Conor Oberst's newest solo effort is a continuation of many of his trademark tropes, with all the connotations that come with them. Overall, Oberst's melodies possess a familiarity, making all the songs seem both comfortable and easygoing.

Jack White's sophomore solo album builds on his already impressive musical talent. 'Lazaretto' channels the voices, music and instruments White has mastered as a professor of the rock tradition.

Bob Mould's new album may very well be the most epic emotional rollercoaster ever pressed into 36 minutes - and for Bob Mould, that says a lot. Mould is as relevant, ferocious and poignant as he has ever been.

With a voice like Ray LaMontagne's, it would be easy for him to keep making the same album over and over. But this album might be the freshest and most adventurous of LaMontagne's career.

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.