After six years, and some very hard times, Suzanne Vega is back with a new album, her valentine to New York.

Ryan Adams and Jeff Tweedy grow up, calm down, and go toe to toe with recovery albums.

Spoon, stripped to their very best.

Techno compilation pushes boundaries.

Fabolous stages a return to form.

Hip-hop-loving country boys Big & Rich get tender.

The late Elliott Smith makes an inspired comeback (of sorts).

CocoRosie’s new CD is more than just the freak-folk album of the year. It’s the album that will make you care about freak folk in the first place.

The late-nineties Brooklyn scene is a fading memory, but Robert Glasper can still summon its powerful spirit.

Paul Weller was as punk as Sid Vicious—and more radical. He’s always dressed a lot better, too.