Bob Mould, a musician famous as a solo artist and as a former member of bands Husker Du and Sugar, has started out his 2009 with the release of his ninth solo record, "Life and Times."

Singer, playwright, director and songwriter Oren Lavie has grown up all over the world, carrying influences from each of his seemingly native lands into his music.

I found "A New Tide" to be a pleasant listen. Who's to say they should be writing songs according to industry expectations?

Eleni Mandell's breathtakingly honest and sweeping compositions have gained her acclaim far and near from her native Los Angeles. He swaggering pop-noir style has take full flight in her newest CD, "Artificial Fire."

Through mashing musical contradictions, the Handsome Furs have quickly stormed the music world since debuting in 2007. The husband-wife team of Dan Boeckner (also in Wolf Parade) and Alexei Perry tie together electronic sensibilities with jangly pop while telling stories that span the emotional grid.