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."

Ian Astbury & Co. return with their first album of new material since 1994.

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

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.

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.

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.

The fourth LP for the Brooklyn-based indie band is their first since 1999's highly-acclaimed 'The Albemarle Sound.' Led by vocalist Gary Olson and now expanded to five additional full-time mebers, the group continues to develop their Britpop-influenced sound on this latest outing.

This is the third album from the group since founding members Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant reunited in 1997.

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.

This is the fourth album for the UK's Echobelly. It includes the singles "Tell Me Why" and "Digit."

Fantastic Plastic Machine is Japanese DJ/radio host/fashion magazine editor Tomoyuki Tanaka, and this is his third release, capturing a wide range of sounds from Philly soul to lounge to exotica to electronica. Schoolhouse Rock vocalist Bob Dorough guests on one track.

The Josh Haden-led Spain expanded to a four-piece band for this, their third album.

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

The first album of new material in three years for the ever-consistent Cowboy Junkies.

Believe it or not, this is indeed a brand-new album from L.A.'s Go-Go's -- their first in 17 years, to be exact. The original lineup (including Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin) is intact for this 13-track outing, produced by Paul Kolderie and Sean Slade (Hole, Radiohead). Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong is featured on the first single, "Unforgiven."

This "green album," produced by Ric Ocasek, is actually the second untitled album for the Los Angeles band, not to be confused with 1994's "blue album." The album is the band's first since leader Rivers Cuomo's graduation from Harvard -- in fact, it is their first since their 1996 sophomore effort, 'Pinkerton,' which alienated some fans with a shift toward an angrier sound.

This sophomore effort from Icelandic quartet Sigur Ros (which translates to "Victory Rose") appeared on numerous year-end Best Of lists in 2000, despite not receiving an official release in the United States until the following year. Imagine one of Radiohead's recent albums -- or better yet, Spiritualized or My Bloody Valentine -- but with everything sung in Icelandic. This album garnered the band the 2001 Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement In Music.

'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).

Melding post-rock and electronica, German trio To Rococo Rot have garnered attention by releasing a series of well-received albums on indie labels (most notably 1999's 'The Amateur View') and producing Saint Etienne's 'Sound of Water' LP. Here, they combine with New York turntablist I-Sound for their first release on Mute Records.

The band's sixth album is their first since the death of bassist Bobby ("Brooklyn Bob") Sheehan and serves as a tribute to him.

'Lions' continues to build on the sound established in 1999's 'By Your Side,' with this outing produced by Don Was.

This is the sophomore major-label release for the New England alt-metal band.

J.G. Thirlwell's first album as Foetus in four years finds the industrial pioneer back with eleven new tracks and another monosyllabic title.

Perhaps the former Talking Head's best solo work since 1994's 'David Byrne,' 'Look Into The Eyeball' features 12 tracks and, as expected, numerous musical styles. NRU from Cafe Tacuba guests on the Spanish-language track "Desconocido Soy."

This is the third album from London glam-rockers Placebo. The U.S. release adds two bonus tracks: a new version of "Without You I'm Nothing" with David Bowie guesting on vocals, and a cover of Depeche Mode's "I Feel You."

The first solo album in seven years for the Fleetwood Mac vocalist was partially produced by Sheryl Crow. Sarah McLachlan lends her voice to one track. Other guests include Macy Gray and Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks.

The fifth album from the British rockers is their first U.S. release in five years.

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 first album from the Manics in three years features the singles "Found That Soul" and "So Why So Sad."

The first album from the Philly trio since 1999's Philadelphonic features guest appearances from Medeski Martin & Wood keyboardist John Medeski and Morphine drummer Billy Conway.

The first album in three years for the Dutch collective. This 12-track set was produced by Steve Albini.

The follow-up to 2000's 'Growing Up Clean in America' EP is a full-length album with 15 new tracks.

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

This is the fourth full-length from Athens, Ga-based Of Montreal, led by Kevin Barnes. The full title is 'Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies: A Variety of Whimsical Verse.'

This "lost album" from Modest Mouse was originally recorded in 1994 to be the band's debut album, but was eventually shelved. This release contains additional tracks recorded during the same time period as the original 'Sad Sappy Sucker.'

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.

The first album in three years for the indie rockers is an epic 2-CD set.

The inaugural major-label LP from the Bay Area indie rockers, whose 1998 debut album 'I Become Small And Go' garnered them Best New Artist honors from Spin.

This is the third full-length for the British threesome. It debuted at #1 on the UK music charts.

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

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.

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

A double-disc live set from The Boss and the reunited E Street Band, recorded at a pair of Madison Square Garden performances at the end of their 1999-2000 tour. Includes two new tracks ("Land of Hope and Dreams" and "American Skin"), as well as favorites such as "Born to Run" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out."

The major-label debut from the British-influenced rockers from Los Angeles.

The sophomore effort from the Los Angeles rockers.

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

This is the major-label debut for the San Francisco adult alternative band.

The first release in three years from the Brazilian heavy metal band, which is fronted for the second time out by new vocalist Derrick Green.

A collection of B-sides and previously unreleased tracks recorded during the 'Sound of Water' sessions, with material frequently as strong as that on the previous LP. The CD includes two bonus tracks: remixes of "Boy Is Crying" and "Lose That Girl."

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.

The third full-length from the Minneapolis band.

The French shoegazers' third LP was co-produced by Ian Caple (Tindersticks).

This new 14-track set from Eric Clapton features a mix of originals and covers (including songs by Stevie Wonder and James Taylor).

Another solo release from the former Throwing Muses singer.

This five-track EP from the Seattle band is their first release in three years.

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.

Bigdumbface is a side project of Limp Bizkit's Wes Borland.

The second album from the Los Angeles-based power trio (coming a full six years after their 1995 debut, 'Magnosheen').

The third solo album from Seattle producer Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Geraldine Fibbers), who has also recorded with the instrumental band Pell Mell.

Southern California's Alien Ant Farm is the first band signed to Papa Roach's New Noize label.

The third album from the London-based indie outfit.

This is the sophomore American release from the Norweigian group, following their eponymous debut on Kindercore (which shares about half of the same tracks with this album).

Juliana Hatfield and company reunite for their first album in 8 years.

Two albums in one; also included is the Young Fresh Fellows' 'Because We Hate You.' Scott McCaughey appears in both bands.

Matthews' first collaboration with producer Glen Ballard (who has produced albums by Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, and Wilson Phillips) results in a collection of shorter, more focused tracks than DMB fans may be accustomed to.

Scotland's Nicholas Currie (aka Momus) returns with an usual album that combines (fake) traditional folk tunes with modern electronica.

Included on the same CD with The Minus 5's 'Let The War Against Music Begin.'

The first full release in four years for the duo of Jad and David Fair.

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 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 Athens, GA indie experimentalists follow their 1999 debut album with a new 7-track album.

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

The CD contains 19 Pixies B-sides (sequenced chronologically) as well as music videos for "Here Comes Your Man" and "Allison."

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."

The third solo release from former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante.