New Music : May 12, 2010 - May 17, 2010

Soundtrack "American Idol Season 9"
Even if your favorite 2010 hopeful has already been sent home, you can still find all ten of the latest finalists represented by one of their best turns on the new release compilation. Since the elimination process means some singers didn't get to compete on later theme nights, the set list leans heavily on early episodes, i.e., the Rolling Stones and John Lennon/McCartney love-ins. Crystal Bowersox returns with her show-stopping "Me and Bobby McGee," one of the seasons highlights to date, from the #1 hits challenge.

Charice "Self Titled"
Originally from the Philippines, but her all-star fan base includes Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres (she booked the 17-year-old internet sensation on "Ellen" after seeing her YouTube videos) and David Archuleta. Unlike her overseas releases, Charice's self-titled U.S. debut doesn't include any of her signature covers from "Dreamgirls" or "The Bodyguard," but with heavyweights like David Foster, Billy Steinberg, Carole Bayer Sager, and Diane Warren contributing new tunes, she won't be hurting for material that suits her powerful pipes.

We Are the Fallen "Tear the World Down"
Unites former members of Evanescence with American Idol Season 7 finalist Carly Smithson. That isn't the hard rock quintet's only connection to the TV phenomenon. Since he left Evanescence following the release of their mega-platinum album "The Fallen" in 2003, guitarist Ben Moody has co-written hits for Kelly Clarkson ("Because of You") and Chris Daughtry ("What About Now"). The eleven selections on the supergroups debut include their epic single "Bury Me Alive," "Without You," and the title tune.

The Dead Weather "Sea of Cowards" 
Jack White seems to have more supergroups than regular ones right now (although White Stripes fans are probably still busy absorbing the "Under Great White Northern Lights" live set) between Th Raconteurs and The Dead Weather. The latter drops its second album featuring Alison Mosshart of the Kills plus members of Queens of the Stone Age and the Raconteurs. The Nashville combo serves up another round of swamp rock and urban blues, including the snarling duet "Die by the Drop."

Keane "Night Train"
Writing and recording while in the middle of their Perfect Symmetry World Tour proved to be both a boon and a bit of a hindrance to Keane, the U.K. trio who've scored three consecutive #1 albums at home. In the plus column, their globe-trotting allowed them to work with some unusual collaborators, including Somali hip-hop star K'Naan and Japanese MC Tigarah. The downside? This new release only features eight songs. Still, with Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter Tim Rice-Oxley calling the shots (and turning in a rare lead vocal on "Your Love"), fans will probably view this shortage as simply quality over quantity.

Other New Releases Worth Checking Out:
(Have not listened to, but please feel free to post a review)

• CocoRosie: "Grey Oceans"
• The National: "High Violet"