Muse "The Resistance"

Less anthemic than their earlier albums, lead single "Uprising" is the closest you will find to a massive headbanging sing-along. Steeped in a more orchestral sound, this album really takes the band in a different direction. And if you don't hear the Queen-influences then you're missing the whole point. I think of this record as an opera. Maybe something like Carmen. Clearly classical but with memorable melodies.

Must hear: United States of Eurasia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ok0expLH1o)

(Release Date: 9/14/09)

Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard "One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur"

Jay Farrar is best known as the guy who left Wilco before they became Wilco (think Pete Best and the Beatles). Ben Gibbard is of course the lead singer of indie veterans Death Cab for Cutie. So what brings these 2 guys together? A mutual love and respect for the works of Jack Kerouac.

As you probably know, Gibbard took a trip to Big Sur where he did some of the songwriting for DCfC's Narrow Stairs (and very specifically "Bixby Canyon Bridge"). This collaboration sounds nothing like that album. It's an acoustic record, with the emphasis clearly being on the lyrics. 90% are direct Kerouac quotes.

Must hear: California Zephyr (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkmdrngHNRs)

(Release Date: 10/20/09)

(500) Days of Summer OST

A quality soundtrack can add emotional depth to characters and scenes in a movie beyond what's just happening on-screen. (500) Days of Summer blends these two allies (audio & visual) beautifully. We are fortunate to be living in a time when there are numerous outstanding movie/soundtrack combos: Garden State, Juno, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, etc. And I would be comfortable putting this one in that category as well.

Must hear: "She's Got You High" by Mumm-Ra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXFXjh9a8lY)

(Release Date: 7/14/09)

Monsters of Folk "Monsters of Folk"

If you thought the Dead Weather were the only new supergroup this year then you were sorely mistaken. Welcome, Monsters of Folk. With names like Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Mike Mogis and Jim James, M.O.F. should have indie scenesters jizzing in their pants.

And, similarly, M.O.F.'s debut is to Indie Rock what the Dead Weather's debut was to Hard Rock. Enough new stuff to keep you excited but nothing you would consider groundbreaking.

Must hear: Say Please (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfcI2HliOIM)

(Release date: 9/22/09)

Arctic Monkeys "Humbug"

I was disappointed by Arctic Monkeys' last effort so I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It sounds different from their accustomed style so it's not fair to compare it against their previous work. In reality, this album sounds much more similar to Queens of the Stone Age. Unsurprisingly, Josh Homme was a co-producer on the album. Not only do the riffs sound like QOTSA but the lead singer seems to have taken his queues from the same. It wouldn't be a bad QOTSA album but it's definitely a good Arctic Monkeys album. It still has the same dirty rock sound that was so memorable from their debut.

Must hear: Dangerous Animals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x7DO3ytv9M)

(Release Date: 8/19/09)

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson "Break Up"

Not that anyone was expecting a Robert Plant/Allison Krauss type effort but this album disappoints. Scarlett is nothing more than a hood ornament; a PR move. And while we're on the subject, what is Scarlett using to record her vocals? It sounds like when I used to try and record songs off the radio onto a cassette tape. Maybe you'll take a couple songs away but this album is forgettable.

Must hear: Relator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRtydnIycCY)

(Release date: 9/15/09)

Owl City "Ocean Eyes"

I don't know if it's the fun music, light lyrics, or just the vocals of Adam Young but this album makes me feel happy. It's not a forced happiness -- like a sugary sweet teen pop song -- rather it's a confidence that everything is all right. Musically, the album sounds like the Postal Service. Which is interesting because Ben Gibbard adds lyrics and turns it into a break up album, yet Adam Young adds lyrics and makes it a get together album.

Must hear: Fireflies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw)

(Release Date: 7/14/09)