Album Releases by Genre

Alligator

Alligator

by The National
April 12, 2005
This is the third LP for the Brooklyn five-piece fronted by deep-voiced Matt Berninger.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Boxer

Boxer

by The National
May 22, 2007
Sufjan Stevens is among the guests on the Brooklyn band's follow-up to their acclaimed 2005 release 'Alligator.'
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.8
High Violet

High Violet

by The National
May 11, 2010
The band and Peter Katis produced the Brooklyn-based rock quintet's fifth full-length album.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Kings & Queens

Kings & Queens

by The National Trust
January 24, 2006
The Chicago-based outfit led by Neil Rosario and Mark Henning return with a Prince-esque sophomore set.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
tbd
Wrath Of Circuits

Wrath Of Circuits

by The Nein
May 17, 2005
This is the full-length debut for the Durham, NC dance-punk outfit led by Finn Cohen.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
tbd
Mass Romantic

Mass Romantic

by The New Pornographers
November 21, 2000
This Vancouver, Canada-based indie-rock supergroup features members of Limblifter, Zumpano and Destroyer and is fronted by Neko Case.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.0
Electric Version

Electric Version

by The New Pornographers
May 6, 2003
The Vancouver, Canada indie supergroup attempts to duplicate the success of 2000's 'Mass Romantic' with this sophomore release. Neko Case returns to handle vocal duties.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.8
Twin Cinema

Twin Cinema

by The New Pornographers
August 23, 2005
This is the third album of sunny indie-pop tunes for the acclaimed union of Neko Case, Dan Bejar (also of Destroyer) and A.C. Newman.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.1
Challengers

Challengers

by The New Pornographers
August 21, 2007
The Canadian indie rock band's mellow fourth album.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.6
The End Is Near

The End Is Near

by The New Year
May 18, 2004
This is the sophomore disc for the Texas five-piece featuring former Bedhead co-founders (and current brothers) Matt and Bubba Kadane. The album was recorded in Chicago with Steve Albini.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.0
The New Year

The New Year

by The New Year
September 9, 2008
The indie rock band started by ex-Bedhead members Matt and Bubba Kadane releases its third album.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.7
See You In Magic

See You In Magic

by The Night Marchers
April 22, 2008
This is the debut album for the newest band led by John Reis of Rocket From the Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, and Hot Snakes.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.9
Neon Golden

Neon Golden

by The Notwist
February 25, 2003
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.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.7
Black Foliage: Animation Music

Black Foliage: Animation Music

by The Olivia Tremor Control
March 23, 1999
This second studio album for the experimental Elephant 6 band led by William Cullen Hart and Bill Doss includes the single "Hideway" among its 27 (!) tracks.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.6
This Too Will Pass

This Too Will Pass

by The One AM Radio
February 20, 2007
This is the third release for the lo-fi indie outfit led by Hrishikesh Hirway.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
The Silent Hours

The Silent Hours

by The Open
July 5, 2004
This debut for the Liverpool five-piece recalls bands such as Echo & The Bunnymen, U2 and The Verve. Cocteau Twins' Simon Raymonde produced.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.6
Brassbound

Brassbound

by The Ordinary Boys
June 20, 2005
Stephen Street produced this more ska-oriented sophomore release for the Brighton, England outfit.
Metascore:
50
User Score:
8.0
Thieves [EP]

Thieves [EP]

by The Organ
October 14, 2008
The Canadian band reformed briefly after it broke up in 2006 to record these six songs for the never-finished follow-up to its 2004 debut album.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
tbd
The Others

The Others

by The Others
January 31, 2005
This is the full-length debut for the London band led by 22-year-old Dominic Masters.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
4.9
No Mundane Options

No Mundane Options

by The Paddingtons
November 3, 2008
The second album for the British indie-rock band was produced by Owen Morris.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
tbd
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
February 3, 2009
This is the debut full-length album for the New York indie-rock band.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.5
Higher Than The Stars [EP]

Higher Than The Stars [EP]

by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
September 22, 2009
The four-track EP features a song remixed by Saint Etienne.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
6.4
God Bless Your Black Heart

God Bless Your Black Heart

by The Paper Chase
June 8, 2004
The Texas noise-rock trio led by John Congleton returns with a third LP.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.0
Now You Are One Of Us

Now You Are One Of Us

by The Paper Chase
June 6, 2006
The experimental Dallas, Texas outfit led by John Congleton returns with a spooky, noisy fourth album.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Someday This Could All Be Yours, Vol. 1

Someday This Could All Be Yours, Vol. 1

by The Paper Chase
May 26, 2009
The first of an expected two-volume concept album features new drummer Jason Garner.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.7
Let There Be Morning

Let There Be Morning

by The Perishers
April 12, 2005
'Morning' marks the U.S. debut for the Swedish four-piece, who originally formed in 1997.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.0
The Phenomenal Handclap Band

The Phenomenal Handclap Band

by The Phenomenal Handclap Band
June 23, 2009
The debut album for the New York group started by Daniel Collas and Sean Marquand.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.8
Beating Back The Claws Of The Cold

Beating Back The Claws Of The Cold

by The Pica Beats
September 23, 2008
Metascore:
60
User Score:
tbd
Emergency

Emergency

by The Pigeon Detectives
May 26, 2008
The sophomore album for the British band was produced by Stephen Street.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
7.3
The Beginning Stages Of...

The Beginning Stages Of...

by The Polyphonic Spree
June 4, 2002
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.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.1
Together We're Heavy

Together We're Heavy

by The Polyphonic Spree
July 13, 2004
Although the Dallas-based robe-wearing collective (who number close to 30) recorded their buzz-generating debut in just two days, this sophomore effort is the result of a full year in the studio. (Presumably, it's a very large studio.) Eric Feldman (Sparklehorse) and The Speekers produced.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.8
The Fragile Army

The Fragile Army

by The Polyphonic Spree
June 19, 2007
This third LP is the first release since 2004 for the Texas-based choral/symphonic rock group fronted by Tim DeLaughter.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.4
Celebration Castle

Celebration Castle

by The Ponys
May 3, 2005
Steve Albini produced album #2 for the Chicago post-punk outfit.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.8
Turn The Lights Out

Turn The Lights Out

by The Ponys
March 20, 2007
The Chicago band's third album marks their Matador debut. John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr.) produces.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.2
Every Kind Of Light

Every Kind Of Light

by The Posies
June 28, 2005
Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer reunite for their first album as The Posies in seven years. They are joined by Matt Harris (Oranger) on bass and Darren Minwalla (Preston School of Industry) on drums.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.3
Give Up

Give Up

by The Postal Service
February 18, 2003
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.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
9.0
By-the-Numbers

By-the-Numbers

by The Postmarks
November 11, 2008
The second full-length album for the Florida indie-pop band features cover songs by a variety of artists including Nancy Sinatra, Bob Marley, David Bowie, The Ramones, The Jesus & Mary Chain, and The Pointer Sisters.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Memoirs At The End Of The World

Memoirs At The End Of The World

by The Postmarks
August 25, 2009
The second album for the Florida trio features songs influenced by the music of various films.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Wood/Water

Wood/Water

by The Promise Ring
April 23, 2002
The fourth album from the Milwaukee emo band is their first with veteran producer Stephen Street, who gives the album a more expansive sound.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.4
Lesser Matters

Lesser Matters

by The Radio Dept.
August 30, 2004
'Lesser Matters' is the debut disc for the Swedish shoegazers.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.9
Clinging To A Scheme

Clinging To A Scheme

by The Radio Dept.
April 20, 2010
The Swedish trio returns with a more pop sound for its third release.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
Capture / Release

Capture / Release

by The Rakes
April 25, 2006
The London four-piece try to capitalize on press generated by recent support slots for the Libertines with this debut disc, produced by Paul Epworth (Bloc Party).
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.5
Ten New Messages

Ten New Messages

by The Rakes
March 19, 2007
The London band's second album was produced by Jim Abiss and Brendan Lynch.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.5
Klang

Klang

by The Rakes
March 23, 2009
The third album for the British indie-rock band was recorded in Berlin.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
7.8
Echoes

Echoes

by The Rapture
October 21, 2003
The Brooklyn band's dance/punk/80s hybrid debut follows months of hype and anticipation fed by several years of touring. Included here is the single "House Of Jealous Lovers."
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.2
Pieces Of The People We Love

Pieces Of The People We Love

by The Rapture
September 12, 2006
The New York City dance-punk outfit returns with a sophomore album a full three years after their debut 'Echoes.' 'Pieces' sees them ditching The DFA for new producers Ewan Pearson, Paul Epworth and Danger Mouse.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.5
Tapes

Tapes

by The Rapture
November 25, 2008
The New York indie-rock band releases its first mix album.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Rascalize

Rascalize

by The Rascals
June 23, 2008
The debut album for the trio from England features Miles Kane, who worked with the Arctic Monkey's' Alex Turner to form The Last Shadow Puppets.
Metascore:
48
User Score:
7.9
Whip It On

Whip It On

by The Raveonettes
November 19, 2002
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.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.2
Chain Gang Of Love

Chain Gang Of Love

by The Raveonettes
September 2, 2003
Denmark's Raveonettes--now including two new members in addition to founders Sune Rose Wagner, Sharin Foo and their drum machine--make their major-label debut with this 13-track effort produced by Richard Gottehrer (Blondie). As on their debut EP, all songs are restricted to a single key (here, b-flat major) and must be shorter than 3 minutes.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.0
Pretty In Black

Pretty In Black

by The Raveonettes
May 3, 2005
'Black' finds the Danish duo expanded to a more melodic, less noisy trio, with new bassist Anders Christensen joining vocalist Sharon Foo and guitarist Sune Rose Wagner. Also appearing are Velvet Underground drummer Maureen Tucker, Suicide's Martin Rev, and Ronnie Spector.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.4
In And Out Of Control

In And Out Of Control

by The Raveonettes
October 6, 2009
The fourth album for the Danish rock duo was produced with Thomas Troelsen.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.1
Introduction

Introduction

by The Red Krayola
April 18, 2006
Hardly a real introduction--after all, the band has been recording since 1967--'Introduction' finds the Mayo Thompson-led underground rockers returning with an atypically accessible effort, produced by John McEntire.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
tbd
Son Of Evil Reindeer

Son Of Evil Reindeer

by The Reindeer Section
August 13, 2002
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.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
6.2
Breaking Up

Breaking Up

by The Research
February 27, 2006
'Breaking Up' is the English trio's debut album.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
tbd
Animal Lover

Animal Lover

by The Residents
April 5, 2005
The mysterious San Francisco-based artists--who have been at it now for over 30 years--return with a collection of vaguely animal-themed tracks.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
Revival

Revival

by The Reverend Horton Heat
June 29, 2004
Jim Heath & co. return for an eighth album of rockabilly tunes.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
Great Escape

Great Escape

by The Rifles
January 26, 2009
The British quartet releases its second album, produced by Stan Kybert.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
6.3
Carousel Waltz

Carousel Waltz

by The Robot Ate Me
May 10, 2005
The third album for the indie-pop outfit is, for one thing, a lot shorter (at 30 minutes) than their previous double-album effort On Vacation.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.8
The Invisible Deck

The Invisible Deck

by The Rogers Sisters
March 7, 2006
Compared to a no-wave B-52's, the garage-rock trio Rogers Sisters return with a second LP, produced by Tim Barnes.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.7
The Royal We

The Royal We

by The Royal We
August 19, 2008
The first and only album by the Scottish/American indie-pop band, which broke up before the album was released.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Sea Lion

Sea Lion

by The Ruby Suns
March 4, 2008
This is the sophomore album for the New Zealand band led by ex-Californian Ryan McPhun.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.4
Fight Softly

Fight Softly

by The Ruby Suns
March 2, 2010
The third album for the New Zealand-based indie band led by Ryan McPhun is its first on the Sub Pop label.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.2
Girls And Weather

Girls And Weather

by The Rumble Strips
August 5, 2008
The debut album for the English quartet was produced by Tony Hoffer.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
tbd
Hometowns

Hometowns

by The Rural Alberta Advantage
July 7, 2009
Orginally self-released in early 2008, Saddle Creek re-releases the debut full-length album for the Canadian indie rock band.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.7
Our Thickness

Our Thickness

by The Russian Futurists
May 3, 2005
Mathew Adam Hart's quirky one-man bedroom-pop band (think Magnetic Fields) returns with a third album.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.7
Favourite Colours

Favourite Colours

by The Sadies
August 24, 2004
The Toronto, Canada country-surf-rockers led by the Good brothers (Dallas and Travis) return with a self-produced effort. Robyn Hitchcock guests on one track.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.6
New Seasons

New Seasons

by The Sadies
October 2, 2007
The Canadian alt-country rockers return with their latest album.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Oui

Oui

by The Sea and Cake
October 3, 2000
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.8
One Bedroom

One Bedroom

by The Sea and Cake
January 21, 2003
The Chicago-based post-rockers return with their sixth album, their once frenetic pace of releasing albums slowed over recent years due to numerous side projects (solo albums for vocalist Sam Prekop and guitarist Archer Prewitt, and work in Tortoise, among other things, for drummer John McEntire). Included here is the band's cover of David Bowie's "Sound and Vision."
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.8
Glass [EP]

Glass [EP]

by The Sea and Cake
May 6, 2003
This EP-sized companion-piece to One Bedroom contains three versions of tracks from that recent album (remixed by Stereolab, Carl Craig and Broadcast) as well as four new songs.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
tbd
Everybody

Everybody

by The Sea and Cake
May 8, 2007
The Chicago post-rock outfit fronted by Sam Prekop switches producers (from John McEntire to Brian Paulson) for this latest 10-track set.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.6
Car Alarm

Car Alarm

by The Sea and Cake
October 21, 2008
The eigth album for the indie rock band formed in Chicago was recorded in three months.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Kratitude

Kratitude

by The Seconds
March 21, 2006
This is the second album for the trio of Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Zach Max (Ex Models) and Jeannie Kwon.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
tbd
The Shackeltons

The Shackeltons

by The Shackeltons
January 29, 2008
The debut album for the quintet from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Lunglight

Lunglight

by The Shaky Hands
September 9, 2008
The debut full-length album for the Portland, Oregon-based indie rock band.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
tbd
Chutes Too Narrow

Chutes Too Narrow

by The Shins
October 21, 2003
Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.3
Wincing The Night Away

Wincing The Night Away

by The Shins
January 23, 2007
The increasingly-popular indie-pop outfit led by James Mercer returns with a third album.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.2
Replica Sun Machine

Replica Sun Machine

by The Shortwave Set
May 5, 2009
The sophomore album for the London-based band was produced by Danger Mouse.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
tbd
The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused

The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused

by The Silent League
March 30, 2004
The Silent League is the new orchestral pop outfit for Mercury Rev touring keyboardist Justin Russo. On this debut disc, Russo and the other five permanent group members were joined by Grasshopper from Mercury Rev, Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino, and Grand Mal's Bill Whitten.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Gorgeous Johnny

Gorgeous Johnny

by The Skygreen Leopards
July 21, 2009
The duo from San Francisco releases their first album in three years.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
Lovers

Lovers

by The Sleepy Jackson
July 29, 2003
The Australian rockers, who have attracted attention in their homeland and in Europe with their early EPs, make their full-length debut with this LP.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.2
Personality (One Was A Spider, One Was A Bird)

Personality (One Was A Spider, One Was A Bird)

by The Sleepy Jackson
July 25, 2006
This is the second album for the Australian band led by Luke Steele.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.5
The Sound Of The Smiths

The Sound Of The Smiths

by The Smiths
November 11, 2008
This assortment of singles, B-sides, and live songs from The Smiths was chosen with the help of Morrissey and Johnny Marr.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.8
Nextdoorland

Nextdoorland

by The Soft Boys
September 24, 2002
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.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
The Soft Pack

The Soft Pack

by The Soft Pack
February 2, 2010
This is the debut full-length album for the indie rock duo from San Diego, who were formerly called the Muslims.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.0
Dying To Say This To You

Dying To Say This To You

by The Sounds
March 21, 2006
This is the second album for the Swedish five-piece.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.6
Crossing The Rubicon

Crossing The Rubicon

by The Sounds
June 2, 2009
The third album for the Swedish five-piece rock group.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
8.1
Origin Vol. 1

Origin Vol. 1

by The Soundtrack of Our Lives
March 15, 2005
The fourth album (and second released domestically) for the classic rock-influenced Swedish sextet is the first in a planned series.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.3
Communion

Communion

by The Soundtrack of Our Lives
March 3, 2009
The two-disc set for the Swedish rock band is its fifth studio album.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
6.5
Albatross

Albatross

by The Standard
October 4, 2005
This is the fourth album for the Portland, Ore. band fronted by Tim Putnam.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.3
All Years Leaving

All Years Leaving

by The Stands
January 25, 2005
This debut LP for the Liverpool band was released in the U.K. in early 2004 and made its way to the States a year later.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.4
Logic Will Break Your Heart

Logic Will Break Your Heart

by The Stills
October 21, 2003
The Montreal, Canada-based quartet (basically, 2003's version of Interpol) follows its acclaimed, 80s-influenced EP "Rememberese" with this debut full-length. "Still In Love Song" is the only song from that EP to reappear here.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.5
Without Feathers

Without Feathers

by The Stills
May 9, 2006
This long-overdue second album finds the Montreal band shedding its dark, Joy Division-influenced sound for one that more closely resembles classic rock.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
6.5
The Strange Boys And Girls Club

The Strange Boys And Girls Club

by The Strange Boys
March 17, 2009
The debut full-length album for the quartet from Texas.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.3
Be Brave

Be Brave

by The Strange Boys
March 2, 2010
The follow-up to their 2009 debut full-length sees a new lineup, with Mika Miko's Jenna Thornhill and Seth Densham joining, while Darker My Love's Tim Presley also appears on this release.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
tbd
Love & Distortion

Love & Distortion

by The Stratford 4
April 8, 2003
This is the sophomore release for San Francisco's atmospheric noise-pop band led by vocalist Chris Streng, whose previous band shared members with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
tbd
The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living

The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living

by The Streets
April 25, 2006
Unlike his previous release (which told an album-length story about a fictitious character), Mike Skinner's third Streets album is autobiographical in nature, dealing with the myriad problems that result from being rich and famous.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.2
Room On Fire

Room On Fire

by The Strokes
October 28, 2003
This eagerly-awaited second LP for the heralded/hyped New York five-piece was produced by Gordon Raphael (who also produced their debut 'Is This It?') after aborted sessions working with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
First Impressions Of Earth

First Impressions Of Earth

by The Strokes
January 3, 2006
The Strokes have abandoned longtime producer Gordon Raphael (well, for all but three tracks) in favor of David Kahne (Sugar Ray) for their third album.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.0