Blur Think Tank Parlophone/EMI Self-indulgent and adventurous, the British band's seventh studio album mixes gentle hippiness, programming nuttiness, world music flavors and indie guitar rock. "Out Of Time" has a soft, 60's-folk vibe with jazzy and sitar-like sounds, which is followed by a wiry, rocker "Crazy Beat." And so begins this recording that doesn't play by the book. "Brothers and Sisters" offers funky soul, while "Caravan" is a somnolent journey. Then the percussive "Moroccan Peoples Revolutionary Bowls Club" says it all in a catchy chant: "If we go and blow it up, then we will disappear."	Wendy Lands Wendy Lands Sings The Music of The Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman Hip-O/Universal The Canadian singer, now living in Los Angeles, has made an elegant recording, based on the music of celebrated Polish composer and Holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman the subject of the best-selling book and Roman Polanski's Oscar-winning The Pianist. The material, brought to America by Szpilman's son Andrzej, uses poignant and vivid English lyrics in keeping with Szpilman's melodies and mood. From the smokey "Turn Away" to the playful blues of "I Wish You'd Ask To Dance With Me," song to song, it's a beautiful tribute.
	Damhnait Doyle Davnet Turtlemusik/EMI Music Canada The Newfoundland native's independent album is more rootsy and organic than 2000's Hyperdramatic and showcases her versatility as a vocalist. The pop single, "Another California Song" is about all the loves she's had in her life, while the superb rocker "Deal With God" is a dark telling of the pursuit for fame (not hers). "Every Hit" has a harmony-heavy hillbilly vibe, while "Is It Right" is a late-night gem. The album is divided by three short "Sinking Stone" interludes inspired by Cameron Diaz's role in Vanilla Sky.	Jesse Malin The Fine Art of Self Destruction Artemis/RED Abandoning the punk-inspired rock of his 90s band D Generation, New York-based singer-songwriter Jesse Malin cut this rootsy recording independently with friend/producer Ryan Adams. Malin has one of those just-rolled-out-of-bed voices - fresh, emotive, and not bothered with that life-draining thing called perfection. Lending a hand to the album are Adams on guitar and vocals, and Melissa Auf der Maur on backing vocals. Anyone who likes Tom Petty, Jayhawks, Springsteen or just vivid, gritty stories with great melodies will dig FA-o-SD.
	Transplants Transplants Hellcat/Epitaph Though it's been out a while, this is one of the best 21st century punk albums to be released in, well, the 21st century. The side project from Rancid's Tim Armstrong, blink-182/Boxcar Racer's Travis Barker and AFI roadie Rob Aston is a full-throttle, middle-finger Brit-style punk assault fused with reggae, rock, industrial, drum 'n' bass, and hip hop. "Diamonds & Guns" is a wicked single with its woo-hoos, piano hook, and Aston's rough 'n' rumble vocals. This trio has produced a hit album without even knowing it. Too bad, it's not their main focus.	Jim Witter Forgiveness Curb/Sony The Canadian country singer-songwriter delivers a contemplative recording focused on his faith in God and quest for personal betterment. One doesn't have to be a believer to appreciate many of the sentiments, such as "If He Put His Hammer Down" about a father's hard work and sacrifice, or "Forgiveness," a poignant, if maudlin, tale of regret. Witter also provides two versions of Peter Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!," one with daughter Roslyn. -Karen Bliss