The RootsGame TheoryWelcome back to The Roots. As the “bling bling” outshines some of consciousness in the sport of Hip Hop, The Roots respond with a new Game Theory. Like traveling through Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz, Rock ‘n Roll, Rhythm and Blues, this album takes you on a lyrical and musical journey with the brotherly love and guidance of one of Philadelphia’s finest. – Remon Jourdan, wordsmith * * *Death From Above 1979You’re a Woman, I’m a MachineThe awesome, Toronto-based, post-hardcore band, Death From Above 1979 owns. The songs posted on their PureVolume account are a great way to get into this band, particularly “Romantic Rights.” The album “You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine,” actually released in 2004 on Vice Records, is all fun and no work and makes me want to dance forever. – Amanda Huff, the Assistant News Editor

* * *David BowieHunky DoryPop, 1971Leaving behind the heavy metal of “Man Who Sold The World” and moves into a more folksy singer/songwriter mode in his 1971 album “Hunky Dory.” Songs like the semi-autobiographical “Bewley Brothers” and “Song for Bob Dylan” explore another side of Bowie. The opening track is the widely known “Changes” but the album also holds the little known, but highly influential (to me) “Quicksand” with the Bukowski-like refrain of “Don’t believe in yourself”.– John Kane, the VGC

* * *Carter USMStraw DonkeyPop-PunkJim Bob and Fruitbat broke up in 1998, after ten years of producing frenetic punk-infused commentary backed by a drum machine, but their finest moments are preserved in this collection of 15 singles. Their high-energy sentimentality and clever wordplay bounce with wall-to-wall UK indie hits like “Sheriff Fatman” and “Glam Rock Cops.”– Christian deTorres, the Production Manager

* * *Regina SpektorSoviet KitschThis Russian musician opened for The Dresden Dolls a few years back. Her voice is that of a tortured angel, her soul spills out on this album. Whether she’s singing of love, hate, or making a social commentary in “Ghost of Corporate Future” her stinging sound is unique and textured. The song “Chemo Limo” is unlike any I’ve heard; part lullaby, part sullen soliloquy. Rainy days have found their album.– Desiree Metta, Arts Editor

* * *Ani DiFrancoReprieveFolk-Rock, 2006Feminist poet and indie folk rocker’s latest is her most balanced and polished to date. “Hypnotized”, “Half-assed”, and “In the Margins” sparkle with ironic wit and moody melody. The title track showcases her poetic skills. “Millennium Theater” and “Decree” will please those who scream only for Ani’s grrl-power anthems.– Shea Mullaney, the fine-ass writer

* * *Manu ChaoProxima Estacion Esperanza his is unlike any other music. It’s a mix between Latin and Reggae. It is interesting, different, creepy but still fun. Alike to Green Day’s last album one theme and one story runs through the entirety of the CD. It is amazing!– Taylor Fife, News Editor

* * *Coast2Coast Boogie(Podcast)A techie in Berkeley, CA and a New York City hipster meld together slick streaming mixes over the Net. From funk, hip-hop, house, and soul (Moloko, Zero 7, Crystal Waters) to rock, punk, indie (Iron and Wine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) to world (Cesaria Evora, Roisin Murphy), their mixes are available as MP3 Episodes (currently up to 17), randomized, or via Podcast. at http://coast2coastboogie.blogspot.com.– Shea Mullaney, the streaming-music hipster