Sound: Earnest, pretty and proper indie pop defined by its use of violin and cello and gentle vocals. Sometimes the strings glide, weave and bounce in between jangly guitars and sturdy drums, while other times …

Note: The Swedish singer’s name is pronounced “LOOK-uh LEE.”
Also Note: All the tracks on this debut album (which was released overseas at the beginning of the year, and is just now getting an official U.S. …

Note: Re-Up Gang is Virginia Beach MCs Pusha T and Malice (aka Clipse – the duo responsible for my #4 Album of 2006) plus Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. The foursome is responsible for the …

Note: This is The Faint’s first proper album since Wet From Birth (my #16 Album of 2004). It’s also their first release on their own label, Blank.Wav. Their previous three proper albums came out on …

Note: This is Conor Oberst’s first “solo” album since 1995’s cassette-only release Soundtrack to My Movie. Since then, he’s recorded as a member of Commander Venus, Park Ave., Desaparecidos and Bright Eyes – by far …