I know this was released digitally in October 2007, but I waited for the physical release in January 2008. The band made their best work since 1995's "The Bends". Every song holds its own, and the album as a whole is a pleasure to listen to repeatedly.

Another strong debut from a band that sounds like an updated Talking Heads, which is something we desperately need right now to ward off all the bland manufactured pop out there.

Ms. Crow returned with her best work since 1996's self titled "Sheryl Crow". The songs work well together here, with a variety of sounds and topics, with a bent towards the political. One of Sheryl Crow's best albums, and sadly overlooked.

After 15 years away, The B-52's came dancing back with a very electronic album, still retaining all the trademarks of the band. "Pump" and "Funplex" are great songs.

I don't think anyone expected R.E.M. to release one of their best works in ages. The rocking "Accelerate" has more in common with "Monster" than "Up". The band rocks out in major ways here with "I'm Gonna DJ", "Living Well Is The Best Revenge".

Yet another comeback, rather unexpected from Was (Not Was) after 18 years away. They pick right up where they left off, never missing a beat. Quirky and diverse, "Boo!" is packed with memorable numbers like "Semi-Interesting Week", "It's A Miracle" and "From The Head To The Heart".

She took a lot of flak for pulling in contemporary producers to make her sound more current. However, "Hard Candy" has its merits with "Candy Shop", "4 Minutes" and "Give It To Me".

Cyndi came roaring back with a great dance album, her best work since 1993's "Hat Full Of Stars". Has "Into The Nightlife", "Rocking Chair", "Echo" and "Rain On Me".

Caesars busted out with a double album of straight ahead psychedelic, garage pop. Both discs work together well with many standout tracks from "Boo Boo Goo Goo", "Every Road Leads Home", "Strawberry Weed", "Stuck With You", "No Tomorrow" and "You Nailed Me".

With their fourth release, this band shows no signs of slowing down. They are in the zone when it comes to making perfect pop gems. Has "Viva La Vida", "Lost!", "Strawberry Swing", "Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love" and "Violet Hill".

Beck decided to utilize Danger Mouse to help produce this album of unique alt.pop gems. Has "Gamma Ray", "Modern Guilt" and "Profanity Prayers".

Springfield comes roaring back with his best work in years. Has "What's Victoria's Secret?", "I'll Miss That Someday", "Time Stand Still" and "Saint Sahara".

Extreme returned after 13 years away with a solid piece of music. Much better than 1995's "Waiting For The Punchline". Has "Star", "Take Us Alive", "Flower Man" and "Interface".

Easily Joan's best work since 1995's "Relish". Has "Hallelujah In The City", "Cathedrals" and "Meet You In The Middle".

Hynde & Co. crank out another respectable album of material with "Boots Of Chinese Plastic", "The Nothing Maker", "Love's A Mystery" and "Break Up The Concrete".

Keane took a gamble by altering their sound with their third album "Perfect Symmetry". I enjoyed the change. Has "Spiralling", "The Lovers Are Losing", "Better Than This" and "Pretend That You're Alone".

Bloc Party regrouped after the mediocre "A Weekend In The City", and it payed of in spades here. Has "Mercury", "Halo", "Signs", "One Month Off", "Ion Square", "Letter To My Son" and "Flux".

Chapman continues her brand of folk pop music here with such memorable tracks as "Sing For You", "I Did It All", "Save Us All" and "A Theory".

The Killers continue with a third solid album of catchy pop songs. Has "Losing Touch", "Human", "Spaceman" and "Joy Ride".

Byrne with Eno again, what could be better? This album is one of Byrne's best works. Has "Home", "My Big Nurse", "Everything That Happens", "Life Is Long", "The River", "Strange Overtones" and "One Fine Day".