DEPECHE MODE – Sounds of the Universe
Just a year shy of their third decade (!), the electronic, new wave geniuses are back. Although their last two albums, Exciter and Playing the Angel were considered near misses, this one promises a lot more. Continuing on their dark, electric and bass-driven path, the 13-track release may be their finest in a decade.

BOOKER T. JONES – Potato Hole
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist for Booker T & The MGs returns. Backed by the Drive-By Truckers and with guitar contributions by Neil Young, this new album is raw and edgy, yet fun and funky. Recorded with Anti-Records in Athens, the man of “Green Onions” fame does covers of Tom Wait’s “Get Behind the Mule” and Outkast’s “Hey Ya”.

LADY SOVEREIGN – Jigsaw
The much anticipated second album by the diminutive London rapper. As proven on her critically acclaimed debut effort Public Warning, what she lacks in size, LS makes up for with confidence and bags of talent. She’s swapped labels this time too, starting her own Midget Records in partnership with EMI. The 10-track album includes a variety of sounds and genres.

METRIC – Fantasies
Having waited for a frustrating four years, fans of the Canadian indie rock band must have thought talk of a new album was just pure hype. Through Fantasies, the quartet, led by singer Emily Haines, prove that they have not lost their ability to create amazing music during their hiatus. The synths are catchier, the instrumentation bolder and the vocals more melodic than ever.