Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses, 'Junky Star' (Lost Highway)

Man of constant sorrow nixes peaceful, easy feeling

This Texas-trained troubadour's recent Oscar win (for the Crazy Heart theme) hasn't softened his cranky country-rock mindset: "Look at my face, it's blood and tears / Shameless disgrace for your eyes to fear," he growls not long into his third studio set.

Katy Perry, 'Teenage Dream' (Capitol)

Corrupting our youth, melting our popsicles.

When Katy Perry revealed the title of her sophomore album earlier this year, the members of dream-pop duo Beach House took to Twitter and vented about the linguistic proximity to their own latest, Teen Dream.

Maximum Balloon, 'Maximum Balloon' (DGC/Interscope)

Alt-rock mixologist tries hand at shaking booties.

As TV on the Radio's resident sound sculptor, Dave Sitek has never hidden his dance-floor inclinations. On this solo-ish debut, though, he gives that funk factor full reign, recruiting pals Karen O and David Byrne to sing over synthed-up disco-rock that's brighter and bouncier than his main band's anxious throb.

Korn, 'Korn III: Remember Who You Are' (Roadrunner)

For those who loved Korn II: Electric Boogaloo...

Following a synthed-up self-titled album and one they made with Avril Lavigne producers the Matrix, Korn go back to nü-metal basics on the aptly titled Remember Who You Are, which was produced by rap-rock OG Ross Robinson.

Sia, 'We Are Born' (Monkey Puzzle/Jive)

Former chill-out queen heats up, dumbs down

This Zero 7 alum is best known for moody, atmospheric ballads like "Breathe Me," which scored Six Feet Under's final scene.

The Gaslight Anthem, 'American Slang' (SideOneDummy)

New Jersey's boldest gang of regular-guy rockers imagine their own arena moment.

Spread the word around: The Boss is back in town. Wherever you turn these days, some feisty crew is channeling the hungry-hearted spirit of Bruce Springsteen.

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