Weller says he was looking to "push the boat out" with his latest solo disc, and that he surely did. His "dreams" focused on punchy rock, world music, jazz, funk, soul, folk, psychedelia--essentially every type of music he has ever tried throughout his 30-year career. Unbelievably, it all works a treat, even when he's singing about sailing the high seas. By far his finest and most consistent solo work.

Washburn, one of the members of all-female bluegrass/string band Uncle Earl, charted her own course on her first solo album, Song Of The Traveling Daughter, by seamlessly marrying traditional bluegrass and Chinese music. This, her first album with her own band (featuring Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen, and Ben Sollee) nearly achieves the goal of Washburn creating her own musical language. Encompassing not just the above two genres, but also contemporary pop, chamber music, jazz, blues, and avant-garde, Washburn and her cohorts put it all in a blender to create a very unique and tasty "shake". Not an easy listen on first take, but once the melodies peek through the dizzying combinations, you'll know you're listening to something very new and very special.

English boys indulge their love of Marvin Gaye and blaxploitation soundtracks. The vocals, in particular, capture the essence of both.

While it didn't hit me over the head on first listen, Modern Guilt has grown on me with each listen.

Cee-lo and Dangermouse had a surprise hit with "Crazy" off their debut, St. Elsewhere, so the record company naturally asked for more. While The Odd Couple unsurprisingly did not yield another radio-breakthrough moment, the album, as a whole, is more consistent than its predecessor, while still maintaining that air of "playful darkness" that permeates the debut, as well as the each artists' solo work.

Black Mountain's second full-length fully captures the heaviness of early Black Sabbath or contemporaries like Boris, but also has a winning way with melodies and suggestions of folk music. But their secret weapon is the female vocals that fold effortlessly into the mix.

Rhythmically sophisticated indie-rock is a rare bird. Let's hope this one doesn't go extinct.

Alpinisms takes washes of guitar loops and feedback, courtesy of Benjamin Curtis, formerly of Secret Machines, and makes this a very laid-back backdrop for the gorgeous vocals of twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. Mesmerizing and propulsive, it envelopes you like a warm blanket.

Their latest took a less studied, more playful approach, but the foundation is still Jonsi Birgisson's otherworldy falsetto vocals combined with the best orchestral-rock band on the planet.

An alt-country record to die for, with great tunes, catchy hooks, and outstanding lyrics.

My top 10 selections will be in the next issue of the gazette