The dynamic musical careers of Antony and the Johnsons has already accelerated into 2009 with their new CD, "The Crying Light." With a voice that has been described as both haunting and inspiring, Antony has crossed boundaries through his music both artistically and socially since the band's first release in 1998.

Growing her sounds out of her native California, Alena Diane has grown her sound from the West Coast through Europe since emerging on the music scene. In her sophomore album, "To Be Still," Alena further demonstrates her purposeful, penetrating sound.

He's been called everything from balladeer to punk rocker, anti-folker to indie-popper. On his twelfth birthday, he received his first electric guitar and in 1993 started his first punk band, Radish. They broke up in 1999 and Ben Kweller moved to Brooklyn, New York to embark on a solo career.

I can think of no better musician to inaugurate our new feature, Theft of the Dial, than Michael Franti. A gentleman, a wellspring of generosity and positive energy, and also a very funny guy. Oh: and someone with great taste in music too, natch.

While it's doubtful that this far into his career Morrissey is going to win over oogles of new converts, if you've been there in the past, you're probably gonna like "Years of Refusal" -- one of Morrissey's best solo outings to date.

Some recent all stars of the independent music scene have come together to record exclusive songs for "Dark Was The Night", a double-disc album of covers and rare collaborations whose proceeds will benefit the Red Hot organization's work with AIDS research.

"Heroes" is the newest compilation from War Child International, an organization dedicated to working to help children affected by war.