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Peel Sessions

Peel Sessions

by Galaxie 500
November 22, 2005
The first official release of the trio's two BBC radio sessions for John Peel (recorded in 1989 and 1990) includes covers of songs by the Sex Pistols and Jonathan Richman.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Hypnotize

Hypnotize

by System Of A Down
November 22, 2005
Co-produced by Rick Rubin, this 12-song disc was recorded during the same sessions as 'Mesmerize,' and is intended to be heard with that earlier 2005 disc as one complete set.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Full Of Light And Full Of Fire

Full Of Light And Full Of Fire

by The Mendoza Line
November 22, 2005
This is the topical seventh album for the indie rockers fronted by the recently married Shannon McArdle and Timothy Bracy.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.6
Amarantine

Amarantine

by Enya
November 22, 2005
The singer's first album in five years finds her once again collaborating with producer Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan, and includes three songs in her new made-up language Loxian.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.8
Right About Now

Right About Now

by Talib Kweli
November 22, 2005
Mos Def and Jean Grae guest on Kweli's third solo outing.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.8
Oh You're So Silent Jens

Oh You're So Silent Jens

by Jens Lekman
November 22, 2005
This CD collects tracks from the Swedish artist's most recent EPs and singles.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.1
Recording A Tape The Colour Of The Light

Recording A Tape The Colour Of The Light

by Bell Orchestre
November 15, 2005
This is the long-in-the-making debut album for the instrumental Montreal band that shares two members (Sarah Neufeld and Richard Reed Parry) with the Arcade Fire.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.1
Summer In The Southeast

Summer In The Southeast

by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
November 15, 2005
This 17-song set was recorded during Will Oldham's 2004 tour.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.8
Confessions On A Dance Floor

Confessions On A Dance Floor

by Madonna
November 15, 2005
Stuart Price co-produced the 47-year-old Anglophile's latest dance-oriented effort.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Father Divine

Father Divine

by Mike Ladd
November 15, 2005
Professor Ladd's second 2005 release is a punk concept album about religious leader George Baker.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
tbd
Kicking Television: Live In Chicago

Kicking Television: Live In Chicago

by Wilco
November 15, 2005
This two-disc set compiles 23 live performances culled from a four-night stand at the Vic Theatre in the band's native Chicago earlier in 2005.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.8
Motion Sickness [Live]

Motion Sickness [Live]

by Bright Eyes
November 15, 2005
This 15-song live set from Conor Oberst & co.'s 2005 tour is heavy on material from 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning' and includes covers of Elliott Smith and Feist.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.3
Akron/Family & Angels Of Light

Akron/Family & Angels Of Light

by Akron/Family & Angels Of Light
November 8, 2005
This split LP includes seven new Akron/Family tracks and five new songs from Michael Gira's Angels Of Light project (which, of course, features backing by Akron/Family).
Metascore:
81
User Score:
7.4
Aerial

Aerial

by Kate Bush
November 8, 2005
This double-disc set is the influential singer-songwriter's first album in a dozen years.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.9
12 Songs

12 Songs

by Neil Diamond
November 8, 2005
Producer Rick Rubin attempts to do for Neil Diamond what he did for Johnny Cash, resulting in a rare stripped-down, intimate set for the veteran performer. (Don't expect any Nine Inch Nails covers, though; these are all Diamond originals.)
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
The Road And The Radio

The Road And The Radio

by Kenny Chesney
November 8, 2005
The country singer's second 2005 album is poppier than the first, although it contains just two Chesney originals.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.4
Scab Dates

Scab Dates

by The Mars Volta
November 8, 2005
This live set from the neo-prog outfit was recorded on the road between May 2004 and May 2005.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
7.2
Suitcase 2: American Superdream Wow

Suitcase 2: American Superdream Wow

by Guided by Voices
November 8, 2005
This companion to the original 'Suitcase' continues where that box set left off, packing 100 more GBV rareties and outtakes from the now-disbanded group onto four discs.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
tbd
For The Season

For The Season

by The Gris Gris
November 8, 2005
This is the second album for the garage-psych outfit led by Greg Ashley.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.3
Shine

Shine

by Trey Anastasio
November 1, 2005
Brendan O'Brien produced the singer's first post-Phish solo record.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.4
The Loneliest Punk

The Loneliest Punk

by Fatlip
November 1, 2005
This is the long-awaited solo debut LP by the former Pharcyde member.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.1
All That I Am

All That I Am

by Santana
November 1, 2005
Why change a successful formula? Once again, the guitarist finds himself paired with a variety of all-star guests, including Michelle Branch, Joss Stone, Sean Paul, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Big Boi and Mary J. Blige.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
4.9
Tiny Cities

Tiny Cities

by Sun Kil Moon
November 1, 2005
Mark Kozelek's second SKM album consists entirely of Modest Mouse covers.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.3
We Have Sound

We Have Sound

by Tom Vek
October 25, 2005
This is the first album for London's 24-year-old, one-man-garage-band Tom Vek.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.0
Heat

Heat

by Colder
October 25, 2005
Marc Nugyen Tan returns with a second album of 80s-influenced electronica.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.5
Lookaftering

Lookaftering

by Vashti Bunyan
October 25, 2005
Coming a full 35 years after her debut ('Just Another Diamond Day'), the British folk singer's second LP finds her backed by fans/followers such as Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
Rehearsing My Choir

Rehearsing My Choir

by The Fiery Furnaces
October 25, 2005
Siblings Matt and Eleanor Friedberger are joined by their 83-year-old grandmother (!) on their latest eclectic release.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.9
Descended Like Vultures

Descended Like Vultures

by Rogue Wave
October 25, 2005
Unlike debut 'Out Of The Shadow,' album number two is a full-band affair, with Zach Rogue joined in the studio by his touring band.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.3
These Were The Earlies

These Were The Earlies

by The Earlies
October 25, 2005
The half American, half English four-piece make their debut with an album that, like Manitoba's Up In Flames, combines organic and electronic elements from a variety of genres into a unique psychedelic stew.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
Intensive Care

Intensive Care

by Robbie Williams
October 24, 2005
The British singer's latest was produced by Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.9
Hey People!

Hey People!

by The Beautiful New Born Children
October 18, 2005
This is the debut album for the four-piece garage-rock band fronted by Kpt.Michi.Gan's Michael Beckett.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
tbd
Feels

Feels

by Animal Collective
October 18, 2005
Electric where the mellower 'Sung Tongs' was acoustic, 'Feels' is nevertheless another idiosyncratic outing for the freak-folk four-piece.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
The Campfire Headphase

The Campfire Headphase

by Boards of Canada
October 18, 2005
Well, they certainly aren't the most prolific of artists, but the acclaimed Scottish electronica duo of Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin finally return with a third album.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.6
Playing The Angel

Playing The Angel

by Depeche Mode
October 18, 2005
Borrowing a page from late-80s to early-90s DM in terms of sound (and possibly even quality), the Ben Hillier-produced 'Angel' is the first Depeche Mode album to feature some David Gahan-penned songs in addition to the usual assortment of Martin Gore tracks.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
One Man's Treasure

One Man's Treasure

by Mick Harvey
October 18, 2005
This first solo disc in eight years for the former Birthday Party and Bad Seeds member mixes covers with two Harvey originals.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
Hypermagic Mountain

Hypermagic Mountain

by Lightning Bolt
October 18, 2005
The abrasive bass/drums duo of Brian Gibson and Brian Chippendal return with a follow-up to 2003's 'Wonderful Rainbow.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
6.7
Tanglewood Numbers

Tanglewood Numbers

by Silver Jews
October 18, 2005
Will Oldham and members of the Jesus Lizard and Lambchop guest on David Berman's country-tinged fifth Silver Jews disc, which also sees the return of on-again, off-again band member Stephen Malkmus.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6
I Am Me

I Am Me

by Ashlee Simpson
October 18, 2005
The second album by "singer" Ashlee Simpson was produced by John Shanks.
Metascore:
43
User Score:
5.2
A Time To Love

A Time To Love

by Stevie Wonder
October 18, 2005
The legendary singer's first album in ten years combines R&B, soul and hip-hop. Guests include Paul McCartney, Prince and India.Arie.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.8
Distortion

Distortion

by REV RUN
October 18, 2005
This 26-minute disc is the first solo album for the Run-D.M.C. M.C., who is better known these days as the Run in MTV's reality show "Run's House."
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.6
Black Acetate

Black Acetate

by John Cale
October 18, 2005
A bit more rock-oriented than its predecessor, 'Acetate' is nevertheless another experimental effort from the now-63-year-old Cale.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.3
Young Adults Against Suicide

Young Adults Against Suicide

by Ninja High School
October 18, 2005
This is the debut LP for the Toronto indie-rap collective (excuse us, the "positive hardcore dance-rap band") led by Matt Collins.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.4
Celebration

Celebration

by Celebration
October 11, 2005
Members of TV On The Radio produced and contributed to this debut Celebration LP from Baltimore husband and wife Sean Antanaitis and Katrina Ford (joined in Celebration by drummer David Bergander), who have previously played in bands Jaks and Love Life.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Strange Geometry

Strange Geometry

by The Clientele
October 11, 2005
Brian O'Shaughnessy produced the atmospheric UK band's second studio album.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
Tournament Of Hearts

Tournament Of Hearts

by The Constantines
October 11, 2005
The Canadian rockers follow 'Shine A Light' with this 10-track set.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.1
The Mouse And The Mask

The Mouse And The Mask

by DangerDoom
October 11, 2005
This collaboration between MF Doom and Danger Mouse includes voices and skits from Cartoon Network's Adult Swim shows. Non-animated folks like Ghostface Killah, Cee-Lo & Talib Kweli also lend a hand.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6
The Runners Four

The Runners Four

by Deerhoof
October 11, 2005
The experimental San Francisco outfit led by Rob Fisk and Greg Saunier return with what is by far their lengthiest (and calmest) release yet.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.6
Cinder

Cinder

by Dirty Three
October 11, 2005
The trio's seventh studio album is its first to include vocals, which are provided by guests Chan Marshall (Cat Power) and Sally Timms (The Mekons).
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.0
Shamelessly Exciting

Shamelessly Exciting

by Jason Forrest
October 11, 2005
David Grubbs and Laura Cantrell guest on Forrest's latest cut-up offering.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Return The Gift

Return The Gift

by Gang of Four
October 11, 2005
It's nearly impossible to read an indie music review these days without seeing the words "Gang Of Four" pop up, but that influential band hasn't been around to take advantage of its newfound fame. Until now, that is, as the reunited Gang (in its original lineup for the first time since 1981) returns with newly re-recorded versions of 14 of its classic songs.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.9
Unplugged

Unplugged

by Alicia Keys
October 11, 2005
The singer's not-quite-acoustic MTV session includes two new songs and collaborations with Common, Mos Def, Damian Marley and Adam Levine.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.6
As Is Now

As Is Now

by Paul Weller
October 11, 2005
Weller's latest--his first disc of new material in three years-- is louder and rock-ier than other recent efforts.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.4
Dangerous And Moving

Dangerous And Moving

by T.A.T.U
October 11, 2005
Three years after their sensational debut (and we don't use that adjective in the way that means "outstanding"), it turns out that they aren't schoolgirls, and they aren't lesbians. But what the Russian duo does have on this second album is Sting. Now that's edgy!
Metascore:
53
User Score:
8.0
Gimmie Trouble

Gimmie Trouble

by Adult.
October 11, 2005
Adult.'s third LP finds Adam Lee Miller and Nicola Kuperus joined by a new guitarist, Sam Consiglio (Tamion 12 Inch).
Metascore:
65
User Score:
7.0
Several Arrows Later

Several Arrows Later

by Matt Pond
October 11, 2005
This is the fifth album for the O.C.-endorsed band.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.6
dios (malos)

dios (malos)

by dios (malos)
October 11, 2005
Phil Ek produced the second album for the band (formerly known as Dios) fronted by Joel Morales.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.2
Closing In

Closing In

by Early Man
October 11, 2005
This debut LP from the guitar/drums duo of Mike Conte and Adam Bennati is defintely harder and heavier than your typical Matador release.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.0
Extraordinary Machine

Extraordinary Machine

by Fiona Apple
October 4, 2005
The singer-songwriter's third album finally sees the light of day after originally being shelved by her record label in 2003 and then leaked onto the Internet. This official 'Machine' is a newly-recorded version (with producer Mike Elizondo taking over for the original's Jon Brion), so if you've heard the leaked tracks, you haven't heard this. Let the comparisons begin!
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

by Broken Social Scene
October 4, 2005
K-OS, Jason Tate (The Weakerthans) and Murray Lightburn (The Dears) guest on the Canadian collective's follow-up to 'You Forgot It In People.'
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
You Could Have It So Much Better

You Could Have It So Much Better

by Franz Ferdinand
October 4, 2005
The Scottish band's eagerly-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut is preceded by yet another insanely catchy single, "Do You Want To."
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
Witching Hour

Witching Hour

by Ladytron
October 4, 2005
Jim Abbiss (Kasabian) produced this third album for the UK band, which finds them expanding slightly away their electroclash sound.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
Thunder, Lightning, Strike

Thunder, Lightning, Strike

by The Go! Team
October 4, 2005
The fun, energetic collage of danceable, mainly instrumental music (genre names don't really apply here) on this debut disc from England's The Go! Team recalls, if only somewhat, the debut from The Avalanches.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Z

Z

by My Morning Jacket
October 4, 2005
For their fourth album, produced by John Leckie, the Kentucky band sports a new keyboardist and guitarist.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.4
Somebody's Miracle

Somebody's Miracle

by Liz Phair
October 4, 2005
After the critical lashing for her previous pop-oriented album, the singer-songwriter enlisted John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) to produce this follow-up set.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
6.4
Throw Down Your Arms

Throw Down Your Arms

by Sinéad O'Connor
October 4, 2005
O'Connor's first studio album since "retiring" from the music business consists of covers of a dozen reggae classics, including songs by Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and Lee "Scratch" Perry.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.5
Fall Heads Roll

Fall Heads Roll

by The Fall
October 4, 2005
Mark E. Smith & Co. return with their full-length follow-up to 'The Real New Fall LP.'
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
Elephant Eyelash

Elephant Eyelash

by Why?
October 4, 2005
Indie rap meets indie rock in the latest full-length from Yoni Wolf, who, as on 'Sanddollars,' is now supported by a full band.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.7
You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having

You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having

by Atmosphere
October 4, 2005
The underground hip-hop duo of Slug and Ant return with a new two-disc set.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Live It Out

Live It Out

by Metric
October 4, 2005
This is the second full-length for the Toronto group fronted by Emily Haines, who is also a member of Broken Social Scene.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.2
Candy Ass

Candy Ass

by Mark Eitzel
October 4, 2005
The American Music Club frontman's latest solo release, like 2001's 'Invisible Man,' finds him dabbling with electronica.
Metascore:
51
User Score:
tbd
All The Right Reasons

All The Right Reasons

by Nickelback
October 4, 2005
The Canadian alt-metal outfit returns with a self-produced fourth album.
Metascore:
41
User Score:
4.3
Suckfish

Suckfish

by Audion
October 4, 2005
Audion is the dirty-minded techno alter-ego of Matthew Dear.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Smash

Smash

by Jackson & His Computer Band
October 4, 2005
Four years in the making, French electronica producer Jackson Fourgeaud's debut disc includes vocals from guests Mike Ladd as well as several of Jackson's family members.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.7
The Day After

The Day After

by Twista
October 4, 2005
Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx guest on the MC's follow-up to 'Kamikaze.' Production comes from the likes of Timbaland, Scott Storch and the Neptunes.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
7.1
Ahead Of The Lions

Ahead Of The Lions

by Living Things
October 4, 2005
Steve Albini produced this debut album for the St. Louis-based Berlin brothers (Lillian, Eve and Bosh) who make up the Living Things.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.1
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
The Magic Numbers

The Magic Numbers

by The Magic Numbers
October 4, 2005
This debut disc showcases the 50s and 60s pop stylings and three-part harmonies of the pair of brother-sister duos (Romeo & Michelle Stodart and Sean & Angela Gannon) that make up The Magic Numbers.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
7.5
Judgement Days

Judgement Days

by Ms. Dynamite
October 3, 2005
This is the U.K. rapper's second album.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.0
Congotronics

Congotronics

by Konono No. 1
September 27, 2005
The first installment of a series of "Congotronics" releases features seven tracks by 30-year old Kinshasa-based band Konono No. 1, whose unconventional, homemade amplification brings an almost experimental edge to traditional African trance music.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.2
Jacksonville City Nights

Jacksonville City Nights

by Ryan Adams
September 27, 2005
Norah Jones guests on the second (and most straight-ahead country) of a planned three 2005 releases for Adams, who is once again backed by The Cardinals. Tom Schic produced.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.0
In Space

In Space

by Big Star
September 27, 2005
The band's first studio LP in 30 years features the most recent touring lineup of original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens with Posies Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.6
The Craft

The Craft

by Blackalicious
September 27, 2005
The San Francisco rap duo of Gift of Gab (aka Timothy Parker) and Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosley) return with a third album.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
7.8
Wildflower

Wildflower

by Sheryl Crow
September 27, 2005
This is the singer's first album in three years.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
5.6
Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla [EP]

Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla [EP]

by Grandaddy
September 27, 2005
This seven-track mini-album is intended to hold fans over until the Modesto, California band return with their next LP in early 2006.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.4
The Past Presents The Future

The Past Presents The Future

by Her Space Holiday
September 27, 2005
Marc Bianchi's latest album of electronica-infused indie-pop was recorded in "extreme isolation" in California.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.2
The Antidote

The Antidote

by Morcheeba
September 27, 2005
The electronia outfit's fifth studio recording features new vocalist Daisy Martey (who replaces Skye Edwards).
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.6
Road To Rouen

Road To Rouen

by Supergrass
September 27, 2005
This is album nubmer five for the UK rockers led by Gaz Coombes.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.7
Apologies To The Queen Mary

Apologies To The Queen Mary

by Wolf Parade
September 27, 2005
The Montreal band's Sub Pop debut was co-produced by Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Prairie Wind

Prairie Wind

by Neil Young
September 27, 2005
The veteran rocker's first release since recovering from a brain aneurysm includes contributions from Emmylou Harris and Spooner Oldham.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.9
Collisions

Collisions

by Calla
September 27, 2005
The New York band returns with a third album.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
All Jacked Up

All Jacked Up

by Gretchen Wilson
September 27, 2005
Album number two finds the Nashville star reuniting with songwriter John Rich in an attempt to duplicate the mega-success of her debut, 'Here For The Party.'
Metascore:
70
User Score:
6.1
The Trinity

The Trinity

by Sean Paul
September 27, 2005
This is the third album for the Jamaican dancehall star.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.6
Dark Light

Dark Light

by H.I.M.
September 27, 2005
This is the first U.S. release for the popular Finnish goth-rock band (the initials stand for His Infernal Majesty) fronted by Ville Hermani Vallo.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
7.9
The Naked Truth

The Naked Truth

by Lil' Kim
September 27, 2005
The soon-to-be-incarcerated (for perjury) rapper offers a fourth solo disc. Kanye West and Scott Storch are among the producers.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.4
Hefty Fine

Hefty Fine

by Bloodhound Gang
September 27, 2005
This is the first album in five years for the jokey alt-rockers.
Metascore:
28
User Score:
6.4
With A Cape And A Cane

With A Cape And A Cane

by The Joggers
September 27, 2005
This is the second album for the Portland, Ore. indie rockers.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.9
Set Free

Set Free

by American Analog Set
September 20, 2005
The sixth album for the Andrew Kenny-led band is their first for Canadian label Arts & Crafts.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.4
Tender Buttons

Tender Buttons

by Broadcast
September 20, 2005
Half the band has departed (replaced by a drum machine), but Broadcast's third LP still features the vocals of Trish Keenan and James Cargill's retro-electronic sound.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.4
Siberia

Siberia

by Echo & the Bunnymen
September 20, 2005
The Ian McCulloch-led band are re-teamed with producer Hugh Jones (1981's 'Heaven Up Here') on this next step of their reunion.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.7
Dynamite

Dynamite

by Jamiroquai
September 20, 2005
The U.K. pop-funk outfit led by Jay Kay returns with a sixth album.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.3