CDs:

– Sun Came Out

New album from the project led by Neil Finn with contributions by Sharon and Liam Finn, members of Wilco, Johnny Marr, KT Tunstall, Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, Lisa Germano, Bic Runga and others.

AFI – Crash Love

Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way to Blue

Includes a special guest performance by Elton John on the album's title track.

The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You

Produced by Rick Rubin. Also available on vinyl.

Martin Belmont – Guest List

Features new and exclusive recordings with Paul Carrack, Nick Lowe, Carlene Carter, Graham Parker and others.

Black Cobra – Chronomega

A crushing mix of High On Fire-tinged stoner metal and Buzzov*en's Southern fried sludge, with a heaping dash of Melvins-style drone to wash it all down.

Breaking Benjamin – Dear Agony

Mariah Carey – Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Elvis Costello & the Attractions – The Costello Show: Live at the El Mocambo

Live recording of The Attractions' March 6, 1978 Toronto show. This show was broadcast live on a Canadian radio station and released in a very limited promotional pressing, which was subsequently bootlegged many times over.

This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 7, 2009.