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Nineteeneighties

Nineteeneighties

by Grant-Lee Phillips
June 27, 2006
The troubadour offers his take on a dozen 1980s alternative-rock classics, including songs by R.E.M., The Cure, New Order, The Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Pixies.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Who Needs Actions When You Got Words

Who Needs Actions When You Got Words

by Plan B
June 26, 2006
'Actions' is the first album for UK grime artist Plan B (aka Ben Drew), who has drawn comparisons to both Eminem and The Streets' Mike Skinner (which often happens when you are white and kinda rap), although his music is more eclectic than either of those artists.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.0
Leaving Songs

Leaving Songs

by Stuart A. Staples
June 20, 2006
Leaving Songs is the Nashville-recorded second solo disc for Tindersticks frontman Stuart Staples, who is joined by Maria McKee on one track.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6
Ganging Up On The Sun

Ganging Up On The Sun

by Guster
June 20, 2006
Ron Aniello returns as producer on the acoustic-rock band's first studio outing in three years.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.9
Brightblack Morning Light

Brightblack Morning Light

by Brightblack Morning Light
June 20, 2006
This is the Matador debut for the Northern California outfit founded by cabin- and tent-dwelling childhood friends (from Alabama) Nathan Shineywater and Rachael Hughes.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.4
Fast Man Raider Man

Fast Man Raider Man

by Frank Black
June 20, 2006
The typically prolific Black returns with a 27-song, two-disc set produced by Jon Tiven. Among the many musicians lending a hand are Spooner Oldham and Levon Helm (The Band).
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.0
Loose

Loose

by Nelly Furtado
June 20, 2006
Whoa, Nelly indeed. Timbaland produced the bulk of the singer's dancier, poppier third album, and even sings on one track.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.8
Under The Iron Sea

Under The Iron Sea

by Keane
June 20, 2006
Album number two for the stadium-friendly, piano-led British trio follows two years after the unexpected mega-success of their debut 'Hopes And Fears.'
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.5
Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae

by Corinne Bailey Rae
June 20, 2006
The Leeds, England neo-soul singer makes her debut with this self-titled album, on which she also handles the instrumentation and songwriting duties.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.4
Victory For The Comic Muse

Victory For The Comic Muse

by The Divine Comedy
June 19, 2006
The title of this ninth Divine Comedy album for Neil Hannon echoes back to the band's debut, 'Fanfare For The Comic Muse.'
Metascore:
67
User Score:
8.5
Left

Left

by Hope Of The States
June 19, 2006
Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros) produced this sophomore effort for the anthemic UK rockers.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.5
Stranger On The Sofa

Stranger On The Sofa

by Barry Adamson
June 13, 2006
The producer and former Bad Seeds member returns with his first solo disc in four years.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
tbd
News And Tributes

News And Tributes

by The Futureheads
June 13, 2006
Ben Hillier produced the English band's sophomore set, which is a bit more varied in sound than their debut.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.6
Last Days Of Wonder

Last Days Of Wonder

by The Handsome Family
June 13, 2006
This is the first release in three years for the husband-and-wife duo of Brett and Rennie Sparks.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
7.8
The Warning

The Warning

by Hot Chip
June 13, 2006
The genre-mashing Londoners return with a quick follow-up to last year's debut 'Coming On Strong.'
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
Getting Somewhere

Getting Somewhere

by Allison Moorer
June 13, 2006
Husband Steve Earle lends a hand on the singer-songwriter's latest release.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.9
Mo'Mega

Mo'Mega

by Mr. Lif
June 13, 2006
This long-awaited follow-up to 2002's 'I Phantom' once again reunites the indie MC (also known as Jeffrey Haynes) with producer El-P. Also appearing are Aesop Rock, Akrobatik, Blueprint, and Murs.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.1
The Big Bang

The Big Bang

by Busta Rhymes
June 13, 2006
Missy Elliott, will.i.am, Nas, and Stevie Wonder are among the guests on the veteran rapper's first effort in four years.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
6.8
The Sun Awakens

The Sun Awakens

by Six Organs of Admittance
June 13, 2006
Ben Chasny returns with a follow-up to 'School Of The Flower.'
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
Rather Ripped

Rather Ripped

by Sonic Youth
June 13, 2006
This self-produced 20th album finds the New York band back down to a four-piece, with Jim O'Rourke dropping out after two albums.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Begin To Hope

Begin To Hope

by Regina Spektor
June 13, 2006
The Russia-born, New York-based anti-folkie returns with a dozen new tracks produced by David Kahne (The Strokes).
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
Who Loves The Sun OST

Who Loves The Sun OST

by Portastatic
June 6, 2006
This all-instrumental disc is the score for the upcoming Canadian film of the same name.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
tbd
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
Son

Son

by Juana Molina
June 6, 2006
The acclaimed Argentinean artist returns with her fourth album of moody, electronica-infused indie-folk.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.2
Decemberunderground

Decemberunderground

by AFI
June 6, 2006
Jerry Finn returns as producer for the band's first album in three years.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.6
Be Your Own Pet

Be Your Own Pet

by Be Your Own Pet
June 6, 2006
This self-titled release is the full-length (well, 33-minute) debut for the teen garage-rockers from Nashville fronted by the Karen O-esque Jemina Pearl.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.0
Let's Get Out Of This Country

Let's Get Out Of This Country

by Camera Obscura
June 6, 2006
The six-piece Glaswegian indie-pop band really did leave the country, recording this third full-length with producer Jari Haapalainen (The Concretes) in Sweden.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.6
The River In Reverse

The River In Reverse

by Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint
June 6, 2006
The British musician teams with legendary New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint for this mix of covers and new material.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.4
The Exchange Session Vol. 2

The Exchange Session Vol. 2

by Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid
June 6, 2006
This is the second of two releases from an improvised collaboration between pop and jazz drummer Reid and folktronica artist Hebden (Four Tet, Fridge).
Metascore:
64
User Score:
tbd
Laugh Now, Cry Later

Laugh Now, Cry Later

by Ice Cube
June 6, 2006
The rapper-turned-actor-turned-rapper's first album in six years features contributions from Scott Storch, Swizz Beatz and Snoop Dogg.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.6
Puzzles Like You

Puzzles Like You

by Mojave 3
June 6, 2006
Self-produced album number five for Neil Halstead & co. is a more upbeat affair than the norm, with Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey) handling the mixing.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.5
A Lively Mind

A Lively Mind

by Paul Oakenfold
June 6, 2006
'A Lively Mind' is the second artist album for the veteran DJ, producer and remixer. Guest vocalists include actress Brittany Murphy, Pharrell Williams and Grandmaster Flash.
Metascore:
40
User Score:
2.5
The Only Thing I Ever Wanted

The Only Thing I Ever Wanted

by Psapp
June 6, 2006
The London duo of Galia Durant and Carim Clasmann--who have benefitted from recent American TV exposure--return with a second album of electronica and funny noises.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
tbd
The Garden

The Garden

by Zero 7
June 6, 2006
The electro-pop duo's third album once again features vocals by Sia Furler.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.8
Free To Stay

Free To Stay

by Smoosh
June 6, 2006
'Free To Stay' is the second record for the indie-pop duo of sisters Chloe (drums) and Asya (keyboards, vocals), who have opened for Death Cab for Cutie, Pearl Jam, Sufjan Stevens, The Go! Team and others, and who just happen to be 12 and 14 years old.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.0
Songs From Black Mountain

Songs From Black Mountain

by Live
June 6, 2006
Going on 15 years of recording, the once-popular Ed Kowalczyk & co. return with a follow-up to 2003's 'Birds Of Pray.'
Metascore:
50
User Score:
5.3
It's Alive!

It's Alive!

by The New Cars
June 6, 2006
Only guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes return from the Old Cars (well, actually, just the Cars), with frontman duties falling to Todd Rundgren after Ric Ocasek (wisely) said no. The album itself features three new studio tracks and a slew of re-recorded Cars classics.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
tbd
Twelve Stops And Home

Twelve Stops And Home

by The Feeling
June 5, 2006
This is the debut album for the London-based pop-rock five-piece.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
7.4
Citrus

Citrus

by Asobi Seksu
May 30, 2006
Their music sounds British and the vocals are sometimes in Japanese, but this four-piece shoegaze outfit (returning here with a second album) hails from Brooklyn.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
A Vintage Burden

A Vintage Burden

by Charalambides
May 30, 2006
The Texas psych-rockers led by husband-and-wife team Tom and Christina Carter return with this six-track follow-up to 2004's 'Joy Shapes.'
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.6
Scale

Scale

by Matthew Herbert
May 30, 2006
Like a more accessible, poppier version of Matmos, UK electronica artist Matthew Herbert likes to record concept albums with instrumentation derived from real-world objects. 'Scale' (which again features Dani Siciliano on vocals) samples 723 items (including coffins and fuel pumps) in its 11 politically-charged dance tracks.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.0
Peeping Tom

Peeping Tom

by Peeping Tom
May 30, 2006
The newest (and somewhat "pop"-oriented) project from Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantomas) finds him teamed with an eclectic bunch, including Norah Jones, Massive Attack, Odd Nosdam, Amon Tobin and Kool Keith.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.5
The Drift

The Drift

by Scott Walker
May 23, 2006
The legendary singer-songwriter and one-time teen idol re-emerges with his first album in 11 years. Anyone expecting conventional rock or pop should look elsewhere, however, as it is even more challenging than previous release 'Tilt.'
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.1
We Don't Need To Whisper

We Don't Need To Whisper

by Angels and Airwaves
May 23, 2006
The first post-Blink-182 recording for Tom DeLonge finds the singer-guitarist in a new group with members of The Offspring and The Distillers.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.5
Taking The Long Way

Taking The Long Way

by Dixie Chicks
May 23, 2006
Rick Rubin "executive" produced the controversial country outfit's first release in four years. John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt, and members of Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Heartbreakers guest.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.2
The Obliterati

The Obliterati

by Mission of Burma
May 23, 2006
While the trio of Roger Miller, Clint Conley and Peter Prescott typically wait a few decades between albums, this third LP follows just two years after their second.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
It's Never Been Like That

It's Never Been Like That

by Phoenix
May 23, 2006
This is the third studio album for the French synth-rock band.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.6
A Hundred Miles Off

A Hundred Miles Off

by The Walkmen
May 23, 2006
The New York band fronted by Hamilton Leithauser self-produced this third album.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.7
Stand Still, Look Pretty

Stand Still, Look Pretty

by The Wreckers
May 23, 2006
This is the debut album for the country-pop duo of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
7.9
To Find Me Gone

To Find Me Gone

by Vetiver
May 23, 2006
Devendra Banhart guests on the second full-length for the folk-rock band led by Andy Cabic.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.9
Continental

Continental

by Robin Guthrie
May 16, 2006
'Continental' is the second solo album for the former Cocteau Twins guitarist.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
tbd
Pink

Pink

by Boris
May 16, 2006
The Japanese band named after a Melvins song releases their latest album.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.5
So Amazin'

So Amazin'

by Christina Milian
May 16, 2006
Young Jeezy and the Three 6 Mafia guest on the R&B singer's third album.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
4.6
Broken Boy Soldiers

Broken Boy Soldiers

by The Raconteurs
May 16, 2006
'Soldiers' marks the debut for the new band consisting of the White Stripes' Jack White, fellow Detroit musician Brendan Benson, and members of the Greenhornes.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.0
Enemies Like This

Enemies Like This

by Radio 4
May 16, 2006
This concise fourth album finds the New York band working with a new producer, Jagz Kooner (Sabres of Paradise).
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.2
Powder Burns

Powder Burns

by The Twilight Singers
May 16, 2006
'Powder Burns' is Greg Dulli's fourth album under the Twilight Singers name, and was recorded in New Orleans before, during (using generators) and after Hurricane Katrina. Joseph Arthur and Ani DiFranco guest.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
II

II

by Espers
May 16, 2006
This is the appropriately-titled second release for the Philadelphia acid-folk group.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Every Man For Himself

Every Man For Himself

by Hoobastank
May 16, 2006
The unfortunately-named Agoura Hills, Calif. rockers--now down to a trio after losing their bassist--return with a third album.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.0
Types Of Wood

Types Of Wood

by Whirlwind Heat
May 16, 2006
The spastic, Michigan electro-rock trio returns with a second, slightly more accessible, full-length.
Metascore:
47
User Score:
tbd
The True False Identity

The True False Identity

by T-Bone Burnett
May 16, 2006
This is the veteran producer's first solo artist album in 14 years.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.8
Time Being

Time Being

by Ron Sexsmith
May 15, 2006
Mitchell Froom produced this eighth album for the Canadian singer-songwriter.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.6
Black Gold

Black Gold

by King Biscuit Time
May 15, 2006
'Black Gold' marks the first (and likely only) full-length release for the new project from former Beta Band frontman Steve Mason.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.4
St. Elsewhere

St. Elsewhere

by Gnarls Barkley
May 9, 2006
This is the highly-anticipated debut release for the pairing of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
Living With War

Living With War

by Neil Young
May 9, 2006
The singer-songwriter recorded this strongly political (and anti-Bush) ten-song set in just two weeks earlier this year.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.3
The Spell

The Spell

by The Black Heart Procession
May 9, 2006
The San Diego indie rockers return with an 11-track set that ditches the Latin elements of the previous record but retains their moody, cinematic sound.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Ships

Ships

by Danielson
May 9, 2006
The latest disc from the Danielson Famile's Daniel Smith boasts--in addition to a shorter band name--a whopping 34 contributors, including Sufjan Stevens, Steve Albini, and the members of Why?.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Just Like The Fambly Cat

Just Like The Fambly Cat

by Grandaddy
May 9, 2006
The Modesto, Calif. band has announced that it will break up after the release of this final 14-track album.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.5
Springtime Can Kill You

Springtime Can Kill You

by Jolie Holland
May 9, 2006
This is the second studio solo set for the folk singer-songwriter who also performs with the Be Good Tanyas.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.4
Last Secrets

Last Secrets

by The Like Young
May 9, 2006
Put a woman on drums and her (ex-)husband on guitars/keyboards, and you have Quasi, The White Stripes, and... The Like Young, whose Amanda and Joe Ziemba return for a third album.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
The Rose Has Teeth In The Mouth Of A Beast

The Rose Has Teeth In The Mouth Of A Beast

by Matmos
May 9, 2006
M.C. Schmidt and Drew Daniel's latest Matmos album includes contributions from Bjork and Antony. Each of the ten tracks focuses on a specific person who has influenced the group in some way, such as William S. Burroughs and Valerie Solanas.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.0
Stadium Arcadium

Stadium Arcadium

by Red Hot Chili Peppers
May 9, 2006
Rick Rubin produced this double-disc, 28-song set for the veteran Los Angeles rock outfit.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.9
Surprise

Surprise

by Paul Simon
May 9, 2006
The singer-songwriter's first solo album in six years also marks his first collaboration with legendary producer and artist Brian Eno. (Finally, a worthy successor to Garfunkel!) Bill Frisell and Herbie Hancock guest.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Eyes Open

Eyes Open

by Snow Patrol
May 9, 2006
Martha Wainwright and Ken Stringfellow are among the guests on Gary Lightbody's fourth Snow Patrol album.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.8
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
Remember That I Love You

Remember That I Love You

by Kimya Dawson
May 9, 2006
This is the fifth solo album of anti-folk ditties for the former Moldy Peaches member.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.0
Gulag Orkestar

Gulag Orkestar

by Beirut
May 9, 2006
This Eastern European-sounding, multi-instrumental effort is actually the work of Albuquerque teenager Zach Condon. Members of A Hawk And A Hacksaw also lend a hand.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
Bang Bang Rock & Roll

Bang Bang Rock & Roll

by Art Brut
May 9, 2006
The London-based art-rockers led by Eddie Argos make their official debut with this 12-song effort.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.2
Serena-Maneesh

Serena-Maneesh

by Serena-Maneesh
May 9, 2006
This debut album from the Norwegian shoegaze six-piece marks the inaugural release by the new record label from UK website Playlouder. Sufjan Stevens guests.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.7
Denies The Day's Demise

Denies The Day's Demise

by Daedelus
May 9, 2006
The Los Angeles-based electronica artist's fifth album has a bit of a Brazilian feel.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Simpatico

Simpatico

by The Charlatans UK
May 2, 2006
The veteran British rockers take a detour into reggae on their latest release.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
8.1
The Boxing Mirror

The Boxing Mirror

by Alejandro Escovedo
May 2, 2006
Escovedo's first solo disc since 2000 was produced by John Cale.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.1
How We Operate

How We Operate

by Gomez
May 2, 2006
The UK rockers' fifth studio album is their first to utilize an outside producer, Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters).
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.5
Goodbye Alice In Wonderland

Goodbye Alice In Wonderland

by Jewel
May 2, 2006
The singer-songwriter scrapped the original recordings for this, her sixth album, so that she could re-record them with a bit more oomph, thanks to producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day).
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.3
Blood Money

Blood Money

by Mobb Deep
May 2, 2006
Now backed by 50 Cent and his G-Unit, the duo of Prodigy and Havoc return with a follow-up to 2004's 'Amerikaz Nightmare.'
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.2
Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam

by Pearl Jam
May 2, 2006
Adam Kasper again co-produced the band's belated follow-up to 2002's 'Riot Act.' It is Pearl Jam's eighth studio album overall.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
10,000 Days

10,000 Days

by Tool
May 2, 2006
The dark, proggy, hugely-popular alt-metal outfit fronted by Maynard James Keenan returns with that rarest of things: a new Tool album. It's the band's first release in five years and just their fourth full-length in their 16-year history.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.4
Wolfmother

Wolfmother

by Wolfmother
May 2, 2006
This is the first full-length release for the hard-rocking, classic rock-influenced Australian power trio.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.5
Shut Up I Am Dreaming

Shut Up I Am Dreaming

by Sunset Rubdown
May 2, 2006
This is the second album for the band led by Spencer Krug (who can also be found in both Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes).
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
A City By The Light Divided

A City By The Light Divided

by Thursday
May 2, 2006
The New Jersey emo-rockers (not to be confused with the day of the week of the same name) are back with a fourth album, with Dave Fridmann producing.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.2
Songs From The Year Of Our Demise

Songs From The Year Of Our Demise

by Jon Auer
May 2, 2006
'Songs' is the first solo LP for the co-founder of The Posies, who is also a member of the current lineup of Big Star.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
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 Silver Drops

Ten Silver Drops

by Secret Machines
April 25, 2006
This is the sophomore set from the Texas-founded (and now New York-based) band known for its epic, proggy, psychedelic sound.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.4
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
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

by Bruce Springsteen
April 25, 2006
The Boss' first all-covers album contains 13 tracks associated with folkie Pete Seeger.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Pick A Bigger Weapon

Pick A Bigger Weapon

by The Coup
April 25, 2006
Audioslave's Tom Morello is among the musicians providing the framework for the politically-charged rap duo's first release in five years.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Let Love In

Let Love In

by Goo Goo Dolls
April 25, 2006
Glen Ballard produced the band's eighth studio album.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.3
All The Roadrunning

All The Roadrunning

by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris
April 25, 2006
The dozen tracks (ten written by Knopfler, two by Harris) on the pair's first collaboration were recorded over a seven-year span.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.5
Drowaton

Drowaton

by Starlight Mints
April 25, 2006
The Oklahoma band makes its Barsuk debut with this third album of quirky indie-pop.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Louder Now

Louder Now

by Taking Back Sunday
April 25, 2006
Eric Valentine (Queens Of The Stone Age) produced the emo band's third studio album and major-label debut.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.1
Songs And Other Things

Songs And Other Things

by Tom Verlaine
April 25, 2006
'Songs' (one of two April 2006 releases) is the former Television frontman's first vocal release in sixteen years. Television's Fred Smith guests.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
tbd