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.

This debut disc for the New York duo of Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner was originally released in 2001 on Germany's International Deejay Gigolos label and immediately generated such buzz (partly due to the album's infectious 'electroclash' sound, and partly due to the pair's notoriety in the fashion scene) that English label Ministry Of Sound snapped up the album (and the duo) for a reported £2 million.

Richard Warren's third LP, produced by Flood, finds the multi-instrumentalist moving more toward mainstream electro/synth pop, closer to bands such as New Order and Primal Scream than his more experimental albums 'Volume 1' and 'Volume 2.'

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 latest full-length from the Chicago-based multimedia collective is a big step forward for the group, adding more vocals and an emotive indie-pop feel to their experimental electronic sound. Recommended for fans of the latest releases by bands such as Dntel, Hood, and Boards of Canada.

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.

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.

This greatest hits/mix disc by the German DJ/producer includes two previously unreleased tracks. The accompanying DVD, culled from over 40 hours of footage, is part travelogue and part behind-the-scenes documentary of Van Dyk in action.

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.

What could possibly be more relevant in 2003 than an 80s band covering their favorite hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s? Tracks here include Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," Buddy Holly's "Everday," and The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

The London-based duo of Tom Findlay and Andy Cato return with their fourth LP, named after one of their club nights.

The Los Angeles-based multimedia/production duo of Ross Harris and Craig Borrell, who have worked with artists such as Beck and the Dust Brothers and recorded two previous albums for Emperor Norton, return with their third LP.

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.)

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.

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]

Former One Dove vocalist Dot Allison returns with her second solo release, following 1999's 'Afterglow.' Here, she works with members of Two Lone Swordsmen, Mercury Rev, and Death In Vegas.

Breaking away from the Reprazent collective he headed, Bristol, England junglist Roni Size returns with his first true solo album, with no collaborators (or vocalists, for that matter) in sight on these 16 drum'n'bass tracks.

Legendary 1970s NYC electro-punk duo Suicide, hugely influential on the synth-pop, industrial, and electroclash movements to come in later decades, return with their first new album in ten years.

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

This is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especially Skinner) is the current flavor of the month with the UK music press.

Jack Dangers returns with his first Meat Beat Manifesto album since 1998's 'Actual Sounds and Voices.' The Orb's Dr. Alex Paterson and turntablist Z-Trip guest.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Washington D.C.-based production duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton are back with their third proper LP, following 2000's 'The Mirror Conspiracy.' Like its predessor, 'Babylon' is a multicultural mix of down-tempo instrumentals and vocal tracks, with Pam Bricker, Lou Lou, Notch, Emiliana Torrini, Sleepy Wonder and Shinehead providing the voices.

Why yes, yes we do. His real name is Tom Jenkinson, he dabbles in experimental electronica (a la Aphex Twin, who signed him to his first record deal), and this is his sixth album. Included among the seven new tracks here (totaling just 35 minutes) is an unexpected cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

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

The London-based electronica duo move toward a darker, dirtier, more electroclash-oriented sound on this third studio album.

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

The sophomore effort for the Los Angeles-based electronica/lounge duo (down from four members on their first outing) contains 11 new disco/lounge/world/electronica tracks, highlighted by lead single "Divine."

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 British techno pioneer(s) (now down to just one founding member, George Evelyn), return with their first studio album in three years.

This Los Angeles-based electroclash outfit is the brainchild of Matt Sims, who comes a close second to Beck in terms of pulling off a quality Prince imitation on this, his debut full-length.

The Icelandic band is quite a bit different from the one that released 1999's varied 'This Is Normal,' losing most of its members and changing its name (now, officially, "gusgus") and record label in the interim. Now consisting of just 4 members--three DJs and a new vocalist--gusgus offer up a more focused sound on 'Attention,' which tends toward stripped-down electronica and early-'80s electro sounds.

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.

'Details' is the debut full-length for the duo of producer Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Madonna) and vocalist Imogen Heap.

The first new album for the English electronic outfit in six years sees the band heading in a completely new direction, away from their dark electronica in favor of a more organic, psychedelic rock vibe. Surprisingly (for a FSOL album), there's guitar, vocals, strings, and harmonica, and trippy song titles such as "The Mello Hippo Disco Show."

Best known for his mix albums (especially those with John Digweed) and remixes (Madonna, Gusgus), British club DJ Sasha offers up his first studio recording.

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.

The English trip-hop outfit's fourth studio album features unlikely guest vocal appearances from rapper Slick Rick and Lambchop's Kurt Wagner.

The synth-pop duo of Amy Dykes (vocals) and Dan Geller (music) are best known for two things: (1) recording all of their music on a laptop computer, and (2) well, their name, which (understandably) attracted some attention post-September 11 and was briefly changed and then restored. This is the band's second full-length release, and includes covers of the Stone Roses' "Shoot You Down" and Blondie's "Call Me."

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.

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.

Legendary producer/remixer/DJ Paul Oakenfold (Happy Mondays, Perfecto Records) has finally gotten around to releasing an album as an artist. Vocals on this 11-track set come from the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Nelly Furtado, Tricky, Perry Farrell, Grant Lee Phillips, and Emiliana Torrini.

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).

Looper's third album (and first for Mute Records) finds Stuart David & co. adopting a darker tone for these ten tracks, which are closely integrated with the band's new live show and promotional materials to tell the story of two characters named Evil Bob and Peacock Johnson.

Who are Dirty Vegas? Chances are you have heard one and only one song from this UK poptronica trio: the track "Days Go By," used as the soundtrack to an overplayed Mitsubishi car commercial. This debut album features that song (twice) and ten others which have yet to appear on the telly.

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.

This debut album from the French electronica trio features the Wild Colonials' Angela McCluskey on vocals on a number of tracks.

Can he do it again? Coming a full three years after his surprise megahit 'Play,' this new album from Richard Melville Hall attempts to repeat that disc's success with (surprise) 18 new tracks, including collaborations with Angie Stone, Sinead O'Connor, Azure Ray and MC Lyte.

This 80s-esque goth/electro-pop debut album from the Los Angeles band fronted by P. Exeter "Elijah" Blue (the son of Cher and Greg Allman) finally sees an official release, after five years of delays and two separate major label deals.

This is the debut full-length for the Los Angeles-based experimental electronic artist.

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

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.

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).

Jack Dangers recorded this brief album under his own name (rather than as Meat Beat Manifesto) as part of the "Series 7" collection of albums, which require artists to record seven songs in a period of seven days.

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

Picked up by Emperor Norton for distribution in the U.S., this new wave-meets-eurodisco-meets-house disc features the programming talents of The Hacker and accented spoken vocals from Miss Kittin, who also appears on the recent Felix Da Housecat LP. Clubgoers may recognize the track "Frank Sinatra," which attracted some attention when released as a single in 1997.

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."

Three years after the industrial band's farewell album 'Adios,' founding member Sascha Konietzko is back recording under the KMFDM name, although just as on last year's album under the MDFMK moniker, co-founder En Esch is no longer with the group.

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.

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 French electronica duo Rinocerose gained notice for their 1999 debut 'Installation Sonore.' This sophomore effort features 12 new tracks of guitar-infused house.

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.

This is the first album in over three years (and first for new US label Emperor Norton) for the all-girl Japanese indie-electronic-rock-pop outfit. Money Mark and John McEntire make appearances here, although Cornelius does not.

This disc collects remixes and B-sides (album title notwithstanding) culled from the singles generated by the animated supergroup's international hit debut album. The 9 songs here (totalling just 38 minutes) include two previously unreleased tracks.

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.

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.

The Scottish duo finally return with a full-length follow-up to their acclaimed 1998 debut, 'Music Has A Right To Children.'

This ten-track release (officially, an E.P.) contains remixes drawn from the French duo's 2001 album '10,000 Hz. Legend.' There are three versions each of "Don't Be Light," "People In The City," and "How Does It Make You Feel," as well as the previously unreleased "The Way You Look Tonight."

The band that gave us alt-radio hit "6 Underground" returns with a third album, although their second (1999's 'Splinter') failed to secure U.S. distribution. Guitarist Chris Corner now handles lead vocals, replacing the departed Kelli Dayton.

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.

Procuded by Mo'Wax label head James Lavelle (U.N.K.L.E.), the debut album from London's South mixes electronica and indie rock, drawing comparisons to everyone from the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays to Badly Drawn Boy and DJ Shadow.

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.

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.

Clocking in at 65 minutes, this EP from Japanese experimental electronica producer Nobukazu Takemura contains just four songs, including the title track (which differs from the version on 'Hoshi No Koe') and "Souvenir in Chicago," a 35-minute jam session featuring members of Tortoise.

This first U.S. release (a debut album, 'Roulette,' was released in 2001 in the UK only) for the duo of ex-Cocteau Twins guitarist Robin Guthrie and ex-Mono vocalist Siobhan De Mare compiles the contents of three previous EPs along with three new tracks and a video (on a bonus CD-ROM).

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.

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.

This is the second Green Velvet album from Chicago-based DJ Curtis Jones (aka Cajmere), best known for his hit club single "Flash."

This is the Leeds, England indie-rock band's first American LP release in four years. Akin to recent Radiohead, this disc incorporates experimental electronica elements, and also adds guest vocals from members of hip-hop outfit cLOUDDEAD.

This sample-driven Austrialian dance outfit scored a hit in its homeland with this, its debut full-length release (following three EP releases since 1997). The UK music press created a publicity avalanche for the band in the Spring of 2001, as the album picked up strong reviews (quotes from some appear below) and was featured in numerous articles. Packed with over 600 samples of recordings dating from the 1950's to the present (each one credited in the liner notes!) as well as original instrumentation, 'Since I Left You' is a varied and unique record.

"Nathaniel Merriweather" is merely the latest incarnation of producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, best known for his work with Dr. Octagon and the Gorillaz. Merriweather was last seen on 1999's Handsome Boy Modeling School debut, and here he is joined in his new band, Lovage, by Kid Koala, Damon Albarn, Prince Paul, Faith No More's Mike Patton, and the Elysian Fields' Jennifer Charles, among others.