Tune-Yards' new album Nikki Nack consistently blurs the line between silliness and seriousness. These serious nursery rhymes address weighty issues. And even though Merrill Garbus's music sounds simple, even a cursory listen immediately reveals new patterns en route to a world that's distinctly her own.

With their new album, 'Turn Blue', the Black Keys stretch out -- pulling their music like funhouse taffy into new and interesting shapes.

As the album title suggests, Slug and Ant are using this new Atmosphere record to rep the south side of Minneapolis, where they have lived and worked for the majority of their career. You can practically picture Slug wandering down Lake Street deep in thought as he raps about his place in this broken world.

Damon Albarn's first solo release may be slightly bewildering on first listen, but it eventually beguiles. Huge hooks that seem initially buried in the grayish torpor lift themselves out and stay aloft and with you wherever you go.

wry sense of humor runs through all 12 tracks on Barnett's recently reissued album, which is actually a compilation of her first two EPs slapped together to satiate her growing fanbase. Witty and evocative, Barnett sings over lo-fi, psych-influenced washes of guitar. But there is also something deceptively poppy about her music.

A rock album for deep thinkers who also like soul, the highly anticipated 'Do To The Beast' may end up being the record that finally puts The Afghan Whigs on the front covers of the glossy music magazines.

With her new, self-titled record, St. Vincent erects new barriers of aloofness while also managing to make her most accessible and exciting record yet.

Foster the People have made an admirable effort to inject an even more adventurous spirit into their second album, resulting in a mixed bag of new sounds that range from catchy to unfortunate.

Music journalist Holly George-Warren's new book traces the troubled life and backwards career arc of Big Star's Alex Chilton. Reviewer Jason Heller says the book is a poignant and forthright portrait.

For Johnny Cash fans like Bill DeVille, today's release of Johnny's lost album, 'Out Among the Stars', is huge news. Bill DeVille shares some of the album's backstory and gives his review.