There are a lot of really good albums coming out today. I took some info from my favorite Wisconsin record store, Atomic Records. Go ahead and go out and welcome the new season with a new disc (or two). I know I will. (All promotional items are only available w/purchase at atomic records while supplies last.)

Queens Of The Stone Age – Lullabies To Paralyze (Interscope)
The Special Edition features a DVD that includes a look into the making of the album with an exclusive video for “Someone’s In The Wolf” and candid interview footage. Initial quantities of the single-disc version are bundled with a much slimmed down, promotional version of the bonus DVD. Free posters while supplies last, too!

Moby – Hotel (V2)
Moby plays all of the instruments and sings on this sample-free album, accompanied by guest-vocalist Laura Dawn.

Decemberists – Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars)
This is going to be huge. A beautifully orchestrated masterwork from beginning to end.

Yo La Tengo – Prisoners Of Love: A Smattering Of Scintillating Senescent Songs 1985-2003 (Matador) Best-of collection available in your choice of twenty-six songs spread over 2 CDs, or 42 songs on 3 discs.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – B-Sides And Rarities (Mute)
3 disc set featuring previously unreleased tracks, rarities, and different versions of some of their most beloved tracks.

Bloc Party – Silent Alarm (Vice)
Not since the emergence of Gang Of Four has a band been so overtly political in nature and managed to garner the rave reviews that have been heaped upon them. They have refined the edges and reinvented what was post-punk and taken it all to a new level of excellence.

M.I.A. – Arular
Finally! Maya Arul lives up to the hype garnered from her glitterati smash Galang (Best song of 2004! -Jeff B.) with a sexy collection of booty shakin’, bass-car quakin’ party anthems.

Ben Folds Five – Whatever & Ever Amen (Sony)
Reissue features new artwork and seven bonus tracks comprised of rare import B-sides and the previously unreleased studio track Video Killed The Radio Star.

Brendan Benson – Alternative To Love (V2)
Bittersweet, joyous, epic and memorable, highly contagious songs you can sing along with after one listen.

Louis XIV – Best Little Secrets Are Kept (Atlantic)
San Diego based group serves up a majestic, inventive melange of royally raucous riffs and big bawdy beats. Includes a sexy photo booklet with purchase!