Chan Marshall's first album of new material since 1998 was recorded in Los Angeles with Adam Kasper (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam), who in turn brought in friends such as Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder.

This disc compiles tracks from three previously-released EPs by the indie rock trio, who originally got their start composing music for NPR's "This American Life." Also included are three brand-new tracks.

The Tucson, Arizona-based duo of Joey Burns and John Convertino return with their fourth full-length album.

Al Jourgensen is back, and, apparently, angrier than ever. Included here on the industrial band's eighth album is a cover of Magazine's "The Light Pours Out of Me."

The Australian instrumental trio, known for their dark, minimalist, atmospheric sound, includes Bad Seeds' violinist Warren Ellis, guitarist Mick Turner, and drummer Jim White.

Thirsty Ear's Blue Series continues with the unlikely pairing of avant-garde jazz pianist (and Blue Series curator) Matthew Shipp with the experimental New York hip-hop outfit Anti-Pop Consortium. This is also the very last album to be released by APC, who have officially disbanded.

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.

Folkie Dar Williams returns with her sixth album, which is perhaps her most diverse and fullest-sounding yet, enhanced by the presence of a host of contributors including Alison Krauss, John Medeski, Bela Fleck, and John Popper.

Beseiged by legal problems (he was arrested in Chicago on child pornography-related charges) and rampant bootlegging of an earlier effort ('Loveland') that forced him to abandon that project, Kelly finally returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'TP-2.Com.'

John Hammond follows his successful album of Tom Waits covers, Wicked Grin, with his first-ever original material. Well, ok, so he only wrote one song on this new album, but it is his first. Complimenting that track are selections written by the likes of Tom Waits, George Jones, Jagger/Richards and David Hidalgo (who also appears on the album).

The Bay Area indie-pop band returns with their third album (and first in three years).

The solo debut for the Kings of Convenience guitarist (who also provided vocals on the recent Röyksopp album) features 10 tracks recorded in 10 cities with 10 different producers, including Schneider TM, Soviet, Prefuse 73, and Metro Area's Morgan Geist.

Nick Cave & co. return for a follow up to 2001's 'No More Shall We Part.'

Ted Leo, formerly of Chisel, returns with his fourth album of punk-influenced singer-songwriter indie-folk rock.

Country superstar Vince Gill returns with 17 self-produced tracks. Emmylou Harris, Amy Grant, and Michael MacDonald lend their voices.

This greatest hits/mix disc by the German DJ/producer includes two previously unreleased tracks. The accompanying DVD, culled from over 40 hours of footage, is part travelogue and part behind-the-scenes documentary of Van Dyk in action.

This is not your ordinary jazz trio. For their major-label debut, The Bad Plus work with alt-rock producer Tchad Blake, and include covers of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Blondie's "Heart of Glass," and Aphex Twin's "Flim" among their seven original tracks.

The first of two planned 2003 releases for the far-from-prolific Bristol-based electronica collective sees the group pared down to one original member: Robert "3-D" del Naja (although Grant "Daddy G." Marshall intends to return to the group for the next disc). Horace Andy returns to provide vocals on several tracks, and Sinead O'Connor also guests on two songs.

The fun-loving Britpop outfit, popular in the U.K. but unsuccessful to date in the U.S., returns with its fourth LP.

If you're even reading this, you most likely already know the life story of Queens' Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), whose first attempt at rap stardom in the mid 1990s ended in a brutal attack that almost cost him his life. In recent years, however, 50 Cent was lucky enough to hook up with Eminem (who signed him) and producer Dr. Dre, which resulted in a track on the 8 Mile soundtrack and now this, his much-anticipated first full-length release.

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

The Smiths' guitarist takes a turn at the microphone for the first time, handling vocal duties for his new band, The Healers. The lineup also includes Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) on drums and Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan.

Mixing post-rock and emo with punk edigness and experimentalism, Chicago's Joan of Arc features members of the Owls and Cap'n Jazz, including Owls vocalist Tim Kinsella. On this fourth album, they are also joined by members of Califone, Isotope 217, and Ugly Casanova, among others.

One-hit wonders, you say? Well, the New York trio did score an MTV hit with "Popular," from their 1996 debut album, but it is a more mature and less commercial Nada Surf that returns now with a third LP, their first for indie label Barsuk.

Don't know Bonnie "Prince" Billy? You may know him better by his given name, Will Oldham, who recorded under his name as well as Palace Music throughout the 1990s. This is his third album under the Billy moniker, and features contributions from members of Lambchop.

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).

What could possibly be more relevant in 2003 than an 80s band covering their favorite hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s? Tracks here include Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," Buddy Holly's "Everday," and The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

The new group led by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins features a lineup including fellow Pumpkin Jimmy Chamberlin on drums and guitarists Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Skunk) and David Pajo (Slint, Tortoise).

Frequently compared to the Beta Band, this equally eclectic Isle of Wight-based duo of Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher literally recorded this debut album in their shed.

Frontman of New York-based glam-rockers D Generation throughtout the 1990s, singer-songwriter Jesse Malin enlisted pal Ryan Adams to produce and play on this solo debut, which quickly garnered plaudits from the UK music press upon its fall 2002 release.

This is the third LP for the New York-based noise-rock trio, known for their intense live shows.

Available in two different versions, the latest from Lou Reed is based on the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. The 2-CD set includes tracks with readings of Poe by various actors (such as Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi and Amanda Plummer), backed by Reed, while the single-disc set pulls only the more song-oriented pieces from the longer version. Hal Willner produces.

The latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series (which mixes cutting-edge jazz with elements of electronica and hip-hop), 'Equilibrium' showcases the talents of avant-garde pianist Matthew Shipp.

This is the fourth album for the Wisconsin-based indie/emo trio.

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."

The Seattle-based experimental space-rock outfit returns with their sophomore LP, following their 2001 debut 'Be Gentle With the Warm Turtle.'

This Gainesville, Fla.-based five-piece band, which mixes indie rock and alt-country with a bit of electronica, features John Orth, who also appeared on the 2002 release by the Modest Mouse side project Ugly Casanova. Brian Deck produces.

The London-based duo of Tom Findlay and Andy Cato return with their fourth LP, named after one of their club nights.

Brokeback is a side project for Eleventh Dream Day/Tortoise bassist Douglas McCombs (joined semi-permanently by second bassist Noel Kupersmith), supplemented here on this third album by Laetitia Sadier and the late Mary Hansen from Stereolab.

The Glasgow, Scotland-based band follow 2000's stunning 'The Great Eastern' with this, their fourth (and almost equally stunning) LP. Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev) returns as producer.

Crooked Fingers is a side project for Archers of Loaf frontman Eric Bachmann. This third album follows in the dark, drunken-blues/Americana tradition of the first two, which drew Bachmann comparisons to Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen, among others.

The Microphones is an alias for Washington state-based Phil Elvrum, who returns here with a five-part concept album named after a mountain in his home state. The album is also being released in two limited edition alternate versions, one an a capella version called "Singing from 'Mt. Eerie,'" and one a drums-only version (!) called, naturally, "Drumming from 'Mt. Eerie.'"

This is the latest challenging release for Sole, one of the founders of the anticon collective of underground hip-hop artists.

The former Style Council and Jam frontman returns with a solo album, and finds Weller producing and playing most of the instruments himself, with the help of a few celebrity guests such as Noel Gallagher, Kelly Jones and Aziz Ibrahim.

The Los Angeles-based multimedia/production duo of Ross Harris and Craig Borrell, who have worked with artists such as Beck and the Dust Brothers and recorded two previous albums for Emperor Norton, return with their third LP.

Jay-Z's mortal enemy returns with his third (!) release of 2002, which includes collaborations with Alicia Keys and 2Pac (yes, that 2Pac, who, as you may recall, died several years ago).

On his fifth album, the underground rapper ventures more into the rock, soul, and jazz territory of his influences, with production help from the Soulaquarians. An eclectic array of guests includes Prince, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier.

Stung by a drug arrest and nasty rumors over the last few years, the diva finally emerges with her first album of new material in four years.

After proving that all that Glitters is not gold, can the best-selling female artist of the 1990s manage a hit in the 21st century?

This is the third album for the New York-based duo of Joshua Klein and Hewson Chen, who are frequently compared to (and sound like) Stephin Merritt bands (Magnetic Fields, Future Bible Heroes) and 80s outfits such as OMD. Included here is a cover of Husker Du's "Green Eyes."

Busta is back with 19 new tracks, including collaborations with Mariah Carey, Carl Thomas and The Neptunes.

The only "rock" act signed to Peter Gabriel's Real World label, Akron, Ohio native Joseph Arthur returns with his third album.

The Toronto, Canada punk outfit returns with a follow-up to their successful 2001 debut, 'All Killer No Filler.'

Not the true follow-up to 'Toxicity' that fans were hoping for, 'Steal This Album' instead consists of outtakes from that 2001 album, originally leaked on the Internet in rough versions and now polished up for release on CD.

Married to Faith Hill and the son of former relief pitcher Tug McGraw, Tim McGraw returns with an album recorded with his road band, the Dancehall Doctors. Included here is a cover of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer."

Bobby Gillespie and co. follow 2000's widely acclaimed 'XTRMNTR' with a similar blend of Stooges-style rock and electronica, thanks to the production work of semi-official Primal Scream member Kevin Shields (formerly of My Bloody Valentine) and Andy Weatherall. Tracks include first single "Miss Lucifer," "City," a remake of a Gillespie-sung track on David Holmes' most recent album, and "Some Velvet Morning," sung as a duet with supermodel Kate Moss.

Snoop's sixth LP features production work from The Neptunes and DJ Premier (among others), with guest appearances by Redman, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Jay-Z, and Ludacris.

The groundbreaking Philadelphia rap outfit returns with 13 new tracks and guest contributions from Jill Scott, Nelly Furtado, Talib Kweli and Musiq.

Boards of Canada's very first release--once limited to just 100 self-released vinyl copies in 1995--has finally been reissued on CD. (So if you've been holding on to your 12-inch to sell on eBay, tough luck.)

Still lowercase, the alt-rock band led by Rob Thomas (who is perhaps more famous for "Smooth" on Santana's 1999 album) returns with their third album, the first on which the band shared songwriting duties as a unit.

Actress/singer J.Lo returns with 12 new tracks, including "Jenny from the Block," featuring guest appearances from Jadakiss and Styles. Lopez is also planning her first-ever tour in support of the album in 2003.

After frontman Zack de la Rocha left Rage Against the Machine in 2000, the remaining members of that Los Angeles band enlisted former Soundgarden leader Chris Cornell, and together they formed Audioslave. This is their debut release.

The hugely successful rapper returns with another Irv Gotti-produced effort, with guest appearances from Ashanti, Nas and Bobby Brown.

The late Beatle's final studio album was produced by Jeff Lynne with Harrison's son, Dhani.

Combining blues, R&B, jazz and funk influences, this latest offering from the ever-changing 4AD group headed by Warren Defever, like its predessor (2001's 'Someday My Blues Will Cover The Earth'), features the vocals of Lovetta Pippen. Included among the originals here are covers of The Equals' "Teardrops," Ida's "Maybe," and Jimi Hendrix's "Train."

The R&B singer returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'The Heat' which sees her moving in more of a hip-hop direction, with production help from hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Babyface, Irv Gotti and the Neptunes.

The London-based collective is joined this time out by the likes of Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), John Grant (The Czars) and Paul Anderson (Tram).

Backed by the London Symphony Orchestra, Joni Mitchell revisits songs from throughout her 35-year career on this two-disc set.

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.

Forget the Chemical Brothers; British producer/DJs Dan and John Kahuna really are brothers, and this, their debut LP, plays like a tour of electronica, venturing from electro to disco to acid to downtempo.

Working with a variety of producers, the acclaimed New York rapper returns with his second album. Mos Def, Bilal and members of the Roots are among the guests.

The 21-year old DJ turned-international R&B superstar from England returns with his second LP.

Not wanting to offend any potential listeners, the country superstar finally follows up the hit 'Come On Over' with two versions of her new album (both included in this two-CD set): a red disc of pop versions of her 19 new songs, and a green disc of those same 19 songs performed in a country music style. (A third, blue, disc of those songs performed in a world music style is targeted at international consumers.)

Founded in 1996 in San Francisco, this now New York-based instrumental outfit (which shares some members with the band !!!) has previously drawn a bit of acclaim for their vinyl-only releases. This six-track effort represents their first CD release, which showcases their dancier, dubbier, funkier brand of post-rock.

Missy Elliott reunites once again with super-producer Timbaland on this, her fourth studio album. The lead single is "Work It," a huge success even before the album's release. Guests on the disc include Jay-Z, Ludacris, Beyonce Knowles, TLC and Method Man.

The two surviving members of the popular R&B trio completed this long-delayed fourth album after the early 2002 death of cofounder Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

The band's first album of new songs since 1999's Viva el Amor contains 12 mostly reggae-tinged tracks.

Manitoba consists entirely of Toronto's Dan Snaith (yes, we are aware that Toronto isn't actually in Manitoba), and this is his debut album. [This release was originally credited under the name Manitoba before being re-released under the name Caribou after the name change]

Another member of the new generation of neo-art-punkers (think Interpol or Liars, perhaps), this Los Angeles-based British four-piece makes its debut with 'Chat & Business,' which comes with a complimentary set of stickers with which to decorate the album cover.

A sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2001 album 'The Blueprint,' Jay-Z's new two-disc set is all over the map in the course of 110 minutes and 25 tracks. The roster of producers and guests includes (but is by no means limited to): The Neptunes, Lenny Kravitz, Big Boi, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Heavy D, Rakim, Beyonce Knowles, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Scarface.

Still going strong, the Seattle grunge band returns with its seventh studio album.

Don't confuse The Warlocks of the 1960s (who later became the Grateful Dead) with the new band of the same name, who only sound like they come from the 1960s. This Los Angeles-based group favor lengthy, droning songs, evoking groups such as the Velvet Underground and Jesus & Mary Chain.

Phil Collins returns with his first album of new material in six years, but will anyone care other than the guys on South Park?

Former One Dove vocalist Dot Allison returns with her second solo release, following 1999's 'Afterglow.' Here, she works with members of Two Lone Swordsmen, Mercury Rev, and Death In Vegas.

Aw... little Justin's all grows up. First Mickey Mouse Club, then 'NSync, and now this, his solo debut. Can he be a success on his own? Well, having Timbaland and The Neptunes along as his producers certainly won't hurt.