After a five-year break from the music business, Lisa Germano returns with a new record deal and a new album, hoping to regain the cult following she developed through a series of critically-lauded releases for 4AD in the 1990s.

Known for her work as half of the 4AD group Dead Can Dance, as well as more recent efforts scoring such films as Gladiator and Whale Rider, Lisa Gerrard here unites with Irish classical composer Patrick Cassidy for ten new tracks, including songs sung in Aramaic, Latin and Gaelic.

The debut five-track EP for the California-based singer was produced by Band Of Horses' Bill Reynolds.

Dan the Automator co-produced this sophomore set for the English rockers led by Barrie Cadogan.

The debut album for the rock band headed up by The Strokes' Fabrizio Moretti and Rodrigo Amarante.

The Los Angeles band's debut album is the latest to incorporate afropop to its sound.

This is the second solo release for English singer-songwriter Gordon Anderson, who was a member of the original Beta Band lineup (and author of several of their hits including "Dry The Rain"). He tends to get labeled an "eccentric" by the music press, with frequent Syd Barrett comparisons.

Sweden multi-instrumentalist Emil Svanangen (aka Loney, Dear) makes his American debut with this re-release of his fourth album.

The latest album for Sweden's Emil Svanangen is his first on the Polyvinyl label.

John Leckie produced this second major-label release for the now five-member New York band led by Steve Schiltz.

The fourth album for the New York indie-pop band was produced with Peter Katis and Dave Fridmann.

The second album from the band founded by Stuart David of Belle and Sebastian.

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.

This six-track disc is a collaboration between Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, drummer Glenn Kotche, and Jim O'Rourke (known for both his acclaimed recent solo albums and work with Wilco and Sonic Youth).

This is the second album from the trio of Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Glenn Kotche and Jim O'Rourke.

The debut album for the Cardiff, Wales-based indie rock band was produced by David Newfeld.

The second release for the Welsh indie-pop band was recorded in two weeks.

The latest album for the Welsh rock band was recorded in Connecticut and Seattle, with Xiu Xiu's Jamie Stewart, Parenthetical Girls' Zac Pennington, and Dead Science's Jherek Bischoff appearing as guests.

Although the former Folk Implosion and Sebadoh member has recorded solo discs before under the name Sentridoh, 'Emoh' marks his first release under his own name. It includes six home-recorded tracks as well as eight new studio cuts recorded with producers Mark Nevers, Josh Schwartz and Wally Gagel.

This is the debut full-length for the bawdy San Diego, Calif. rock outfit led by Jason Hill and Brian Karscig.

Yes, this is indeed the fifth full-length for the band led by Sam Jayne.

The latest release for the indie band led by ex-Lync member Sam Jayne is its first on Isaac Brock's label.

The debut full-length solo release for The Wombats' frontman Matthew "Murph" Murphy features contributions from such artists as Soundgarden's Matt Chamberlain, Pixies' Joey Santiago, Bastille's Dan Smith, The Killers' Mark Stoermer, and Alt-J's Gus Unger-Hamilton.

The Swedish indie-rock band releases its sophomore album.

The third album for the Swedish indie rock band is the first with Polyvinyl.

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.

This three-disc box set, subtitled "10 Years of B-Sides and Rarities," is just that, collecting 56 tracks from the Duluth, MN slowcore trio. Also included in the set is a 32-page booklet and a DVD with videos, concert footage and documentaries.

The trio's seventh album (their first for Sub Pop) features production work from Dave Fridmann and an atypically energetic sound.

The slowcore trio (including new bassist Matt Livingston) reunites with producer Dave Fridmann.

The rock band from Tennessee releases their first album on the Universal Republic label.

This seven-track EP recorded during the sessions for 'Romantica' includes covers of the Rolling Stones' "Waiting On A Friend" and Kraftwerk's "Neon Lights," as well as five new songs and videos for "Lovedust" and "1995."

Bryce Goggin (Phish, Pavement) produced this final album for Dean Wareham & co., who have since announced their intent to disband. It includes a new version of the song "Astronaut" from the 2003 EP 'Close Cover Before Striking.'

Featuring former members of Spiritualized (who were fired by Jason Pierce before the recording sessions for 'Let It Come Down'), Lupine Howl offers up nine tracks on this debut album, including previously-released singles "Vaporizer" and "125."

This is the second LP for the band that was once Spiritualized--that is, before Jason Pierce fired them and hired a new Spiritualized.

A former member of the San Luis Obispo, Calif. trio Rodriguez, singer-songwriter M. Ward gained a bit of a following while supporting Bright Eyes on tour in 2002, and has drawn comparisons to Giant Sand, Tom Waits, and Grandaddy. This is his third solo release.

The Portland, Ore. singer-songwriter's fourth album includes contributions from members of Rilo Kiley, My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists and Giant Sand.

The singer-songwriter's fifth release finds him backed for the first time by a full band, which includes Rachel Blumberg (The Decemberists) and Jordan Hudson (The Thermals). Neko Case and My Morning Jacket's Jim James guest.

The fifth album for the French electronic group led by Anthony Gonzalez was produced with Ken Thomas and Ewan Pearson.

You wouldn't know it from their album covers, or their music, but this indie-rock four-piece hails from Athens, Georgia, not Tokyo. 'Tomorrow' is their third full-length and first in five years (four, if you include their collaboration with Bedhead).

'Madvillainy' is a collaboration between rapper MF Doom and producer Madlib.

The newest album for the duo from Connecticut.

This is the second album for Norwegian singer-songwriter Even Johansen, who records under the name Magnet.

The punky, all-girl Toronto-based trio's debut was produced by MSTRKRFT.

The title says it all. This 3-disc set indeed contains 69 love songs, all penned by Stephin Merritt (whose other projects include The 6ths, Future Bible Heroes, and the Gothic Archies). The Magnetic Fields have evolved into a real "band," including keyboardist Claudia Gonson (also Merritt's manager) and multi-instrumentalist John Woo, and Merritt alternates on vocals with Gonson and additional singers. Despite the almost encyclopedic variety of styles and huge volume of songs, there is surprisingly little filler here.

Stephin Merritt handles all of the vocal duties on Magnetic Fields' latest release (so named because each song title begins with the letter I), though the musicians who helped flesh out '69 Love Songs' return, including Claudia Gonson (also of Future Bible Heroes and the band's manager), John Woo and Sam Davol.

The latest album for the band led by singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt.

This is the debut full-length album for Swervedriver's Adam Franklin and Interpol's Sam Fogarino.

Recorded during a live performance by the Jason Molina-led four-piece in Brussels in 2003, 'Trials' includes seven songs from the Songs:Ohia catalog as well as three new Magnolia Electric Co. tracks.

This disc marks the first new studio recording for the Jason Molina-led four-piece since he dropped the Songs: Ohia name. (Just to be confusing, however, the new band name was the title of the last Songs: Ohia album.)

This is the incredibly prolific Jason Molina's second studio album with his blues-rock outfit Magnolia Electric Co.

The latest album from the Magnolia Electric Co. is a tribute concept album for their deceased bassist, Evan Farrell.

The francophone rock band from Montreal releases its third album.

This is the first solo release for the Scottish artist since the breakup of his band Arab Strap.

This is the fifth studio album for the ex-Arab Strap band member.

The British trio releases its first full-length album, which features the Vivian Girls on one song.

The newly reconfigured Philadelphia band, known mainly for their carnivalesque, acquired-taste sound and well-received live shows, return with a second LP.

The second full-length album for the indie-rock band from Atlanta was produced by Joe Chicarelli.

This is the debut disc for the atmospheric Denton, Texas indie rockers.

This is the second album for the Swedish garage rockers.

This is the third album for the Britrock-influenced Swedish band.

James Chapman releases his follow up to his Mercury Music Prize-nominated album, "We Can Create."

The second album for the group is its first on the Epic label. A vinyl version named Animal! contains songs they preferred, whereas this album contains songs preferred by Epic.

Following her tenure as singer for roots-rockers Lone Justice, Maria McKee issued a series of three solo releases in the mid 1990s, and then remained relatively quiet for seven years until 'High Dive,' her self-released return.

This solo debut for the Azure Ray member includes appearances from fellow Saddle Creek-ers Conor Oberst and Andy LeMaster.

The Azure Ray singer's second solo set was recorded with Spoon's Jim Eno and Now It's Overhead's Andy LeMaster as well as Memphis producer Doug Easley. Conor Oberst guests.

The Wales-born Greek singer-songwriter releases her debut full-length album.

This is the full-length debut from the four-piece consisting of Dismemberment Plan bassist Eric Axelson, former Promise Ring members Davey von Bohlen and Dan Didier, and Jawbox founder J. Robbins.

This second Maritime LP is the final one to feature former Dismemberment Plan bassist Eric Axelson, who left the group (which also includes former members of the Promise Ring) after its recording.

Rob Schnapf and Jon Brion produced the for the Los Angeles band (and by "band" we really just mean Evan Slamka).

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 covers album from the former American Music Club leader includes versions of songs by everyone from Culture Club ("Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?") to Glen Campbell ("Gentle on My Mind").

The American Music Club frontman's latest solo release, like 2001's 'Invisible Man,' finds him dabbling with electronica.

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 collection contains various covers recorded for tribute albums, plus radio recordings and two instrumentals.

New York guitarist Stern (who blends harder, experimental rock with more typical indie-rock tunes) makes her debut with this 13-song set co-produced by Zach Hill (Hella).

The sophomore album for the New Yorker was produced by Zach Hill

Daughter of Loudon and sister of Rufus, Martha becomes the third Wainwright to release an album in 2005. This self-titled effort is her full-length debut, following on the heels of her subtly-titled EP "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole."

The former Tricky collaborator was nominated for the UK's Mercury Music Prize for her solo debut 'Quixotic,' which arrives in the U.S. a year later re-sequenced, re-designed, and re-titled (as 'Anything'). Included (as on the original version) is a collaboration with Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan, as well as tracks recorded with Tricky and David Holmes.

The Boston-based singer-songwriter's second studio album features songs written by Nick Saloman (aka the Bevis Frond), as well as covers of Pink Floyd's "Fearless" and Pete Ham's "Baby Blue."

The second solo release for former Helium singer/guitarist Mary Timony was produced by Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.

Fugazi drummer Brandon Canty produced this third solo disc for ex-Helium leader Timony, who is joined here by guitarist Devin Ocampo.

The latest album for the singer-songwriter from Hawaii is said to be based on his childhood experiences.

This is the expansive second album for the New York state emo outfit.

This is the third album from the husband-wife duo of Kori Gardner (keyboards) and Jason Hammel (drums). Spoon's Jim Eno produced, along with John Croslin.