Album reviews by Peter Gavin

Radiohead - In Rainbows

While its name-your-price concept has stirred up controversy, the album itself has not. The new material fits nicely in the post-"Amnesiac" era, where electronics are key but not the focus. They've pushed the envelop even further by launching their "create you own Nude remix" website.

Beck - Sea Change

Beck leaves the Hollywood freaks behind and heads to the country on this excellent disc. It's a refreshing change from Beck's post-modern party guy persona. The focus on singing and songwriting recalls "Mutations," while the melancholy lyrics are backed by full arrangements for strings, piano and acoustic guitar.

Flight of the Conchords

Unlike some comedians who sing (and singers who act funny), this New Zealand duo's humor is just as entertaining as their infectious music. With just two guitars and a microphone they've reached rockstar status on YouTube, MySpace and HBO, making them the biggest thing since, well, "Dick in a Box."

Boards of Canada - Music Has A Right To Children

If Pink Floyd were to collaborate with DJ Shadow and the cast of Sesame Street, this might have been the result. Bringing together obscure samples of children playing alongside Minimal Techno leaves an eerie yet comfortable impression. This 1998 release was a breakthrough album for listeners of both Downtempo and IDM.

DJ Quik - Quik Is The Name

Quik's debut set the groundwork for the G-Funk era, largely due to the success of "Tonite." Much like Warren G, Quik focuses less on violence and more on mind-altering substances, ladies and cold chillin'. The optimistic "Born And Raised In Compton" offers a remedy to the hard life in the ghetto.

James Blunt - All The Lost Souls

While some guys try to impress girls with lines like "I didn't know angels flew so low," James Blunt simply sings "you're beautiful." That genius pick-up line scored him supermodel Petra Nemcova and turned him into a rock star overnight. His latest, "All the Lost Souls," continues with the romance.

Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain

Biting the head off a bat doesn't phase Ozzy, but performing a duet with America Idol's Sanjaya freaks him out. After four taxing decades living the rock star lifestyle, the former Black Sabbath frontman remains relevant with intensely powerful records and never alienates his loyal fan base.

Pet Shop Boys - Release

The west end boys of '86 show they still have pop-appeal with their eighth LP "Release." Less electronic than 2001's "Nightlife," Tennant's ever-present vocals on "Home And Dry" will bring you back to the group's glory days while Lowe's washy synth progressions on "E-Mail" will send charming messages to your Inbox.

Kruder & Dorfmeister - G Stoned

One of the most influential downtempo albums of the mid-'90s isn't even a full LP. Although it boasts a stunning parody of Simon & Garfunkle's "Bookends" for a cover, this disc's post-jazz sound feels far removed from '60s folk pop. Yet you can find a connection by comparing both duos' popularity, and passion for peace.