Editors' Choice for March 2005

A bold mix of rap, dance, pop, and global sounds, the producer/singer/songwriter's debut album marked the arrival of an exciting talent.

— Heather Phares

Just as the Manics were being hailed as the potential "next big thing," the band was thrown into disarray, and as a result, this credible album was somewhat overlooked while the world searched for Richey James.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Raucous, well-recorded 2005 live performance of both solo and Smiths hit by legendary brooding pop singer.

— Jason Thurston

Extensive anthology serves as a road map for Roky Erickson's long, strange trip through psychedelic, mind-bending garage rock pathfinding.

— Fred Thomas

Eclectic Portland, Oregon, indie folksters continue to grow on its third record, its most muscular record to date.

— Jason Thurston

The duo boils their nervy version of rock down to its rawest essence on their tight, mean, and enthralling second album.

— Heather Phares