Black Frank - Honeycomb ($12.99) [Those having witnessed Frank Black exorcising his demons through screams and wails onstage with the Pixies will stop for a double-take when they hear this, an album the frontman recorded live in Nashville just days before the band launched its 2004 reunion tour. Black teams up with a group of dust-caked local musicians, whose collective resumes include stints at Stax Records, Muscle Shoals and American Studios, for a set of songs that are beautiful and warm--even when on 'Another Velvet Nightmare,' he mournfully sings, 'Today I felt my heart slide in my belly/ So I puked it up with liquor.' ]

Midon Raul - State of mind ($7.99) [It's rare that an artist arrives onto the pop music scene so fully loaded with the kind of hit-making potential that singer-composer-guitarist Ral Midn possesses. The New Mexico-born, New York-based Midn makes his recording debut with State of Mind, produced by Arif Mardin and Joe Mardin for Manhattan Records. The 13-track collection of Midn originals is a remarkable mlange of soul, R&B, pop, folk, jazz and Latin. The CD places on display his earnest, lyrical songwriting; full-bodied vocals steeped in soul; a singular syncopated, flamenco- and jazz-infused acoustic guitar style; a unique vocal trumpet improvisation; and hopeful disposition. ]

Morissette Alanis - Jagged Little Pill Acoustic ($13.99) [The biggest-selling album by a female artist in history, Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill is 16 times platinum and Billboard's Top Pop Album of the 90's. Now, celebrating its 10th anniversary, Morissette and producer/co-writer have recorded the entire album in an acoustic version. Jagged Little Pill Acoustic (enhanced with exclusive content) features the songs in their original order and adds previously unreleased video footage from that era. Jagged Little Pill Acoustic is just what the doctor ordered. ]

Mraz Jason - Mr A-Z ($14.99) [Jason Mraz presents his latest offering and his second studio album-Mr. A-Z. Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, et al) at Allaire Studios near Woodstock, NY, Mr. A-Z is Mraz's most inspired and thoughtful record to date. ]

Son Volt - Okemah and the melody of riot ($13.99) [Jay Farrar's back-and-forth forays into country and rock music naturally link him to Gram Parsons, yet Farrars further bonded to the late pioneer by his ability to play assorted styles in various groupings and incarnations. After two albums and an EP of solo material that had him dipping his toes in -Revolveresque studio methods, Farrar has reassembled Son Volt (with all new members) for its first all-new recording in seven years. Named for the Oklahoma town that raised Woody Guthrie, the records impulsively executed dozen are as much about turmoil as they are observation, complete with a recorded-live pulse complemented by guitarist Brad Rice (ex-Whiskeytown).]

Ween - Shinola Vol 1 ($12.99) [This WEEN release is only available at a few independent music stores around the country and CD World is the one here locally.....Great new stuff from your funny friends in WEEN.]

Whitley Chris - Soft Dangerous ($11.99) [As a longtime fan of Chris Whitley, I always anxiously await his newest CD. Soft Dangerous Shores was worth the wait. The one thing I always love about Chris is that he follows no pattern or style. He is truly a unique musician combining so many different musical styles. This CD definitely shows what he loves. Atmospheric songs bordering on so many different styles of music. There is no way you can call him a blues musician or a rock guitarist. He is above all labels]