Will Hermes

Damon Albarn is an increasingly busy British musician whose past projects include the rock band Blur, the pop/hip-hop mutation Gorillaz, and a West African ensemble called Mali Music. His latest group, which has just released their eponymous debut, is The Good, The Bad, and The Queen.

The 2004 movie Garden State transformed the Shins from a little known indie-rock band to a mainstream sensation. Their eagerly awaited new album is out today. The album shows the Shins expanding their sound without losing the melodic pop-writing they're known for.

Joanna Newsom plays the concert harp, an unusual instrument for a singer-songwriter. Her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, was widely praised in 2004. Newsom has a long-awaited new record, Ys.

Lupe Fiasco is a Chicago-based rapper who made his mainstream debut on the most recent CD by Kanye West, who is also from Chicago. Now Fiasco is further cementing the Windy City's reputation as a breeding ground for innovative hip-hop, with a new CD, Food and Liquor.

Sean Combs, known as "Diddy" to his fans, has released his first album in five years. The rap star and entrepreneur has a net worth of more than a quarter of a billion dollars. He hopes to add to his wealth with his new CD Press Play.

The Decemberists are a rock group from Portland, Oregon, with a strange demeanor. Their lyrics sound like they were written by an expert Scrabble player, and their songs are often period pieces that suggest odd folk tales. Their new CD, The Crane Wife, takes its title from an actual folk tale, and according to critic Will Hermes, it's as remarkable musically as it is verbally.

Will Oldham is an enigmatic folk-rock musician — and actor — who performs under various monikers, including Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Music, and Bonnie Prince Billy. In addition to playing a part in a new film, Oldham has a new CD out: The Letting Go.

Thom Yorke, lead singer of the band Radiohead, has just released his first solo record, The Eraser. Music critic Will Hermes says while the music may seem depressing, Yorke has actually written a soul-record for the 21st century.

Tilly and the Wall is an Omaha, Neb., indie-rock band named after the well-known children's book. According to critic Will Hermes, their music has a childlike wonder and breathlessness — perhaps most evident in their percussion, which comes mainly from tap-dancing.

Tom Verlaine's rock band Television came of age alongside peers like the Talking Heads and Patti Smith. But for years, Verlaine has been an elusive presence on the music scene — his recent release of two CDs is his first public work in 14 years.