Welcome to this week's edition of the New Album Release roundup, in which we ask the million-dollar question:

Is this really the best the record companies can do?

The last time I checked the calendar, we were at about nine weeks and counting until Christmas. This is supposed to be the time of year that the major labels (as well as the independents) come out with both barrels blazing as far as the new releases go. Yet, what we have here — after a promising start to October with Springsteen, Dylan, Fogerty, Foo Fighters, Joni Mitchell, etc. back at the beginning of the month — is the second week in a row of slim pickings.

After last week's most talked about release — Radiohead's In Rainbows — not even being an album you'd could buy at retail, you'd think the major labels could do better than a live R.E.M. CD this week. But as far as "big guns" go, the 2-CD/1-DVD set R.E.M. Live pretty much leads the pack here.

Don't get me wrong here, because I actually like R.E.M. a lot — although I'd probably have to go as far as back as something like New Adventures In Hi-Fi to remember actually buying one of their CDs. I haven't heard this new live disc, although I did read a decent, if slightly lukewarm review of it, right here on Blogcritics just yesterday. My advice here would be to read that review, and make up your own mind.

Speaking of reviews, there is another good one here on the site of the new four-CD box set from Luther Vandross. I'm not a huge fan of Vandross, although I've been told that the ladies adore the late, great R&B love man. His new Love, Luther sounds like it's a pretty complete retrospective, and according to the usual very reliable sources, one that was very well put together. Again, consult the review.

Leading the repackaged material from the vaults this week is a double-CD set capturing the coveted-by-fans Atlantic Records material from the Queen Of Soul herself. Aretha Franklin's Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul is said to include a treasure trove of rarities and B-sides from the years which most critics and fans alike agree was her peak period. If anyone here is reading, I wouldn't mind seeing Aretha in my own Christmas stocking this year.

Another reissue that could be promising is the Hendrix estate's revamped version of Jimi Hendrix's complete Live At Monterey, which features the great guitarist's legendary performance at the 1967 rock festival which established his career in America, after he had already conquered Britain.

Other reissues and retrospective packages out this week include Santana's Ultimate Santana, as well as several albums from the catalog of Love Sculpture, which was the early psychedelic blues-rock band led by guitarist Dave Edmunds.

Rounding out the highlights this week are the return of emo/alternative band Jimmy Eat World (Chase This Light), while Toby Keith loads the presents into the Ford pickup truck for A Classic Christmas.

At least next week, we'll have a new Neil Young to talk about.