The creation of Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, the Reindeer Section is a Scottish indie-pop supergroup. For this sophomore effort, the Section includes appearances from a whopping 27 people, including members of Belle & Sebastian, Arab Strap, Astrid, Mogwai, Mull Historical Society, Idlewild and Teenage Fanclub.

The first new album for the English electronic outfit in six years sees the band heading in a completely new direction, away from their dark electronica in favor of a more organic, psychedelic rock vibe. Surprisingly (for a FSOL album), there's guitar, vocals, strings, and harmonica, and trippy song titles such as "The Mello Hippo Disco Show."

The Detroit hip-hop trio returns with a sophomore LP, following a well-received 2000 debut album. Founding member Jay Dee is no longer with the group (and has been replaced by rapper Elzhi), although he guest produces three tracks.

This is the debut LP from the Texas band, which features three former members of At The Drive-In (including guitarist Jim Ward).

The 60's star offers up ten new tracks with the help of friends Pulp, Blur, Billy Corgan, Beck, and Dave Stewart.

The moody alt-country band led by David Eugene Edwards returns with its darkest set of songs yet.

The soundtrack to the fictionalized account of the rise and fall of Manchester's Factory Records includes, somewhat obviously, a generous helping of New Order, Joy Division, and Happy Mondays songs (including the title track by the latter), as well as cuts from A Guy Called Gerald, Durutti Column, and the Buzzcocks. This is also the only album where you'll find the newest New Order single, "Here to Stay," a collaboration with the Chemical Brothers that failed to appear on either group's latest LP.

Best known for his mix albums (especially those with John Digweed) and remixes (Madonna, Gusgus), British club DJ Sasha offers up his first studio recording.

Produced by Hugh Jones and Stephen Street, 'Libertine' is the fourth studio album for the Britpop band best known for all the Smiths comparisons it generated with its first few releases.

This is the critically-acclaimed Alabama singer's third album, and first for her new label Universal South.

X marks the veteran English arena-rock band's tenth album.

The English singer-songwriter's third LP features quite an array of guests, including Ryan Adams, Emmylou Harris, and the Chemical Brothers (who have utilized Orton's vocals on several of their own albums). Another longtime collaborator, William Orbit, appears for one track, with the remainder of the mixing duties falling to Everything But The Girl's Ben Watt.

The former Soul Asylum frontman offers up a debut solo release that is quite a departure from his former band's work, emphasizing loungey R&B and soul grooves instead of punky alternative rock.

Talk about apt titles. The British folk legend's first album in a whopping 17 years features 10 new songs recorded mainly with her son, Teddy Thompson, and numerous guests such as Rufus Wainwright, Van Dyke Parks, and ex-husband and recording partner Richard Thompson.

Not quite the next Linkin Park album, 'Reanimation' is instead a remix of their entire debut album, 'Hybrid Theory' (actually, a remix of the Japanese version, which contained extra tracks). The 19 songs here have been reinvented by an array of alternative and hip hop musicians and producers, including members of Korn, Jurassic 5, Orgy, and Staind, and given cryptic new titles such as "Rnw@y" and "My{Dsmbr." (You'd think with all the money they're making they could at least buy a vowel.)

Who is Lamya? Born in Africa, educated in England, and later residing in the U.S., she is a classically-trained opera singer who embarked on a pop career, first serving as lead vocalist for Soul II Soul and later as a backup singer for Duran Duran and David Bowie. For this solo debut, she wrote, produced, and composed each of the 12 tracks.

The Boss' first studio album with the E Street Band since 1984's 'Born In The U.S.A.,' 'The Rising' contains 15 new Springsteen songs produced by Brendan O'Brien.

Filter's third LP finds the band moving in a less industrial/electronic direction.

This 15th anniversary release for the rap veterans includes nine new tracks, supplemented by live recordings, remixes, and skits.

This four-piece alt-metal band from Alabama draws frequent comparisons to Linkin Park, and even work with Linkin producer Don Gilmore on this major-label debut album.

Oklahoma's Toby Keith returns with 12 new tracks, including a duet with Willie Nelson.

The hugely successful R&B group's first Arista release is typical Boyz II Men, meaning plenty of vocal harmonies and ballads.

The legendary 1960s soul singer, now a young 66 years old, is still going strong with this latest release, featuring brand-new songs penned by an impressive group of songwriters, including Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Tom Waits, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan. No one will be giving up on him after this release.

The former Led Zeppelin singer's first solo album in nearly 10 years is a mix of originals and covers, including Bob Dylan's "One More Cup of Coffee" (also recently covered by the White Stripes) and Tim Buckley's "Win My Train Fare Home."

2001 gave us The White Stripes and The Strokes; 2002 gives us The Hives and The Vines. This Australian four-piece outfit is the latest rock band to be hyped to stratospheric proportions (and an instant major-label contract) by the UK rock press, who compared the Vines to Nirvana (the band, not the concept). But although the Aussies did indeed get their start as a Nirvana cover band, there is a bit more to their debut album 'Highly Evolved' than Grunge, Part 2.

This is the second album for the 60s-style rock quartet from Detroit.

The English trip-hop outfit's fourth studio album features unlikely guest vocal appearances from rapper Slick Rick and Lambchop's Kurt Wagner.

The Oklahoma band finally returns with a follow-up to perhaps their strongest effort to date, 1999's 'The Soft Bulletin.' Here, the Lips venture even more into electronic territory, working once again with producer Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev). Yoshimi of Japanese band The Boredoms guests on vocals on one track and lends her name to part of the album's title (the "Yoshimi" part, not the "Pink Robots" part).

Even the most casual DMB fan knows the story by now: Dave & Co. record a dark, challenging album with producer Steve Lillywhite, those "Lillywhite Sessions" are leaked onto the Internet where the tracks quickly become fan favorites, and the band chooses not to release them, instead heading back into the studio with producer Glen Ballard to record 'Everyday.' The new studio LP 'Busted Stuff' does not contain those original tracks from the 2000 sessions, but nine of those songs (plus two new tracks) are here, newly recorded.

The legendary singer's third roots-country album for Sugar Hill Records includes 12 Parton originals as well as covers of Bread's "If" and, of all things, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."

The Tennessee power-pop outfit returns for their fourth album (and second for indie label Arena Rock after two major-label releases for Elektra). Guided By Voices' Robert Pollard guests.

One of 2002's much-hyped neo-garage rock bands, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs have opened for acts such as the White Stripes and the Strokes, and have drawn comparisons to both. This five-track debut EP was originally released in 2001 on the indie Shifty label, and saw a rerelease in the summer of 2002 on Touch & Go.

Only the band's fourth studio recording in their 10+ year existence, 'Hard Candy' offers up 13 new tracks, including the single "American Girls" and "Butterfly Reverse," which was cowritten by Ryan Adams. Steve Lillywhite produces.

The synth-pop duo of Amy Dykes (vocals) and Dan Geller (music) are best known for two things: (1) recording all of their music on a laptop computer, and (2) well, their name, which (understandably) attracted some attention post-September 11 and was briefly changed and then restored. This is the band's second full-length release, and includes covers of the Stone Roses' "Shoot You Down" and Blondie's "Call Me."

This latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series of progressive/experimental jazz recordings is the work of turntablist DJ Spooky (Tha' Subliminal Kid), whose own mixing, bass, and kalimba are joined by jazz notables such as Matthew Shipp, Guillermo Barreto Brown, William Parker, and Medeski, Martin & Wood's Billy Martin.

This is the debut solo release for former Sebadoh drummer/songwriter Jason Loewenstein. On these 14 tracks, J.Loew handles all instruments and songwriting duties himself.

Although their ride has been rocky at times, the Los Angeles band is nearing its 20th anniversary. (And if you grew up listening to the band, doesn't that make you feel old.) This, their eighth album, finds the Chili Peppers working with producer Rick Rubin.

The second album from the London band is a continuation of their Scott Walker-influenced dark and melancholy pop sound from their 2000 debut. (Not a Scott Walker fan? Think Tindersticks, Pulp or Divine Comedy.)

This 15-track collection compiles the band's B-sides, soundtrack contributions, and other oddities.

The British house trio has been performing, producing, and remixing for ten years, but 'Muzikizum' represents their first album, highlighted by the breakout UK hit single "Lazy" featuring guest vocals from David Byrne.

This is the fifth studio album for the one-time superstars, who now retain only the brothers Gallagher from their original lineup. Former Ride guitarist Andy Bell and Heavy Stereo bassist Gem Archer make their first studio appearances as members of the band, and in an Oasis first, all four members share in the songwriting.

Basically a continuation of The Wedding Present (but with a broader, more "cinematic" sound), Cinerama features David Gedge and Simon Cleave from that band as well as Gedge's wife, Sally Murrell. Torino, the group's third studio album, was produced by Dare Mason and longtime collaborator Steve Albini, and features the UK hit single "Health And Efficiency."

The St. Louis rapper follows up the massive success of his 2000 debut LP 'Country Grammar' with 19 new tracks cut from the same cloth, including the Neptunes-produced single "Hot In Here." Justin Timberlake guests on one track.

Best known for his film career ("Buffalo '66," "Trouble Every Day"), actor Vincent Gallo has also released a low-fi indie rock album (2001's 'When') and scored several films. This 29-track effort compiles all of his previous recordings for various indie film soundtracks.

Now into their third decade of recording, Sonic Youth offer up a return to form that has more in common with their output of the 80s than with anything they have released in recent years. Multi-instrumentalist Jim O'Rourke, who worked with the band on their previous effort 'NYC Ghosts & Flowers,' is now a full-fledged member of the group.

The Los Angeles singer/songwriter's eclectic debut album comes after cuts on the soundtracks to "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Shallow Hal."

The groundbreaking English four-piece art-punk band has reunited (25 years after their debut) to record this 6-track EP, representing their first new studio output together since 1990's 'Manscape.'

The Austin band's fourth LP represents a new direction for the group (which features Dan Matz and Jason McNeely and a handful of rotating contributors) toward more delicate and intricate compositions. In addition, a new emphasis on vocals makes this the band's most accessible release to date.

This is the third album for the Irish indie-punk quartet, and takes a less harsh, more pop approach than their poorly-received 1998 sophomore effort 'Nu-Clear Sounds.'

The Ohio band fronted by Robert Pollard offers up a 19-track set that is not just a return to former home Matador Records but a full return to classic, self-produced GBV form, after working with outside producers on the previous two albums.

The third solo disc for Wyclef Jean includes remakes of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and Tom Jones' "What's New, Pussycat?" (featuring Jones on guest vocals) among its 22 eclectic tracks.

Legendary producer/remixer/DJ Paul Oakenfold (Happy Mondays, Perfecto Records) has finally gotten around to releasing an album as an artist. Vocals on this 11-track set come from the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Nelly Furtado, Tricky, Perry Farrell, Grant Lee Phillips, and Emiliana Torrini.

Philip Noyce's period film about Austrialia's Aboriginal people, "Rabbit Proof Fence," serves as the inspiration for Peter Gabriel's return to recording for only the second time since 1992's 'Us.' Gabriel turns to Aboriginal music throughout the album, but don't expect any true "songs" from this work, which consists chiefly of longer, moody, instrumental pieces with a world music flavor.

The No-Cal rap-metal outfit returns with a second album for Dreamworks (their third overall). Lead singer Coby Dick has reverted back to his given name, Jacoby Shaddix, but otherwise, the band and sound remain the same.

One of many musicians to benefit from the unexpected success of the 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' soundtrack, 75-year-old bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley reunites with producer T Bone Burnett for this 12-track effort.

The California alt-metal outfit finally returns with a successor to the smash hit 1999 album 'Issues.'

This double-disc live album was recorded on the band's farewell tour in Manchester in 2001. Among the 22 tracks are most of the group's hits, including "Sit Down," "Laid," and "Born of Frustration."

Bowie's first studio album in three years (and first for his new label ISO Records, distributed by Columbia) finds the older white duke working with producer Tony Visconti for the first time since 1980's 'Scary Monsters.' Pete Townsend and Dave Grohl guest on guitar on a track apiece.

This enhanced-CD experience is TMBG's first official album geared toward the younger set, with 17 children's songs with titles such as "Where Do They Make Balloons?" and "I Am Not a Grocery Bag." (Not that the titles themselves make this any different than a grownup TMBG album, mind you.)

The Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and producer Ant offer up 18 new tracks.

The fifth album (and first in three years) for the bassist/singer features 16 new tracks (including a bonus remix of "Pocketbook" by Missy Elliot and Rockwilder) in an eclectic mix of styles.

The aptly named 'Three' is the third solo release for graphic artist/Sea And Cake guitarist Archer Prewitt.

It's a bit hard NOT to get noticed when your band consists of a couple dozen people dressed in white robes, but having one of the most memorable debut albums in recent years (think Mercury Rev + Spiritualized + Up With People) certainly doesn't hurt. This 10-song debut (which was originally intended as a demo) did in fact land the Austin, Texas band led by former Tripping Daisy member Tim DeLaughter a major label deal.

The Glasgow band's fifth album serves as the soundtrack to the Todd Solondz film of the same name--in theory, that is, as only a few minutes of this new material is actually used in the movie (in fact, much of the album was recorded after the movie was released). However, as with a typical soundtrack album, expect snatches of dialogue and numerous instrumental tracks interspersed with fully-developed songs.

The Manchester, England band reunites with producer Steve Osborne for their sophomore album, following 2000's 'Lost Souls,' which launched them into stardom in both the U.S. and U.K. "There Goes the Fear" is the lead single.

This debut LP for the electric English quartet was originally released in March 2001 to enough critical acclaim that Sony/Epic picked the album up for a re-release in the summer of 2002. Their sound combines harder-edged alt-rock with "shoegazing"-style noise manipulation.

The former frontwoman of the Los Angeles indie group that dog. strikes off on her own with this solo debut.

The Bay Area's Josh Davis (aka DJ Shadow) finally returns with a proper full-length follow-up to 1996's groudbreaking 'Endtroducing,' which achieved near-legendary status for its imaginative use of samples (a style that would later be adopted by acts such as The Avalanches).

The 17-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter-skater nails the adult alternative Michelle Branch/Jewel/Alanis Morissette sound on this debut album, featuring her breakout hit single "Complicated."

Looper's third album (and first for Mute Records) finds Stuart David & co. adopting a darker tone for these ten tracks, which are closely integrated with the band's new live show and promotional materials to tell the story of two characters named Evil Bob and Peacock Johnson.

Who are Dirty Vegas? Chances are you have heard one and only one song from this UK poptronica trio: the track "Days Go By," used as the soundtrack to an overplayed Mitsubishi car commercial. This debut album features that song (twice) and ten others which have yet to appear on the telly.

The Netherlands-based techno artist returns with his fifth album, which is less experimental than previous efforts, instead offering a seamless set of hardcore techno.

This is the second album for the eclectic indie-rock band fronted and founded by John Schmersal (Brainiac). For this outing, the band has expanded to a four-piece, with new members Matt Schultz and former Blonde Redhead bassist Toko Yasuda (who replaces Steve Calhoon and handles some vocals).

Steve Albini was behind the boards for the Chicago-by-way-of-Seattle band's third album for Touch & Go Records.

Working once again with producer Dr. Dre, Marshall Mathers returns with his third album.

A comeback of sorts, 'Title TK' comes a full nine years after The Breeders' previous effort (1993's 'Last Splash') and sees the group with a new lineup (only Kim Deal and sister Kelley remain) and producer (Steve Albini).

Ugly Casanova is the alter ego of Modest Mouse singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, who makes his solo debut with this release. The 13 tracks were produced by Brian Deck (Tortoise, Sea and Cake), and the backing band includes Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession) and Tim Rutili (Red Red Meat), but it sounds a lot like a Modest Mouse release.

Fresh off the Roxy Music reunion tour, Bryan Ferry resumes his solo career with this 13-track effort, a mix of Ferry originals and covers (including two Dylan tracks). Ferry has actually been working on this album for parts of the last eight (!) years, and it includes contributions from former Roxy Music partner/nemesis Brian Eno, the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, and Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood.

This debut album from the French electronica trio features the Wild Colonials' Angela McCluskey on vocals on a number of tracks.

The second solo release for former Helium singer/guitarist Mary Timony was produced by Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.

Bermuda-born singer/songwriter Heather Nova returns with her fourth album, which was a hit in England upon its release there in the fall of 2001.

Canada's favorite prog rockers return with their first album of new material in six years, eh.

Moving back to the indie leagues after one major-label release (1998's 'Freak*on*ica' for Geffen), the hard-rocking foursome return to form for the most part on these 11 tracks, retaining only a few techno touches from the experimentation of their previous effort.

Can he do it again? Coming a full three years after his surprise megahit 'Play,' this new album from Richard Melville Hall attempts to repeat that disc's success with (surprise) 18 new tracks, including collaborations with Angie Stone, Sinead O'Connor, Azure Ray and MC Lyte.