Jack Dangers returns with his first Meat Beat Manifesto album since 1998's 'Actual Sounds and Voices.' The Orb's Dr. Alex Paterson and turntablist Z-Trip guest.

This is the debut album for the downbeat electronica duo from Norway, which has drawn comparisons to bands such as Air, Groove Armada, and Boards of Canada. Erlend Oye (Kings of Convenience) provides vocals on several tracks.

On her sixth studio album, the singer-songwriter works with producer John Parish (PJ Harvey) for the first time.

Yes, this is indeed LL Cool J's tenth album, which includes guest appearances from P. Diddy, Amerie, and Dru Hill, and production from The Neptunes and Trackmasters.

This is the first new album in three years for the country superstar.

This is the fourth album for the London-based, Brazilian-born jungle/breakbeat producer and DJ, following 2000's well-received 'Supermodified.'

The Chicago indie band's fifth album is the first in a planned trilogy, and features a bit more electronics than previous outings. Members of Tortoise guest on the album, as does Rebecca Gates from the Spinanes.

This is the sophomore effort for the Dublin trio, who generated some attention (and some unavoidable Joy Division comparisons) with their self-titled 2000 debut.

Ivy's Andy Chase produced this sophomore effort from the French band that gave us 2000's irresistibly poppy 'Puzzle.'

The latest from Tom Petty is a concept album (or diatribe, if you will) about/against the domination of popular music by large, greedy corporations. It was released on October 8, 2002 by a large, greedy corporation.

Although the album cover may say it's by J. Mascis & The Fog, there's not much left of The Fog other than J. himself on this 10 track effort.

While, like other artists lumped under the "electroclash" label, the Canadian-born Peaches (Merrill Nisker) utilizes a vaguely early-80s style synth-based sound, no one else, then or now, has managed to be quite as raw, lewd and sexually graphic as she.

Just when you feared the New Jersey hair band would never release another album, they did. Oh joy.

This seven-track EP recorded during the sessions for 'Romantica' includes covers of the Rolling Stones' "Waiting On A Friend" and Kraftwerk's "Neon Lights," as well as five new songs and videos for "Lovedust" and "1995."

Film and television actress Jennifer Love Hewitt actually had begun her recording career prior to appearing on "Party of Five," but never achieved the success in music that she did on screen. This latest album, coming as her popularity is increasing and utilizing the production talents of Meredith Brooks, represents perhaps her last chance at pop stardom.

The Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit returns with a follow up to their 2000 debut, 'Quality Control.' Nelly Furtado guests on one track.

Yes, it's *that* Soft Cell, the English band that brought you early 80s hits such as "Tainted Love" and "Sex Dwarf." Their first release since 1984's 'This Last Night in Sodom,' 'Cruelty Without Beauty' offers 12 brand-new tracks from the reunited duo of Dave Ball and Marc Almond.

This is the Denver indie-pop band's first new album since 2000's 'The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone.'

The San Diego-based band returns with their fourth album of dark, atmospheric music, following previous albums '1,' '2,' and, yes, '3' (c'mon guys, what happened to '4?'). This one is a concept album of sorts, about a murder mystery.

This is the fifth LP for the French-pop-influenced, Berlin-based duo of Francoise Cactus and Brezel Goring.

The mercurial singer-songwriter returns with an album of interpretations of 13 traditional Irish songs.

The Canadian singer-songwriter's fifth album finds Sexsmith experimenting with electronica for the first time.

While the first full-length for the English chill-out duo, 'LemonJelly.KY,' was a collection of previously released singles, 'Lost Horizons' represents their first true album, with eight new tracks clocking in at precisely one hour in length.

This Sub Pop debut for the British Columbia band falls into the 80s/punk revival category occupied by the likes of French Kicks and Radio 4, although Cure comparisons are more likely (since lead singer Steve Bays' voice sounds, at times, almost identical to Robert Smith's).

This is the third (non-soundtrack) solo album for the Dire Straits leader, and finds him in a somewhat acoustic, American roots style.

Little LeAnn Rimes, the former 13-year-old country sensation, has been remade as a teen pop star with this latest release, thanks to a new team of producers and songwriters. But will the teen pop buyers of the world accept the new LeAnn Rimes? If only we had the time to worry about such things.

This is the second full-length album for the Los Angeles-based indie band, who are now labelmates of Omaha's Bright Eyes. Fans of the TV program "Boy Meets World" (all three of you) may recognize guitarist Blake Sennett, who played Joey on that show. (Singer Jenny Lewis has also guested on numerous sitcoms over the years.)

This is the fourth album from the successful West Coast rapper.

The Washington D.C.-based production duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton are back with their third proper LP, following 2000's 'The Mirror Conspiracy.' Like its predessor, 'Babylon' is a multicultural mix of down-tempo instrumentals and vocal tracks, with Pam Bricker, Lou Lou, Notch, Emiliana Torrini, Sleepy Wonder and Shinehead providing the voices.

This is the second in a series of self-released EPs from the newly-reborn band, following 'Read & Burn 01' which was released earlier in 2002.

Part book, part CD, this latest effort from the Bay Area collective was inspired by a trip to an auto junkyard. The jokes, satire, and subversion found in previous releases is absent this time around, instead replaced by a collection of letters and writings found in the auto wrecks presented in a 64-page full-color book, and, on the CD, a lyric- and melody- free noise assault that, as the band suggests, is the sound of their studio being destroyed in a car crash.

Why yes, yes we do. His real name is Tom Jenkinson, he dabbles in experimental electronica (a la Aphex Twin, who signed him to his first record deal), and this is his sixth album. Included among the seven new tracks here (totaling just 35 minutes) is an unexpected cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

Greek-born Londoner Andy Dragazis returns with his second album of chill-out electronica.

Stephen Street is the producer for the Britpop band's catchy fifth album, their first since singer Brett Anderson's recovery from drug problems. Not surprisingly, it is also happier-sounding than previous Suede efforts.

This solo set by the frontman of the (still intact) Old 97s was produced by Jon Brion, and ventures away from the alt-country sound of that group's work.

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.

As the title implies, this is not a true follow-up to 2001's 'Gold,' but rather a collection of demo recordings--13 never-before-released tracks (down from a rumored four-CD set!) captured on tape during spare moments while on tour.

The neo-soul singer/songwriter/guitarist follows the unexpected mega-success of her 2001 debut 'Acoustic Soul' with this 15-track sophomore effort.

The roots rocker tackles a variety of tough, contemporary issues on this latest release, perhaps his most political, issue-oriented album yet. Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris guest.

Which Beck is it? The party-loving Beck of 'Odelay' and 'Midnite Vultures,' or the more serious, singer-songwriter Beck of 'Mutations.' On this latest release, it is the latter, as Beck reunites with Mutations' producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) for a set of darker, atmospheric, more acoustically-oriented tracks.

The London-based electronica duo move toward a darker, dirtier, more electroclash-oriented sound on this third studio album.

Prone to making concept albums, the Athens, GA band led by Kevin Barnes returns with a more conventional offering for this, their fifth LP.

Written, recorded and performed entirely by Miami, Fla-based Samuel Beam, 'The Creek Drank The Cradle' is the debut album for Iron & Wine, a largely lo-fi, acoustic affair with a darker take on folk and bluegrass.

This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.

Yup... Up's two-letter name signifies that this is indeed a brand-new Peter Gabriel studio recording, his first since 1992's 'Us.' The music goes in a now-typical multi-cultural direction, with input from gospel singers The Blind Boys of Alabama and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The popular electronica band, now down to two members (founders Rick Smith and Karl Hyde) after the departure of DJ Darren Emerson, move forward with their first studio recording in three years, highlighted by 9-minute lead single "Two Months Off."

The Duluth, MN indie band, known for their slow, sparse sound and vocal harmonies of husband and wife guitarist Alan Sparhawk and drummer Mimi Parker, scored their biggest critical success yet with 2001's 'Things We Lost In The Fire.' This follow-up features 13 new songs (many of which have been debuted live on recent tours) mixed by Tschad Blake.

The onetime budding star (you remember "One Of Us," right?) returns with an album of covers of classic soul and R&B tunes from the 1960s and 70s.

Indie Boston rapper Mr. Lif returns with his fourth album.

The cosmopolitan electroclash foursome returns with a follow-up to their well-received 2001 debut, '604.'

Recorded live at a March 2002 show in Toronto, this 22-track, 2-disc set includes songs from Hayden's three previous albums, as well as three new tracks and a cover of Neil Young's "Tell Me Why."

The man behind Built to Spill issues his first album under his own name, with a more acoustic, stripped-down, blues-influenced sound than you'll find on his BTS albums.

The Chicago alt-metal band follows their 2 million-selling debut, 'The Sickness,' with this sophomore effort, working once again with producer Johnny Z.

The guitarist for the legendary Manchester outfit The Stone Roses emerges with his very first solo album (after the breakup of his less successful second band, the Seahorses). It also marks the first appearance of Squire as a vocalist, as he sings on each of these 10 tracks.

Known mainly for his work with PJ Harvey (most notably, 'To Bring You My Love' and 'Dance Hall At Louse Point'), producer/musician John Parish has previously released just one solo record under his own name. On this mostly instrumental record, he is supplemented by numerous guests, including Harvey and Portishead's Adrian Utley.

The sophomore effort for the Los Angeles-based electronica/lounge duo (down from four members on their first outing) contains 11 new disco/lounge/world/electronica tracks, highlighted by lead single "Divine."

Founding member of Los Angeles punkers X and occasional actor John Doe returns with his fourth solo album, this one produced by Joe Henry with guest appearances from Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Aimee Mann, Jakob Dylan and Jane Wiedlin.

This is the sophomore effort for the duo of DJs from a popular London club known as The End. It is not a mix album, however; instead, the 14 trance-house tracks are original compositions.

Since leaving the Bad Seeds (Nick Cave's backing band) in the late 1980s, Barry Adamson has embarked on a prolific career providing soundtrack music to films both real ('Gas Food Lodging,' 'The Beach') and imagined (numerous cinematic-sounding solo albums, including 'Moss Side Story'). This latest release falls into the latter category, and incorporates pop, rock, jazz, funk, and countless other styles in its ten tracks.

The California-born, classically-trained Yalie makes her major-label debut, after a trio of independent solo acoustic releases. Todd is backed by a full band on this Mitchell Froom-produced album, and some of the tracks here are actually new, fleshed-out versions of songs that appeared on those earlier albums, including "Digital."

This is the debut full-length release for the retro-pop band (think Cardigans or St. Etienne) founded by Lush guitarist/vocalist Emma Anderson and vocalist Lisa O'Neill. Many of the band's earlier singles appear here (in reworked versions), along with new material, all produced by Mark Van Hoen (Locust).

The British techno pioneer(s) (now down to just one founding member, George Evelyn), return with their first studio album in three years.

This Los Angeles-based electroclash outfit is the brainchild of Matt Sims, who comes a close second to Beck in terms of pulling off a quality Prince imitation on this, his debut full-length.

The highly influential, frequently sampled, and little-known New York no-wave rap group, founded by sisters Renee, Valerie, and Marie Scroggins in 1978, return with a new album, their first in ten years.

The UK quartet follows the critical and commercial success of their 2000 debut album 'Parachutes' with this long-awaited follow-up release, which the band has suggested may be their last.

This debut album from the Los Angeles five-piece band fronted by actor Jared Leto was produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Kiss), and showcases more experimental and eclectic sounds than your typical alt-metal effort.

The Icelandic band is quite a bit different from the one that released 1999's varied 'This Is Normal,' losing most of its members and changing its name (now, officially, "gusgus") and record label in the interim. Now consisting of just 4 members--three DJs and a new vocalist--gusgus offer up a more focused sound on 'Attention,' which tends toward stripped-down electronica and early-'80s electro sounds.

This debut album for the British quartet was produced by The Smiths' Johnny Marr.

This self-released effort for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter (and former Til Tuesday frontwoman) is her first release since the twin 2000 critical successes of 'Bachelor No. 2' and the soundtrack to "Magnolia."

The ever-popular contemporary country act returns with their sixth album.

The New York singer-songwriter works with producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Jewel) for this, his fourth album.

Eve's third album finds the popular Philly rapper working with producers Dr. Dre, Irv Gotti and Swizz Beatz. Alicia Keys guests on one track.

Stoner metal is back in the form of the third LP from Queens of the Stone Age, who are supplemented for this release (and supporting tour) by drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) and former Screaming Trees vocalist Mark Lanegan.

The former Australian teen grunge stars (whose 1995 debut was released when they were just 15) are still together, and this album marks their fourth release, highlighted by a more mature, refined sound.

Alt-country singer-songwriter Neko Case returns with her third solo album, after last appearing on the New Pornographers' acclaimed 'Mass Romantic" album. Here, the moody, cinematic music is provided by members of Calexico and Giant Sand.

One of the many side projects of Stephin Merritt (Magnetic Fields, The 6ths), the Future Bible Heroes features lyrics by Merritt, low-fi electronic music by Christopher Ewen, and vocals by Claudia Gonson. This is their second LP.

This is the eighth release from the nearly 15-year-old Seattle band, and it features new instrumentation (a horn section) and a new bass player (Guy Maddison, replacing departed founding member Matt Lukin).

The band's first album since 1997's 'This Is Hardcore' is produced by Scott Walker and features 12 new tracks.

You won't read very many reviews of this New York band without seeing the words Joy Division pop up, and although there are some similarities, Interpol has something new to offer as well. This debut LP includes the tracks "PDA" and "NYC" from the group's well-received first single for Matador.

The Leeds, England band celebrate their 25th anniversary with this 11-track release that veers from country to punk.

Recorded direct to two-track, 'Black Letter Days' features a stripped-down sound for the former Pixie and his current band. And if the 18 new tracks here (including not one but two covers of Tom Waits' "The Black Rider") aren't enough for you, there's even more on the companion release, 'Devil's Workshop.'

One of two simultaneous releases (Black Letter Days being the other), Devil's Workshop is perhaps the more straightforward of the pair, although like its companion it was recorded direct to 2-track, representing a back-to-basics approach for Black and Co.

This debut LP from the experimental punk outfit from Brooklyn known for their strong live sets features lengthy song titles and an even lengthier closing track (clocking in at over half an hour).

The second album for acclaimed German electronica outfit Schneider TM (actually just one man, Dirk Dresselhaus) contains a mix of Mouse On Mars-like glitchy instrumental compositions and more poppy vocal tracks.

The Violent Femmes' leader emerges with his very first solo release some 20 years after that band's formation. Here, Gano is joined by a star-studded cast that includes John Cale, They Might Be Giants, Mary Lou Lord, Lou Reed, Linda Perry, PJ Harvey and Frank Black.