The Decemberists' major label debut is a wonderful example of a band expanding its' fan base without forgetting what got them here in the first place. The Crane Wife is a multi-faceted, highly enjoyable gem of a record that sounds like will it get better with every listen.

Is John Mayer the STING of the 00's? Perhaps, in the sense that he is capable of producing consistent, well-produced albums, each with several very appealing songs that combine world-class songcraft with great playing. Accomplishing that is much easier said than done, but Mayer gets it done on Continuum.

In case you haven't already recognized this fact, Los Lobos is a great American band. They continually manage to transcend genres and trends, time and space with the greatest of ease. The Town And The City is another rock-solid effort from everyone's favorite East L.A. group.

XPN favorite Clarence Greenwood - a.k.a. Citizen Cope - has always been incredibly adept at combining groove and message, and on Every Waking Moment, that talent is once again on display.

For his 31st (!) studio album, Bob Dylan has not really broken any new ground, but the musically sacred ground he continues to till is rich indeed. Modern Times is an album that only Dylan - with his peerless wordplay and insight - could make sound as, well, modern as it does.

Whether or not Ray LaMontagne will become this generation's Van Morrison is something that's yet to be determined, but you'll be hard-pressed to find another singer who combines light and dark, power and subtlety as well as this New Hampshire native. His second album - Till The Sun Turns Black - is another well thought-out, well delivered set of music.

For their second album, the Nashville-based OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW mines the same rich earth for inspiration that they so expertly did on their epononymous 2004 debut album. This is a string band with attitude, and their songs may remind you of the past, but their outlook and presentation is most definitely of today.

If you have been looking for a singularly unique listening experience, it just may have arrived from this Brooklyn-based group. I'm not exaggerating when I say that TV ON THE RADIO sound like nothing else out there today.

The Tejas brothers are back with their second album, and those of us who enjoyed the Garzas great harmonies, engaging tunes, and guitar-hero leads will not be disappointed by Sacred.

Along with Gnarls Barkley, Corinne Bailey Rae has made one of the most spectacular debut splashes of the first half of this year. This 27 year-old, Leeds, England native's eponomous album is a versatile, flowing, 11-song listen that sounds perfect for these hot summer days (and nights).