This is the first solo release from Slowdive and Mojave 3 frontman Neil Halstead, and includes occasional guest contributions from the likes of his bandmate Ian McCutcheon and Locust's Mark Van Hoen.

David Bottrill produced this third LP for the Peoria, Ill.-based metal band.

This is the first album in nine years for the reunited Los Angeles alternative act, featuring three original members Johnette Napolitano, Jim Mankey and Harry Rushakoff. The 12 new tracks here include "Roxy," a tribute to Roxy Music.

Brother-sister duo Jim and Alison Shaw return for this, the distinctive English band's seventh album. While Alison's unique vocals are still clearer in the mix (as they were for 'Population Four'), the music here is more varied and ventures a bit more into electronica.

This is the much-heralded debut album from the English foursome, produced by Steve Osbourne.

The New Orleans rapper returns with his first album since the success of his 2000 single "Shake Ya Ass." The Neptunes return to produce two tracks, with Timbaland, Rockwilder, and others filling out the production duties.

The once mighty No Limit empire may have fallen a bit, but Master P is still making records. This is his first under a new distribution deal with Universal.

RZA and company return to their hardcore roots for this, Wu-Tang's fourth album together.

The New York rapper's fifth album attempts to return to the sound of his similar-titled 1994 hit debut, 'Illmatic.' Here, DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz provide the beats.

The follow-up to 'Return of Saturn' finds Gwen Stefani & co. working with a variety of producers (Sly and Robbie, Ric Ocasek, William Orbit) in a variety of styles.

The second installment in the "Art Official Intelligence" series (following 2000's 'Mosaic Thump') features the hit single "Baby Phat" and guest appearances from Slick Rick and Cypress Hill's B Real.

Much as he did for another Steven Soderbergh film ("Out Of Sight"), David Holmes provides the score for Soderbergh's Rat Pack remake. Much of the album consists of Holmes originals (including "69 Police," which also appears on his 'Bow Down To The Exit Sign' LP), supplemented by songs from the likes of everyone from Handsome Boy Modeling School to Elvis Presley.

The second full-length from the Atlanta rapper features contributions from Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Nate Dogg, Mystikal, Jagged Edge and Twista.

This self-titled effort is the California band's third album.

Fresh off her hit "Lady Marmalade" remake from the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack, the pop diva returns with her second album. Former 4 Non Blonde member Linda Perry produced and wrote most of the tracks.

Guests on the Rolling Stones frontman's fourth solo album include Bono, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Pete Townshend, Rob Thomas, and Joe Perry.

The Detroit rap-rocker may be feeling a bit like his album title after his previous effort, 1998's 'Devil Without a Cause,' went platinum. (Actually, he was feeling like that even before that happened.) Snoop Dogg and Sheryl Crow guest on a track apiece on this, his fifth album of new material.

This religion-themed concept album is the artist's first official release in 10 years under the Prince name.

This double album from Jill Scott and her band, Fatback Taffy, includes a live disc of performances of material from her acclaimed debut album, 'Who is Jill Scott?', as well as a second disc of new studio recordings.

This is the second Green Velvet album from Chicago-based DJ Curtis Jones (aka Cajmere), best known for his hit club single "Flash."

The Chicago-based avant-garde musician (best known for his work in Gastr Del Sol) offers up seven new tracks in his follow-up to 1999's 'Eureka.' Wilco's Jeff Tweedy adds guitar.

This is the Leeds, England indie-rock band's first American LP release in four years. Akin to recent Radiohead, this disc incorporates experimental electronica elements, and also adds guest vocals from members of hip-hop outfit cLOUDDEAD.

The Grammy-winning artist follows her 2000 hit 'I Am Shelby Lynne' with ten new tracks produced by Glen Ballard (Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morissette), including a cover of John Lennon's "Mother."

Busta's fourth solo album includes 20 new tracks produced by the likes of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock. Guest vocalists include P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, and the Flipmode Squad.

This is the former Beatle's first album of original recordings since 1997's 'Flaming Pie.'

The singer's third solo album was produced by T-Bone Burnett.

Recorded during a 2000-2001 European tour, Radiohead's first live album contains just eight tracks: seven songs culled from 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac,' plus long-time live staple "True Love Waits."

The singer-songwriter's third album contains 12 new studio tracks and two bonus live tracks.

Working again with longtime producer Allen Reynolds, Brooks' first country-pop album in four years includes duets with George Jones and Trisha Yearwood. If Brooks' claims are to be believed, this will also be his farewell album.

Neil Hannon returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'Gin Soaked Boy.' A bit of a departure, this album utilizes Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and a larger group of musicians to highlight a more serious side to Hannon's music.

This is Marc Bianchi's second LP as Her Space Holiday, which also includes his girlfriend, Keely.

This Dallas band gained national attention by starring in (and winning) VH1's "Bands On The Run" competition/reality show. This major-label effort is a remixed version of their independently-released debut album, with two additional tracks.

Oops, she did it a third time. The Pepsi spokesperson's third LP features 12 new tracks produced by the likes of Rodney Jerkins, Max Martin and the Neptunes, including a cover of Joan Jett's "I Love Rock N Roll."

This sample-driven Austrialian dance outfit scored a hit in its homeland with this, its debut full-length release (following three EP releases since 1997). The UK music press created a publicity avalanche for the band in the Spring of 2001, as the album picked up strong reviews (quotes from some appear below) and was featured in numerous articles. Packed with over 600 samples of recordings dating from the 1950's to the present (each one credited in the liner notes!) as well as original instrumentation, 'Since I Left You' is a varied and unique record.

"Nathaniel Merriweather" is merely the latest incarnation of producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, best known for his work with Dr. Octagon and the Gorillaz. Merriweather was last seen on 1999's Handsome Boy Modeling School debut, and here he is joined in his new band, Lovage, by Kid Koala, Damon Albarn, Prince Paul, Faith No More's Mike Patton, and the Elysian Fields' Jennifer Charles, among others.

Perhaps best known for being the album that depicted the World Trade Center towers in flames on its cover (before the events of September 11 necessitated a last-minute change of artwork), 'Party Music' is the fourth full-length for the ultra-political rappers.

The sophomore effort for Eagle-Eye Cherry (following 1998's Grammy-nominated 'Desireless') includes a guest appearance from sister Neneh Cherry on one track. Rick Rubin produces.

Lenny Kravitz's sixth album features a mix of retro rock and mid-tempo ballads.

The all-girl metal band's sophomore effort (and no, we're not referring to their high school class) includes a cover of Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell."

The King of Pop's first full album of new material since 1992's 'Dangerous' features 16 tracks.

Dntel is an electronica side project for Jimmy Tamborello of Strictly Ballroom and Figurine. Here, he is joined by a who's-who of indie rockdom, including Mia Doi Todd, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), Chris Gunst (Beachwood Sparks) and Brian McMahon (Slint).

Beth Hirsch's second solo album sees her venturing into more electronic territory (with tracks produced by the Black Dog) as well as more conventional singer-songwriter terrain (produced by Custom Blue and Jackson).

The Los Angeles-based funk-metal band returns with a follow-up to 1999's 'Make Yourself.' Scott Litt (R.E.M.) returns as producer.

The suddenly-prolific 74-year-old Mississippi bluesman offers up a back-to-the-basics live set, recorded in Portland in January 2001 with two backing musicians.

Yes, apparently they ARE still around. This is the Irish group's sixth album since 1993, and their first with original producer Stephen Street in some time.

This is the fourth long-player for Gavin Rossdale and Bush, and was produced by Dave Sardie (Slayer, Marilyn Manson).

The eclectic Washington, D.C.-based indie band follow their best-received album, 1999's 'Emergency & I,' with this, their fourth LP. The Plan announced their breakup subsequent to its release.

The fourth album for east coast rapper sees Black Key and DMX himself taking over the production reins from Swizz Beatz on all but two tracks.

This is the debut album for the former Mazzy Star chanteuse's new band.

The fourth album from Bob Wratten under the Trembling Blue Stars name features yet another new lineup (although Annemari Davies does return for a couple of tracks).

The second album from Los Angeles rap outfit Dilated Peoples features contributions from JuJu, DJ Premier, Tha Liks, Alchemist and Da Beatminerz.

This 30-track, 2-disc set from Richard D. James is his first Aphex Twin album in five years.

The band's first album together since 1993's 'Republic' finds the group moving away from electronica and back to guitar rock. The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan duets with Bernard Sumner on "Turn My Way" (and has been touring with the band as an additional guitarist), and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Innes contribute vocals and guitar to "Rock The Shack." Steve Osborne produced the 10-track album.

Kathleen Hanna (also of Bikini Kill) returns for her second album with Le Tigre, the follow-up to the band's well-received 1999 debut.

Orange County, CA alternative rockers Lit scored MTV airplay with 1999's major-label debut 'A Place in the Sun.'

John Mellencamp's 18th album features guest appearances from India Arie and Chuck D.

Though Washington D.C. hard rockers Fugazi have been together for almost 15 years, this is just their eighth full-length release.

Yes, they're still around, although it has been a long time since their Wax Trax! days. Now consisting of relative newcomer Chris Peterson and founding member Bill Leeb (who has since gone on to greater fame with his side project Delerium), FLA offers up 10 new industrial tracks.

Los Angeles-based alt-country outfit Beachwood Sparks return with a second album for Sub Pop. The disc includes a cover of Sade's "By Your Side."

Leonard Cohen's first album of new material since 1992's 'The Future' contains, oddly enough, ten new songs. Sharon Robinson co-wrote each of the tracks, as well as providing instrumentation and backing vocals.

Brothers Nick and Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy return for the Lilac Time's sixth LP. The Barenaked Ladies' Stephen Page also contributes to the album.

This is the third album for the Washington-based indie rockers.

Former Modern Lover Jonathan Richman has been recording steadily for over 25 years, although he recently gained some new adherents with his work on the "There's Something About Mary" soundtrack.

This is the debut album from New York indie-rockers The Strokes, who have been hyped by the British music press following the release of "The Modern Age" EP in early 2001. It almost goes without saying, but the group is frequently compared to the Velvet Underground, among others, thanks in part to singer-songwriter Julian Casablancas' Lou Reed-esque vocals.

A long-time favorite of his fellow indie rockers, 41-year-old Daniel Johnston releases his first album of new material in seven years, following 1994's 'Fun' (his one and only major-label release).

Recorded live in Italy during the Fall of 2000, this eight-song album from Jason Molina (and a full backing band) features five previously unreleased songs. The three familiar tunes include "Tigress" and "Being In Love." The album title translates to "You Come to Me as a Ghost."

This is the third full-length album from the Brooklyn-based art-school indie rockers.

Another eclectic offering from Shirley Manson and Garbage, their third album and first since 1998.

This is the follow-up to Van Helden's 2000 breakthrough 'Killing Puritans.'

The second Four Tet album from producer Kieran Hebden (who is also in the band Fridge), 'Pause' is a dense, eclectic collection of a variety of electronic and live instrumentation and found sounds.

Released after a string of successful singles and albums (including 2000's 'Rule 3:36' LP), 'Pain Is Love' features contributions from Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, and 2Pac.

Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown returns with his third solo album, following 2000's 'Golden Greats.' The first single is "F.E.A.R."

Produced by Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, 'Underneath' is the Michigan band's fourth release.

What started as a series of HBO shorts has turned into a full-fledged band, featuring actor Jack Black ("High Fidelity") and Kyle Gass. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Steve McDonald (Redd Kross) are among the guest musicians on this, the D's debut album, produced by the Dust Brothers.

Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega fills her sixth studio album with 13 new compositions. Former producer (and former husband) Mitchell Froom is gone, replaced by Rupert Hine, who creates an overall sound that is more like Vega's earliest recordings than her Froom-produced output during the 1990s.

Over two years in the making, 'Let It Come Down' is the UK band's first album of new material in four years. It utilizes over 100 musicians (including an orchestra and choral singers), although the music was entirely written and arranged by guitarist Jason Pierce.

'Gold' is the second solo release for former Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams, and garnered a good deal of attention for the singer-songwriter in 2001.

The Welsh Britpop band returns with its second album in 2001 and sixth U.S. release overall. The first single is "Stood On Gold."

This is the fourth instrumental album (but first U.S. release) from London, England's Fridge, which features guitarist Kieran Hebden (who also records as Four Tet).

"Money" Mark Nishita has worked with the Dust Brothers and the Beastie Boys. This is his third album and first for Emperor Norton.

This debut LP brought the much-hyped Liverpool band frequent comparisons to (and a tour with) Radiohead.

This is Bill Callahan's follow-up to 2000's acclaimed 'Dongs of Sevotion.'

The fifth album for Pennsylvania alt-rockers features a guest appearance from Tricky. "Forever May Not Be Long Enough," the theme song from this summer's "The Mummy Returns," also appears on the album.

Yes, it is a covers album, but with a bit of a twist: all the songs were originally written and performed by men, and Amos has reinterpreted them from a woman's standpoint. This eclectic collection (12 tracks in all) includes versions of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence," Eminem's "97' Bonnie and Clyde," 10cc's "I'm Not In Love," Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold," Slayer's "Raining Blood," and the Boomtown Rats' "I Don't Like Mondays."