Erykah Badu’s new mixtape ‘But You Caint Use My Phone’ may or may not be a placeholder until a ‘real’ album is ready, her relentless thirst to push the edge makes it no small deal regardless.

Brian Landrus took a step back into tradition for ‘The Deep Below’ with Lonnie Plaxico and Billy Hart — albeit on his own terms — and made a reconnect with the roots that had always anchored his playing.

Pixel had from the get-go developed their own, appealing engaging personality they’ve could have churned out forever. ‘Golden Years’ retains that spirit while reaching out a little beyond it.

Visceral, vivid and uncompromising, ‘Out of the Blue’ picks up where Raoul Björkenheim and eCsTaSy’s first album left off.

A spectacular live reinterpretation of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ found composer Danny Elfman staging a partial on-stage Oingo Boingo reunion, as well.

Robin Eubanks’s ‘More Than What Meets The Ear’ might be just what big band jazz needs to get revitalized for the 21st century.

“Roundabout” gave Yes’ reworked lineup an opportunity to shine, as the newly installed Rick Wakeman makes a lasting impression.

A balance of catchy pop, hard-hitting rock and angelic calm, Jeremy’s ‘Christmas In My Heart’ is perfect for anyone who’s tired of the same old songs.

Howard Smith’s ‘Lost Interviews with Rock Stars & Icons’ lends new perspectives on historical figures we thought we knew well.

‘Condition Human’ marks the full return of the Queensryche that I know and love.