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A list of albums showcasing the stormy elegance, big ideas and transporting melodies of 2011.

Colossus marks a departure from the comparatively traditional pop-rock sound of RJD2's 2007 album The Third Hand. His pop influences surface on tracks such as "The Glow," but his textures are driven by kick and snare patterns that resemble the hip-hop of his earlier work. Watch RJD2 demonstrate the process of creating sample-based music, using one of his own songs.

The arrangements by Dan Messé make Hem's songs feel quaint and warm, while singer Sally Ellyson is an untrained natural talent with an effortless yet breathtaking voice.

The music of much-adored rockers Of Montreal has taken many forms since the group's late 90's emergence. Their latest album, Skeletal Lamping, takes listeners along on lead singer Kevin Barnes' glam-funk transformation into his alter-ego, Georgie Fruit.

Hear songs from the Brooklyn-based group's hotly anticipated new album, Veckatimest, in an in-studio session at WNYC, streamed live at NPR Music.

Earle discusses his new album Townes, a collection of songs written by his longtime friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt. The album mixes traditional country sounds and experimental pieces.

The late, distinctively melodic jazz trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler was quietly influential to generations of musicians. From the Pacific Northwest, two acolytes reimagine his catalog.

With his blend of folk, blues and country, Jesse Winchester embodies the spirit of American music. Winchester celebrates Love Filling Station, his first album in a decade, with a visit to the World Cafe.

We listen back to excerpts of interviews with and concerts by singer and guitarist Richard Thompson. A new box set collects more than 40 years of his work.

Former J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf discusses his new album, Midnight Souvenirs, in an interview on World Cafe. The record features contributions by Shelby Lynne, Neko Case and Merle Haggard.