a string of EPs.

These 14 new tracks from the Los Angeles punk band mark the 20th anniversary of the group's first LP.

Philip Noyce's period film about Austrialia's Aboriginal people, "Rabbit Proof Fence," serves as the inspiration for Peter Gabriel's return to recording for only the second time since 1992's 'Us.' Gabriel turns to Aboriginal music throughout the album, but don't expect any true "songs" from this work, which consists chiefly of longer, moody, instrumental pieces with a world music flavor.

This is the debut album for psychedlic British indie-rockers Electric Soft Parade (actually two teenage brothers, Tom and Alex White), drawing comparisons to everyone from Grandaddy and the Charlatans to Teenage Fanclub and Buffalo Springfield.

The only "rock" act signed to Peter Gabriel's Real World label, Akron, Ohio native Joseph Arthur returns with his third album.

Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs build on the sparse, cool electronica sound of their last album, 'The Sound of Water,' with this latest release. Doves guitarist Jez Williams makes a guest appearance.

Hull, England-based production duo Fila Brazillia have gained acclaim for their remixing work (Lamb, The Orb) and string of club-oriented releases which mix trip-hop, breakbeat, house, funk, hip-hop, and drum'n'bass. This studio effort (on the band's own 23 label) follow's last year's mix album 'Another Late Night,' and is their first album to feature vocals, courtesy of Steve Edwards, who sings on four tracks.

While, like other artists lumped under the "electroclash" label, the Canadian-born Peaches (Merrill Nisker) utilizes a vaguely early-80s style synth-based sound, no one else, then or now, has managed to be quite as raw, lewd and sexually graphic as she.

One of 2002's much-hyped neo-garage rock bands, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs have opened for acts such as the White Stripes and the Strokes, and have drawn comparisons to both. This five-track debut EP was originally released in 2001 on the indie Shifty label, and saw a rerelease in the summer of 2002 on Touch & Go.

Talk about apt titles. The British folk legend's first album in a whopping 17 years features 10 new songs recorded mainly with her son, Teddy Thompson, and numerous guests such as Rufus Wainwright, Van Dyke Parks, and ex-husband and recording partner Richard Thompson.

The former Led Zeppelin singer's first solo album in nearly 10 years is a mix of originals and covers, including Bob Dylan's "One More Cup of Coffee" (also recently covered by the White Stripes) and Tim Buckley's "Win My Train Fare Home."

This is the second full-length from the Kansas-based emo band.

Still going strong, the Seattle grunge band returns with its seventh studio album.

The legendary singer's third roots-country album for Sugar Hill Records includes 12 Parton originals as well as covers of Bread's "If" and, of all things, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."

The former backup singer for Missy Elliott and Timbaland comes into her own on this, her debut album, which was produced and co-written by her two benefactors. Tweet's presence and talent are evidenced by the surprising abundance of guitar/soul tracks here, instead of a reliance on electronic/dance numbers typical of a Missy-Timbaland production.

Based in Los Angeles, the Eels have had some stateside success on MTV but have perhaps found greater popularity in the UK and Europe. This new LP (their fourth) features guest appearances by Koool G Murder, John Parish (who also produces), and Joe Gore.

Not wanting to offend any potential listeners, the country superstar finally follows up the hit 'Come On Over' with two versions of her new album (both included in this two-CD set): a red disc of pop versions of her 19 new songs, and a green disc of those same 19 songs performed in a country music style. (A third, blue, disc of those songs performed in a world music style is targeted at international consumers.)

When it rains it pours: After going five years without a Weezer album, fans of the quirky alt-rockers get two new discs in two years, with this (their fourth release overall) quickly following 2001's Green Album.

Producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, a founder and member of acts such as the Gorillaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Deltron 3030 and Lovage, here offers his first mix album. Many of the cuts are from his own remixes or productions, and come from bands ranging from Tortoise to the X-ecutioners.

This is the much-heralded debut album from the English foursome, produced by Steve Osbourne.

Greek-born Londoner Andy Dragazis returns with his second album of chill-out electronica.

This is the second studio release for the London-based electronica/rock/funk band. Vocals are handled by a group of guests, including Bootsy Collins and Lisa Millet, following the departure of the group's vocalist Wrekked Train.

The fourth full-length for production duo Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons features the singles "Star Guitar" and "It Began In Afrika." Guest vocalists include long-time Chemical Brothers staple Beth Orton and Richard Ashcroft.

Kinky is a five-piece band from Monterrey, Mexico that combines rock, electronica, and traditional Latin music. This debut album was produced by Chris Allison (Coldplay, Beta Band).

This is the critically-acclaimed Alabama singer's third album, and first for her new label Universal South.

Believe it or not, these guys have been around for over 15 years now, and this is their eighth release (and first since 1998's 'Dizzy Up The Girl').

Although the album cover may say it's by J. Mascis & The Fog, there's not much left of The Fog other than J. himself on this 10 track effort.

The popular electronica band, now down to two members (founders Rick Smith and Karl Hyde) after the departure of DJ Darren Emerson, move forward with their first studio recording in three years, highlighted by 9-minute lead single "Two Months Off."

The English singer-songwriter finally returns with a follow-up to his 1999 breakthrough hit 'White Ladder.'

The Manchester-based pyschedelic pop quartet returns with a follow-up to their 2001 debut, 'Chemistry Is What We Are.'

Ivy's Andy Chase produced this sophomore effort from the French band that gave us 2000's irresistibly poppy 'Puzzle.'

The popular German trance DJ offers up his first set of original songs, featuring guest vocals by the likes of Kelis and Finley Quaye.

Playgroup is the brainchild of producer/designer Trevor Jackson, who has remixed artists such as Massive Attack, U2, and Death In Vegas. On this eponymous debut, a variety of guests from the hip-hop and indie music worlds (Kathleen Hanna, Shinehead, Edwyn Collins, KC Flightt, Roddy Frame, Rowetta) lends vocals to the twelve eclectic tracks, including a cover of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover."

The New York singer-songwriter works with producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Jewel) for this, his fourth album.

A comeback of sorts, 'Title TK' comes a full nine years after The Breeders' previous effort (1993's 'Last Splash') and sees the group with a new lineup (only Kim Deal and sister Kelley remain) and producer (Steve Albini).

Warren Zevon's eleventh studio recording (his first, 'Wanted Dead or Alive,' was released in 1969!) features songs penned with the help of an unusual group of collaborators, including novelist Carl Hiaasen and sportswriter Mitch Albom (whose song, "Hit Somebody! (The Hockey Song)," features a vocal spot from David Letterman, of all people).

Scottish composer Craig Armstrong has provided his arranging and writing talents to numerous film soundtracks (including Moulin Rouge) and albums by the likes of Massive Attack and Madonna. This is his third solo album, and features guest appearances by Evan Dando, Mogwai, Bono, and Photek.

The second album for acclaimed German electronica outfit Schneider TM (actually just one man, Dirk Dresselhaus) contains a mix of Mouse On Mars-like glitchy instrumental compositions and more poppy vocal tracks.

The band's first album of new songs since 1999's Viva el Amor contains 12 mostly reggae-tinged tracks.

The two surviving members of the popular R&B trio completed this long-delayed fourth album after the early 2002 death of cofounder Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Los Angeles-based Phantom Planet is best known for counting among its members "Rushmore" star Jason Schwartzman and "Donnie Darko" star Alex Greenwald. 'The Guest,' their second album, was produced by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake.

The former Australian teen grunge stars (whose 1995 debut was released when they were just 15) are still together, and this album marks their fourth release, highlighted by a more mature, refined sound.

The creation of Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, the Reindeer Section is a Scottish indie-pop supergroup. For this sophomore effort, the Section includes appearances from a whopping 27 people, including members of Belle & Sebastian, Arab Strap, Astrid, Mogwai, Mull Historical Society, Idlewild and Teenage Fanclub.

As you may have guessed from the title, this is an album of covers by Howe Gelb, mainly recorded with Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino. The ten studio tracks and three live performances include versions of Sonny Bono's "The Beat Goes On," Grandaddy's "Blue Marble Girl," and Black Sabbath's "Iron Man."

Chris Isaak's eighth album is his first since the disappointing sales of 1998’s 'Speak of the Devil,' but also his first since he took to the small screen in a Showtime comedy series.

Combining blues, R&B, jazz and funk influences, this latest offering from the ever-changing 4AD group headed by Warren Defever, like its predessor (2001's 'Someday My Blues Will Cover The Earth'), features the vocals of Lovetta Pippen. Included among the originals here are covers of The Equals' "Teardrops," Ida's "Maybe," and Jimi Hendrix's "Train."

Yes, it's *that* Soft Cell, the English band that brought you early 80s hits such as "Tainted Love" and "Sex Dwarf." Their first release since 1984's 'This Last Night in Sodom,' 'Cruelty Without Beauty' offers 12 brand-new tracks from the reunited duo of Dave Ball and Marc Almond.

The Los Angeles singer/songwriter's eclectic debut album comes after cuts on the soundtracks to "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Shallow Hal."

This is the first solo release from Slowdive and Mojave 3 frontman Neil Halstead, and includes occasional guest contributions from the likes of his bandmate Ian McCutcheon and Locust's Mark Van Hoen.

The English singer-songwriter's third LP features quite an array of guests, including Ryan Adams, Emmylou Harris, and the Chemical Brothers (who have utilized Orton's vocals on several of their own albums). Another longtime collaborator, William Orbit, appears for one track, with the remainder of the mixing duties falling to Everything But The Girl's Ben Watt.

Although their ride has been rocky at times, the Los Angeles band is nearing its 20th anniversary. (And if you grew up listening to the band, doesn't that make you feel old.) This, their eighth album, finds the Chili Peppers working with producer Rick Rubin.

The Netherlands-based techno artist returns with his fifth album, which is less experimental than previous efforts, instead offering a seamless set of hardcore techno.

The third and final album by the current lineup of this Chicago-based indie band (band member and Aesthetics label head Ken Dyber is leaving the group) includes 10 new tracks, featuring the alternating male/female vocals of Joseph Costa and Lindsay Anderson alongside the band's moody, haunting sound.

The Buzzcocks are back. Well, almost. Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, founding members of that seminal punk band, have recorded together for the first time in over 25 years, resulting in these 14 brand-new electronica-laden tracks.

The onetime budding star (you remember "One Of Us," right?) returns with an album of covers of classic soul and R&B tunes from the 1960s and 70s.

This is the eighth release from the nearly 15-year-old Seattle band, and it features new instrumentation (a horn section) and a new bass player (Guy Maddison, replacing departed founding member Matt Lukin).

The St. Louis rapper follows up the massive success of his 2000 debut LP 'Country Grammar' with 19 new tracks cut from the same cloth, including the Neptunes-produced single "Hot In Here." Justin Timberlake guests on one track.

Over two years in the making, 'After Everything' is the twelfth album from the Australian band, still best known for their 1988 hit "Under The Milky Way."

A male-female duo a la the White Stripes, Denmark's The Raveonettes make their debut with this brief disc of 8 neo-garage tunes.

As the title implies, this is not a true follow-up to 2001's 'Gold,' but rather a collection of demo recordings--13 never-before-released tracks (down from a rumored four-CD set!) captured on tape during spare moments while on tour.