This is the first album in five years for the duo of DJ Premier and Guru.

The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).

This solo release from the anticon collective's Jonathan Wolf (aka Why?), also a member of cLOUDDEAD, sees the experimental rapper mixing in a healthy dose of indie guitar with beats and samples that venture from lo- to hi- fi.

This is the second solo LP from the co-founder of such legendary alt-country bands as Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt.

MTV darling Michelle Branch returns with an attempt to duplicate the success of her 2001 debut 'The Spirit Room' and that album's single "Everywhere," which was just that.

The far-from-prolific singer-songwriter's fourth album finds a 36-year-old Liz Phair trying to be... Avril Lavigne? Yes, her sound has changed quite a bit since her acclaimed 1993 debut 'Exile in Guyville,' taking on a glossy pop sheen on this release, thanks to production by the Matrix (as well as Michael Penn and Pete Yorn, we might add--but the Matrix????).

The Boston-based trio has developed a devoted following over the course of three albums and ten years of touring. This fourth album, produced by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo), adds additional elements such as bass and drums to their ususal mix of two acoustic guitars and bongos.

This is the solo debut for former Destiny's Child member Beyonce Knowles.

'De-Loused' is the heavily anticipated debut LP from the group formed by former At The Drive-In members Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez.

Sylvian's first studio recording since 1999's 'Dead Bees on a Cake' is much darker and more spare than that recording. The former Japan leader is joined by guitarists Derek Bailey and Christian Fennesz on several tracks.

The quirky, Portland, Ore.-based indie rock trio recorded this highly-regarded genre-twisting debut album with the aid of a homemade software program.

The third album from the London-based duo of Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes, much like its predecessor (1999's 'Contino Sessions'), mixes electronica and rock with a variety of celebrity guests handling vocals. This time out, the voices come from Hope Sandoval, Paul Weller, Dot Allison and Liam Gallagher.

The duo of 764-HERO guitarist/vocalist John Atkins and Black Heart Procession drummer Joe Plummer return with a second LP.

Don't let the title fool you; the Glaswegian instrumental post-rockers are just as dour as ever on this fourth studio LP.

This sophomore LP for the Reading, England band continues the retro-futuristic pop sound (frequently compared to Stereolab) from their debut, with vocals sung in English, Spanish and French.

The Austin, Texas-based drone-pop qunitet--known to friends and reviewers as AmAnSet--returns with their fifth LP.

The Southern rock band led by Patterson Hood follow up their 2-disc concept album about Lynyrd Skynyrd ('The Southern Rock Opera') with this less conceptual but equally rocking LP.

'Twice,' which, yes, follows 2001's 'Once,' is the second album for the Los Angeles-based band that features three members of Beachwood Sparks. While the Sparks employ a 60's California pop sound, the Tyde tend to echo somewhat more recent British groups such as Felt.

The sixth studio LP for the distinctive English band is preceded by the EP "Don't Even Go There" (which shares one track with the album).

This sophomore disc finds the young emo band expanding on its sound with the help of producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Quicksand).

The fourth album for the alt-country trio (whose song "Moment in the Sun" is the theme for NBC's "Ed") was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (American Music Club).

If declining sales and waning critical support are any indication, then yes, Tricky is probably feeling quite vulnerable at this stage of his career. But that didn't stop him from releasing this seventh LP, which includes covers of The Cure's "Love Cats" and XTC's "Dear God."

The sophomore effort for the quirky Long Beach-based alt-rap trio is a concept album about their alleged time spent working at a fast food chain called Meatshake. Really.

As the title implies, the metal band is just as, well, angry as ever on their first new studio album since 'Load' and 'Reload' appeared in 1996 and 1997. Just don't try downloading it for free--then you'll see some real anger.

German producer/remixer/artist Michael Beckett (a frequent collaborator of Schneider TM) makes his North American debut with this new LP of experimental/minimalist electronica, notable for its use of (heavily tweaked) guitar as a major instrument.

The best indie rock band to come out of Modesto, California in quite some time (well, ever, we'd think) returns with a long-awaited fourth LP, arriving a full three years after The Sophtware Slump thanks to worldwide tours and a lengthy recording process.

The former Eurythmics' singer's third solo album is her first collection of original songs since 1992's 'Diva.'

This full-length debut for the Irish singer/songwriter has moved beyond his home country (where it was a massive hit) to attract critical praise and strong sales worldwide. Mostly self-produced and recorded, the disc also comes in specially-designed packaging including text, artwork and photographs.

What sounds like a Steely Dan clearance sale is actually the veteran duo's first album of new material since their 2000 comeback effort 'Two Against Nature.'

The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.

Not quite the return to the "rock" side of Radiohead as originally believed (although pretty close), the band's sixth album (produced again by Nigel Godrich) retains some of the experimental electronica elements of its predecessors Kid A and Amnesiac. Note that each of the tracks on the album has an alternate title, as does the album itself (aka 'The Gloaming').

Search engines hate them, but !!! (pronounced "Chik Chik Chik," of course) are popular with live audiences for their funkier, dancier (yes, that's a word--trust us) approach to indie music. The Sacramento band shares three members with Out Hud, and this is their 2-song debut for Touch And Go (with a full album to follow in 2004).

Bassist Britta Phillips and guitarist Dean Wareham (each a member of the band Luna) offer a mix of originals and covers, including takes on songs by Madonna, the Silver Jews and the Doors, all produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex).

The Indiana rocker returns with his very first covers album, with versions of 12 roots/blues tunes.

The San Francisco alt-rock band attempts to duplicate the success of 2001's 'Drops of Jupiter' with this, their third release.

The Toronto, Canada indie-rock collective generated a great deal of praise for this 2002 sophomore effort, which was released in the U.S. in June, 2003 for the first time.

This lengthily-titled album marks a reunion for the band with producer David Kahne. Included here is a cover of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?"

Album number five finds the singer-songwriter seemingly entering an early mid-life crisis, as she dives headfirst into commercial teen-dance-pop territory.

This compilation (whose name borrows from the similar 1978 Brian Eno-curated disc 'No New York') contains 16 tracks from artists at the forefront of the current New York indie scene, including The Strokes, Interpol, The Natural History, Radio 4, The Walkmen, The Rapture, Calla, Longwave, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (credited to "Unitard") and The Rogers Sisters.

This mini-album marks the debut for the New York-based all-female hip-hop trio (think "Beastie Girls" and you won't be too far off).

Best known for his 1995 single "Clubbed To Death" (which itself is best known as the background music for numerous commercials and a little film called "The Matrix"), producer Rob Dougan finally arrives with his full-length debut, which features that hit as well as newer, more orchestral-leaning electronic tracks.

The Depeche Mode vocalist's first solo release finds him working with Sigur Ros producer Ken Thomas.

Recorded by Steve Albini, 'Run To Ruin' is the New York singer-songwriter's third LP. The Dirty Three's Jim White chips in on drums.

The Los Angeles-based indie-rock band led by Blair Shehan (formerly of Knapsack) makes its long-awaited full-length debut after several years of touring with bands ranging from Death Cab For Cutie to the Foo Fighters.

Already being heralded as 2003's version of The Streets, the suburban London duo who compose the Audio Bullys combine everything from punk, ska, new wave, and house on this debut.

Better known to the indie-rock crowd than the hip-hop community (perhaps because in his former life, he was a white, balding computer programmer), San Francisco-based Topher Lafata (aka Gold Chains) follows a series of well-received EPs and singles with this full-length debut.

This is the fourth solo LP for the West Coast alternative rapper, who was a founding member of Freestyle Fellowship.

The Eels fifth album finds head Eel Mark Oliver Everett (aka "E") injecting more humor into his otherwise dark alt-rock tunes.

The talented singer-songwriter reunites with producer David Rawlings for her fourth album.

A member of fellow anticon collective artist cLOUDDEAD, Odd Nosdam returns with his second solo LP, a two-part disc that combines instrumental tracks and beats with a found-sound collage approach.

The hard-to-like band's second album of early 2003 was recorded during the same sessions that gave rise to 'So Much Staying Alive and Lovelessness.'

This is the second album from the post-punk outfit, one of the edgier, less-mainstream bands on the current New York underground circuit.

About 30 years too late, Led Zeppelin fans finally have a good live album to add to their collections. This 3-disc set is culled from live performances in Los Angeles and Long Beach in June 1972, and includes a 25-minute version of "Dazed and Confused," and a 23-minute take on "Whole Lotta Love."

The first album in four years for Kurt Heasley and his band continues his fixation with all things British.

This is the sophomore disc for the Norwich, England rock band (led by excitable vocalist Nikki Colk) who at times recall a harder-rocking Electrelane or a UK version of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The Thorns is a collaboration between singer-songwriters Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge, with this disc marking their first release together.

This is the debut LP for the Weezer-esque Los Angeles band led by Robert Carmine (otherwise known as the younger brother of actor/Phantom Planet bandmember Jason Schwartzman).

Nominated for Britain's Mercury Music Prize for his 2001 debut 'Here Be Monsters,' DIYer Ed Harcourt returns with his second studio recording.

Another somewhat strange indie-pop band from Oklahoma (Flaming Lips, anyone?), the Starlight Mints return with 11 catchy new tunes on this sophomore release.

Ed Kowalczyk & co. return for their sixth album, produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Something Corporate).

The alt-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 megahit, 'Break The Cycle.'

The Florida ska-punk band's third major-label release includes a cover of Cheap Trick's "Surrender."

This self-titled release is the fourth studio album for the California alt-metal outfit.

Named after a suburb of his native Sheffield, England, 'Lowedges' is the third solo release for the Pulp guitarist.

Joe Pernice and company return with ten new indie-pop gems.

Featuring guitarists named Rock and Roll Indian and Surge Joebot, the latest indie-rock sensation to come out of Detroit combines punk, new-wave and disco on this debut full-length. Included here is a new version of their hit single "Danger! High Voltage" with the White Stripes' Jack White on backing vocals.

The Chicago-based emo band returns with their fourth full-length.

Manson's fifth album finds the shock-rocker turning to the glory days of vaudeville and burlesque for inspiration.

The third album for the radio-friendly San Francisco-based alt-rockers is almost a concept album about breaking up with Charlize Theron, which--lest you think the band was getting wacky all of a sudden--band leader Stephan Jenkins actually did do recently.

Recording under his own name for the first time rather than his usual Third Eye Foundation (definitely not to be confused with Third Eye Blind), Bristol, England's Matt Elliott returns with a dark, moody collection of lo-fi, sample-based electronica.

The San Francisco rock band formerly known as VSS and then Slaves returns with a second album for Sub Pop in their current Pleasure Forever incarnation.

A veteran of such hip-hop acts as Stetsasonic and Handsome Boy Modeling School and producer of such legendary albums as De La Soul's '3 Feet High and Rising,' Prince Paul returns with his third solo release. Almost a meta-concept album, it is loosely based on Paul's dealings with his (former) record company regarding his previous release, the 1999 concept album 'A Prince Among Thieves.' Among the guests here are Chuck D, Erick Sermon and Ice-T.

This sophomore release for Minnesota-based turntablist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Broder, like recent releases from "folktronica" artists such as Four Tet, utilizes organic sound samples, but mixes them with both indie rock elements (including some vocals) and shades of hip-hop.

This is the first solo album in over 10 years for the Echo & The Bunnymen frontman, who lately has developed a vocal fan in Coldplay's Chris Martin, who guests on this disc.

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.

21-year old Rjyan Kidwell seems to have all the bases covered on his latest full-length, which might be considered your typical glitchtronica-indie-folk-hip-hop-emo-electro-party jam, if it weren't for the fact that there is absolutely nothing typical about it at all.

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.

'Imperial' marks the first-ever solo release for the Cocteau Twins' guitarist (who also runs record label Bella Union, works as a record producer, and is one-half of the band Violet Indiana). This ten-track instrumental disc sounds a lot like his work with that earlier band.

Otherwise known as the backing band for Robert Pollard in Guided By Voices, Cleveland's Cobra Verde combine numerous 70s rock influences on this, their third studio album. J Mascis guests.

The sample-based indietronica LP 'Rounds' is the third solo effort for Fridge's Kieran Hebden.

Underground producer Scott Herren (aka Prefuse 73) offers his second LP for Warp, which mixes experimental glitchtronica with more accessible hip-hop elements (including vocals on a few tracks provided by guests such as Mr. Lif).

If you can picture an explicitly gay version of the Polyphonic Spree recording church music, then you have a general idea of this unconventional debut album from Toronto, Canada's Hidden Cameras.

This sophomore LP from the UK duo of vocalist Allison Goldfrapp and multi-instrumentalist Will Gregory follows their acclaimed 2000 debut, 'Felt Mountain.'

The trip-hop duo continues to expand their sound on their third album, which features guest appearances from Michael Franti (Spearhead), Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and the Scratch Perverts.

The veteran Britpop outfit's first new album in four years is the result of tumultuous recording sessions in Morocco with producer Fatboy Slim, which saw a growing dispute between co-founders Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon culminate in Coxon's departure from the band. Fatboy Slim only wound up producing two tracks, with William Orbit handling some of the others.