A slower week in pure numbers but it's a very eclectic mix: nervous electronics, swankin' R&B, Dylan (I mean, does he need a category?), percussion, whatever the heck you'd like to call Byrne & Harvey, and the return of the E Street Band.

Photek - Form & Function, Vol. 2 (Sanctuary Trojan)/Electronic

This appears to be a re-release but hey, I don't own it. Photek is the kind of drum & bass outfit that'll make you wonder if your CD player isn't acting up. For some reason, I like that. Modus Operandi (from 1997) had that jittery sort of feel. Let's see if times have changed.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone)/Butt-shakin' R&B

Sharon Jones, much like Bettye LaVette, is the real deal. I first heard of her years ago and was convinced on the strength of a single tune on a CMJ sampler disc. Put her music on and within minutes you'll be jumpin' up on your coffee table and wavin' the back of your front in the air.

David Byrne - Live from Austin, Texas (New West)/Rock

I attended a David Byrne concert a few years ago. It was nothing short of stunning. This recording is from an Austin City Limits show. Sometimes I'm a fan of their format, sometimes not. Some of the shows have seemed to lack energy. This particular one is unfamiliar to me. Seriously though, don't you want to hear Byrne cover "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"?

Bob Dylan - Dylan [2007 3CD Deluxe Edition] (Sony)/Rock

Cynical money grab or decent overview of the man's career. Well, it's certainly true that any sort of greatest hits package is cheap(er) for a label to produce, so there's your money grab angle. On the other hand, this collection does a good job at bringing in material from most of Dylan's mini-eras. Sure, I don't need this set, since I own all of it already. But for the newcomer, it's not a bad deal at all.

Mickey Hart & Zakir Hussain - Global Drum Project (Shout Factory)/Rock

Planet Drum with electronics. At first this might not sound like a great idea but I trust in Hart's ears.

PJ Harvey - White Chalk (Island)/Rock

Ah Polly Jean, you've made me hard, you've scared the living begeezuz outa me. This week, it's just your voice and a piano. I'm listening.

Bruce Springsteen - Magic (Sony)/Rock

Let's face it. This is what I'm buying today. Yes, I've had it on vinyl for a week. Yes, I've recorded it onto CD. Yes, I've listened to it nearly continuously. So what? Well, not only is Magic released today, but the Magic tour begins this evening. Many words have already been written about this band, about it being the last time around. Heck, maybe it is. All I know is  this record is a return to E Street form.