If you've been waiting for a good time to venture back out into the record stores, this could very well be your week. It would seem the post-holiday lull is officially over, as the labels have lined up their fullest slate of brand spanking new discs for your ears since way back before Christmas.

So what we have here to lead February off, is a whole bunch of new music by such big names as Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, k.d. lang, Lenny Kravitz and — if you happen to be sipping one of those new one dollar lattes at Starbucks (or preparing for a trip to the dentist) — the ever somnambulant Kenny G. Throw in this week's edition of Saleski's Choice, and not one, but two picks from Tom Johnson, and I'd say we've got ourselves one barn burner of a new release party.

For Detours, her first new album in two years, Sheryl Crow reunites with producer Bill Bottrell, who she struck platinum with on her debut Tuesday Night Music Club. Sheryl's been through a lot since her last album — including a battle with cancer, a high profile celebrity breakup, and a call for the regulation of toilet paper (among other hot-button issues). So this CD should pack a lyrical wallop no doubt. I'd also think this will be a high profile release, as I half expect to see Sheryl stumping for either Obama or Hillary any day now.

Mellow Hawaii surf dude Jack Johnson is also back this week with Sleep Through the Static, which is said to represent the Adult Alternative singer/songwriter favorite's "darker side." Just try to imagine hanging ten with Darth Vader I guess.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, rocker Lenny Kravitz seems to be flirting with the idea of giving it all up to become a farmer. But for now Kravitz says that It Is Time for a Love Revolution on his brand new album.

k.d. lang's first new album in eight years is the self-produced Watershed, and this one also comes in one of those spiffy "deluxe editions" loaded with extras. So bring your wallet (or your purse).

Bob Mould's new District Line is said to combine the quieter nuances of his solo work, the poppier elements of Sugar, and the sonic assault of Husker Du. Hip hop pioneer KRS-One drops knowledge for the new generation on Adventures in Emceein.