You wouldn't know it from their album covers, or their music, but this indie-rock four-piece hails from Athens, Georgia, not Tokyo. 'Tomorrow' is their third full-length and first in five years (four, if you include their collaboration with Bedhead).

This is the third album for former Boo Radleys guitarist Martin Carr.

This is the third full-length collaboration between Brian Eno and guitarist Robert Fripp, with the previous two outings coming in 1973 and 1975.

This is the solo debut for Adem Ilhan of the English electronica/post-rock band Fridge (whose lineup also includes Four Tet's Kieran Hebden). Unlike in Fridge (which is an instrumental outfit), Adem sings over these ten quiet, folksy tracks.

The former Tricky collaborator was nominated for the UK's Mercury Music Prize for her solo debut 'Quixotic,' which arrives in the U.S. a year later re-sequenced, re-designed, and re-titled (as 'Anything'). Included (as on the original version) is a collaboration with Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan, as well as tracks recorded with Tricky and David Holmes.

The Norway-based indie-folk duo of Erlend Øye and Erik Glambek Bøe reunite for a third album, following some detours by Øye into more electronic-based music.

Apart from demonstrating that his addition skills are as poor as Radiohead's, 'One Plus One' finds Damon Gough returning to the more low-key, lo-fi sound of his earlier work after the much glossier 'Have You Fed The Fish?' failed to win the British singer-songwriter new fans in 2002.

Allegedly recorded on a budget of $120, 'Terrorbird' is the somewhat strange debut for the post-punk four-piece from Los Angeles.

Although a New York band, Scissor Sisters (as evidenced by this debut disc) are definitely not part of the typical New York scene, eschewing garage and no wave to embrace campier, glammier 70s and 80s rock and dance music sounds. Included here is the band's cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb."

The psychedelic indie-rockers from Santa Cruz, Calif. make their Sub Pop debut with this third disc. Guitarist Ben Chasny has been added to the lineup, supplementing the original quartet led by vocalist/guitarist Ethan Miller.

The sophomore effort from the Long Island emo band was produced by Lou Giordano (Ataris), and features new vocalist Fred Mascherino (joining band founder Adam Lazzara).

This is the second album for the French synth-rock outfit, who attracted some international acclaim with their 2000 debut 'United.'

The former Throwing Muses and Breeders member's third solo release finds her collaborating with the likes of Dean Fisher (who doubles as Juliana Hatfield's bassist and Donelly's husband) and Rich Gilbert.

The all-female Scandinavian quartet return with a disc produced by Pelle Gunnerfeldt (The Hives), their third album overall and first for new label RCA.

Rick Rubin produced this fourth album for the Swedish quartet, which features contributions by Billy Preston and Ash's Charlotte Hatherley.

The producer (a college English professor in his former life) behind the fictitious hip-hop outfits The Majesticons and The Infesticons returns with a disc recorded under his own name. It's not the third installment in the -icons series (that will come later), but a standalone album that veers into multiple genres and moods.

The inventive but challenging hardcore outfit returns with their first full-length studio recording since 1999's 'Calculating Infinity.'

This three-disc box set, subtitled "10 Years of B-Sides and Rarities," is just that, collecting 56 tracks from the Duluth, MN slowcore trio. Also included in the set is a 32-page booklet and a DVD with videos, concert footage and documentaries.

Colin McIntyre returns with his third album in as many years, like its predecessors a bit, well, strange.

The El Paso, Texas four-piece (featuring those members of At The Drive-In who didn't join the Mars Volta) return with a second full-length, produced by Mike Major.

This solo disc from the Posies member features guest appearances from Jill Sobule and members of Velocity Girl, Oranger and the Posies.

Originally self-released by the band in 2003, this debut album for Rogue Wave (basically just namesake Zach Rogue, plus additional musicians on some songs) was remastered and re-released by Sub Pop in 2004.

The brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger return with a second quirky, challenging and eclectic LP.

Although the Dallas-based robe-wearing collective (who number close to 30) recorded their buzz-generating debut in just two days, this sophomore effort is the result of a full year in the studio. (Presumably, it's a very large studio.) Eric Feldman (Sparklehorse) and The Speekers produced.

This debut for the Liverpool five-piece recalls bands such as Echo & The Bunnymen, U2 and The Verve. Cocteau Twins' Simon Raymonde produced.

The Swedish group (originally formed 9 years ago as an all-girl trio, but now featuring 8 full-time members) make their international debut with an album that manages to combine elements of classic Motown, Mazzy Star and the Velvet Underground.

The 80s-influenced laptop-pop duo of Dan Geller and Amy Dykes return with their third LP.

'Space Settings' is the debut from the hip-hop side project for Jimmy Tamborello (Postal Service, Dntel), who along with Plug Research artists Allen Avanessian, Daedelus and John Tejada (plus Thomas Fehlmann), provides the musical backdrop for an array of MCs that includes Beans and Rocmon.

This is the second solo release for the former D Generation frontman. Malin's buddy Ryan Adams does not produce this time around, but he does appear on the album.

Jim Heath & co. return for an eighth album of rockabilly tunes.

The fourth album from the Bay Area indie rockers (led by singer-guitarist Carlos Forster) is their first in three years.

This is the second DFA release for the Brooklyn outfit who have evolved from abrasive noise rock to a little less abrasive psychedelic electronica. Production was handled by the DFA, Steve Revitte (Liars) and Nicolas Vernhes (Fiery Furnaces).

The current Mojave 3 and former Slowdive member makes her long-awaited solo debut with 'Waves Are Universal,' which features production by David Naughton and drumming by Ashley Bates (Chapterhouse).

This is the first album in three years for the now 50-something Richman.

The stripped-down 'The Will To Death' is not just the second solo disc in 2004 for the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, but marks the first of a whopping six planned albums for Record Collection this year.

When you record one of the most acclaimed albums of the decade, what do you do for an encore? If you are Jeff Tweedy & co., you return with both old (Jim O'Rourke again producing) and new (yet another lineup change) for your fifth studio LP.

Classically-trained guitarist Jimmy LaValle, who has played on albums by Tristeza and Black Heart Procession in addition to his own Album Leaf project, traveled from San Diego, CA to Iceland to record this third Album Leaf disc as a guest of Sigur Ros. Members of Sigur Ros, Mum, and Black Heart Procession appear on the album.

This is the third album of psychedelic-rock tunes from Swedish multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Gustav Ejstes.

'This Is For Real' is the full-length debut for the trashy electro-punk outfit out of Sheffield, England.

This is the second disc for the duo of Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and vocalist Siobhan de Mare (Mono).

The Toronto lo-fi indie-rockers, led by Will Oldham-esque singer-songwriter Aaron Riches, make their Sanctuary debut with this third album.

'Brother Is To Son' is nominally a solo effort for Daniel Smith (aka "Brother Danielson," aka leader of the Christian indie-rock outfit the Danielson Familie), although fellow Familie (and, in real life, family) members appear throughout this acoustic-only disc, as does frequent collaborator Sufjan Stevens.

The Portland, Ore. duo of Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel are back with their third album, and first for Sub Pop.

This 19-track live CD from the former Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo member includes two new songs, 15 tracks culled from his three solo discs, and covers of Neil Young and Pink Floyd. It was recorded during his tour in the fall of 2003 while he was backed by a five-piece band (Canyon).

This is the second full-length for the dance-oriented Sacramento/New York seven-piece (down from eight), who share several members with the band Out Hud.

The always interesting Florida-based singer-songwriter's third album was co-produced by Joe Henry, with appearances from Aimee Mann, Chocolate Genius, M. Ward, Bil Frisell and The Sadies.

The veteran Southern California hardcore punk band returns with--as you may have guessed from the title--a political-themed disc, complete with carefully-footnoted lyrics.

This is the first solo release for Carl Newman, who can also be found leading indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers as well as the (now defunct) Canadian power-pop band Zumpano.

The Bay Area indie-pop band returns with a second LP.

The Texas noise-rock trio led by John Congleton returns with a third LP.

The London art rockers have changed their lineup for this sophomore release, dropping bassist Jon Ball for Tracy Bellaries. Alex Newport (At The Drive In, Icarus Line) produces.

This is the full-length debut from the four-piece consisting of Dismemberment Plan bassist Eric Axelson, former Promise Ring members Davey von Bohlen and Dan Didier, and Jawbox founder J. Robbins.

The Brooklyn-based collective (on this release, reduced to the duo of Avey Tare and Panda Bear) combine vocal harmonies, a pair of acoustic guitars, and diverse influences into a unique sound on this latest release.

The third solo disc from the Canadian singer-songwriter and member of Royal City features members of Hidden Cameras, Royal City and The Constantines.

The co-ed Washington, D.C. indie-rock foursome make their debut with this 11-track disc produced by Brian McTear.

James McAlister (Ester Drang) joins band leader David Bazan and his longtime collaborator TW Walsh on Pedro The Lion's fifth album.

The moody Spanish indie-rockers return with 'The Incredible Adventure,' which has a greater emphasis on instrumental tracks than their previous four discs.

This is the fourth release for the chamber-pop outfit led by--yes--Matthew Pond and based in--you guessed it--Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, to be exact).

A bit more upbeat-sounding than its predecessors, 'Elk-Lake Serenade' is the fourth studio disc for Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden Desser (who draws frequent Neil Young comparisons, and not just for being Canadian).

This debut disc for the South London, England quartet (originally released in the UK in 2003) was produced by Victor Van Vugt (Beth Orton) and gained a Mercury Music Prize nomination.

Definitely not your typical Chicago band, this trio of former Trenchmouth members Damon Locks and Wayne Montana and Vandermark 5 drummer Tim Mulvenna injects funk, ska, and hip-hop elements into the usual post-rock mix on this debut full-length.

This is the sophomore disc for the Texas five-piece featuring former Bedhead co-founders (and current brothers) Matt and Bubba Kadane. The album was recorded in Chicago with Steve Albini.

This is the full-length debut for the Dallas, TX trio of brothers Benjamin and Brandon Curtis and Josh Garza.

The Seattle-based punk band returns with their third album.

The lo-fi Portland, Ore. band returns with a second album, recorded with engineer Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie).

Hatfield's fourth solo disc (and first since 2000) finds her working with producers and engineers David Way (Pink, Madonna), David Leonard (Avril Lavigne, Prince) and Dave Cook (Nick Cave).

Steve Albini returns as producer for the Welsh indie-punk trio's third album.

The New York City five-piece (yes, they're one of *those* New York bands) make their debut with 'Red Bedroom,' mixing dance and punk like it's 2002 all over again.

'Glamour' is the debut disc for the English band led by singer Greg Gilbert, whose voice has drawn him numerous comparisons to the Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser (as odd as that may sound).

The underground hip-hop producer (also a member of Soul Position) returns with a follow-up to his acclaimed 2002 Def Jux Debut, 'Dead Ringer.'

The Swedish garage rockers return with a sophomore LP.

The second LP from the New York-based artist/musician/crazy hippie Devendra Banhart (who studied at the San Francisco Art Institute) includes 16 of the 32 lo-fi tracks recorded in the living room of veteran recording engineer Lynn Bridges. The remaining 16 will be released on a separate album later in 2004.

'Heroes' marks the third album for the ever-strange UK outfit, who self-produced the disc and handed it off to Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) for mixing.

Leaving Sub Pop behind for a different Northwest label (Strange Attractors), the Seattle band returns with a collection of new studio recordings, rehearsal sessions, and a 30-minute live track.

This sophomore disc finds the New York foursome moving a bit further into 80s synth-pop territory.

This is the second solo disc for Faint bassist Joel Petersen. Mike Mogis produces.

Stephin Merritt handles all of the vocal duties on Magnetic Fields' latest release (so named because each song title begins with the letter I), though the musicians who helped flesh out '69 Love Songs' return, including Claudia Gonson (also of Future Bible Heroes and the band's manager), John Woo and Sam Davol.

Alan Moulder mixed this sophomore disc for the hard-rocking Los Angeles band, known for their black and red "uniforms" and strong live sets.

This 16-track disc (complete with a brief intermission between 'sets') marks the first studio recording in a whopping 22 years for the Boston-based trio of Roger Miller (guitar, vocals), Clint Conley (bass, vocals) and Peter Prescott (drums, vocals), with production by Bob Weston and Rick Harte and additional instrumentation on two tracks by the band Rachel's.

The third full-length for indie singer-songwriter Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn was recorded with Calvin Johnson and Phil Elverum (The Microphones).

On their third full-length, the Icelandic band Mum continues to blend pastoral electronica with the distinctive vocals (think The Cranes as a comparison) of Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir.

'Three Things' marks the third disc for Argentina's Juana Molina, who gained fame in her native country as a sitcom star before venturing into the realm of indietronica (where she draws comparisons to Beth Orton and Lisa Germano).

'Escondida' marks the first solo studio disc for the Texas-born folk singer-songwriter who also co-founded the Canadian group The Be Good Tanyas.

The DFA produced this full-length debut for the unconventional rap outfit consisting of MC Jesse Levine and a live five-piece backing band.

'Runaway Found' marks the debut LP for the London (by way of New Zealand) rock outfit led by 19-year-old singer/guitarist Finn Andrews. Their epic sound has drawn the band comparisons to many of the usual suspects (Coldplay, Radiohead, the Verve).