New Music : February 23, 2010 - March 2, 2010

.Alkaline Trio "This Addiction"
Chosen for its sinister overtones, but it also underscores how damn catchy their music is because this Chicago-area emo threesome knows how to deliver the hooks. Their seventh album features several songs previewed on last summer's tour with Saves the Day, including "Dine, Dine My Darling" and the love-gone-wrong tale "Dead on the Floor." Other highlights include "Lead Poisoning," and "American Scream," inspired by the real-life tragic tale of a U.S. serviceman returning from a tour of duty overseas.

Joanna Newsom "Have One on Me"
A harpist who is one of those acts that folks are rarely indifferent toward. The idiosyncratic blend of folk, classical, and avant-garde forms on her albums "The Milk-Eyed Mender" (2004) and "Ys" (2006) either sent listeners into a delirious swoon or running for the nearest exit. Newsom's third full-length is her most ambitious yet. Spread across three discs, the 18 selections range from less than two minutes to more than 11. Devotees will have no trouble getting lost in the winding, medieval-sounding "Kingfisher" and the radiant idyll "'81", but overall, Newsom reins her in more irksome vocal tics, so neophytes are less likely to mistake her for a pixie living under a toadstool.

Quasi "American Gong"
This original duo group expanded into a trio. They added bassist Joanna Bolme (Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks) joining multi-instrumentalist Sam Coomes and drummer Janet Weiss on the album. Mixed by Steve Fisk (Unwound, Sleater-Kinney), the eighth album from the Portland, Ore., combo marks a departure from the keyboard-oriented sounds of recent efforts, packing more of a guitar-centric, hard rock wallop. "Repulsion" kicks the album off strongly with abrupt dynamic shifts, while "Rockabilly Party" boasts a raunchy, Southern rock vibe; on the mellower tip, try the midtempo, piano-based "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler."

Was (Not Was) "Pick of the Litter 1980-2010"
If all you knew of them were from their insidious 1988 smash "Walk the Dinosaur," you might be surprised by the display of variety on this best-of set. With their freewheeling fusion of rock, funk, and head-scratching lyrics, this Motor City combo were pioneers of the "mutant disco" sound with the cut-and-paste "Wheel Me Out" and "Tell Me That I'm Dreaming" (featuring a notorious Ronald Reagan sample). Yet they proved equally adept at collaborating with Ozzy Osborne, Leonard Cohen, and Mel Tormé (all represented here), and bounced back after a long absence with 2008's "Boo!" . The album is one of those rare, thoughtful compilations that should resonate with casual fans and mouth-breathing diehards alike, sprinkling worthwhile rarities and album cuts amongst obvious singles like "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" and "Spy in the House of Love."

Daniel Merriweather "Love &War"
Not yet a household name in the States, but he already has formidable allies in his corner. This Australian blue-eyed soul singer appeared on both of Mark Ronson's solo albums (that's Merriweather mashing up the Smiths with the Supremes on "Stop Me" from 2007's "Version"), and the superstar producer (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen) returned the favor by overseeing the album which already entered the U.K. charts at No. 2. Merriweather's debut also features soul revival outfit the Dap-Kings and a cameo from rapper Wale on "Change." With a sound informed by greats like Stevie Wonder and Memphis' legendary Stax Records crew, Merriweather should fare well supporting Corinne Bailey Rae on her upcoming North American dates.