Codes And Keys by Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab's last effort wasn't the band's best — we deemed it "probably sappy enough to get you laid" — so its nice to see them return to form. Codes And Keys by Death Cab for Cutie ($10) sees Gibbard and co. continue their melodic journey with songs that are noticeably less guitar-driven, a little '80s-ish, and even occasionally happy — which is fitting for a band that's older, more mature, and more successful.

The Dark Side Of The Moon Immersion Box Set

Argue all you want about whether or not it was actually meant to sync up so well with The Wizard of Oz — it's undeniably one of the most influential albums of the last 40 years. The Dark Side Of The Moon Immersion Box Set ($130) gives Pink Floyd's ground-breaking album the attention it deserves — and then some — by offering up a digitally remastered version of the classic on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray, in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound, as well as various other mixes of the album, live versions of all the songs, concert screen films, a documentary, a 40-page booklet, a book or original photos, and plenty of other trinkets and baubles. All that's missing is tickets to a Dark Side laser light show at the local planetarium.

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

Most bands' second albums are prone to the sophomore slump: similarly-sounding songs that lack the energy and focus of the initial release. Luckily, that's not the case with Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes ($10). Available for streaming online, this twelve-track opus goes beyond the band's eponymous debut with more haunting melodies, deliberate pacing, just a hint of anger, and some experimental jazz thrown in for good measure. It might not be the soundtrack to the summer, but it will go down as one of the best albums of 2011.

Rome by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi

Danger Mouse has never been apprehensive when it comes to teaming up with other artists, but his new tie-up with Italian composer/arranger Daniele Luppi might be the most ambitious yet. Inspired by their love of classic Italian film music, Rome by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi ($10) plays like the soundtrack to an imaginary movie, featuring musicians from the scores of Sergio Leone's iconic films, recorded using vintage equipment, and buoyed by three tracks each sung by the likes of Jack White and Norah Jones.

Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.

Wasting Light by Foo Fighters

The Fighters of Foo have traveled a long road since their founding in 1994, only to return to where they started. Recorded entirely in Dave Grohl's garage using analog equipment and produced by Butch Vig — who also produced a little album called Nevermind for Grohl's former band — Wasting Light by Foo Fighters ($10) is the band's seventh studio album, and also reunites Grohl with former band- and tour-mate Pat Smear.

Hot Sauce Committee Part Two by Beastie Boys

We're not going to pretend to know exactly what's up with the Beastie Boys and their eighth album. Just know that it's called Hot Sauce Committee Part Two by Beastie Boys ($11-$75), that Part One is delayed indefinitely, that it's available in packages ranging from a simple download to a deluxe edition with vinyl, a poster, and a t-shirt, and that it'll be accompanied by a hilarious video starring the likes of Will Ferrell, Seth Rogen, John C. Reilly, Danny McBride, and other notorious trouble makers.

Gimme Some by Peter Bjorn and John

You've gotta love a band that goes by the abbreviation PB&J, and it only helps matters that they're from Sweden, that stronghold of catchy tunes from across the sea. Gimme Some by Peter Bjorn and John ($13) eschews the darker sound of their last effort, Living Thing, instead offering up 11 tracks filled with foot-stomping beats, satisfying hooks, and upbeat tunes that are perfect for long drives on sunny days, or for brightening up a decidedly gray, nasty day.

Rolling Papers by Wiz Khalifa

There's a long-standing tradition of club-worthy rap albums with pot-related titles, and Rolling Papers by Wiz Khalifa ($8) is no exception. The third studio album from Pittsburgh native Khalifa, Papers is a surprisingly fresh mix of traditional rap, sing-song, electronica, and pop that's going to be a perfect soundtrack for summertime parties.

Angles by The Strokes

It's been five long years since we've heard a new studio album from this NY-based band, although we've seen plenty of their lead singer in the mean time — both on a solo album and doing vocal duties on "Boombox" by The Lonely Island. So it should come as no surprise that Angles by The Strokes ($10) finds the band exploring new space — namely, a mid-Eighties sort of space — while continuing to leave their sonic mark with guitar riffs, foot-tapping rhythms, and semi-distorted vocals that will be instantly familiar to long time fans.

Collapse Into Now by R.E.M.

Not many bands can stay relevant after 30 years, and even fewer can do it after losing a founding member. But here we are, listening to Collapse Into Now by R.E.M. ($12). The group's fifteenth studio album, Collapse is the band's best work in some time, blending its signature sound with new compositions and a fervor that belies the members' middle age. Extra bonus points for a surprise appearance by Eddie Vedder on "It Happened Today."

Lasers by Lupe Fiasco

We'll start by saying this: we're really glad Mr. Fiasco used an backronym for the title, instead of making us type out "Love Always Shines Everytime: Remember to Smile." Oh, wait. Lasers by Lupe Fiasco ($10) is the Chicago-born rapper's third studio album, which after much battling with Atlantic Records and the release of a manifesto, came out as a twelve-song opus that offers a pop-oriented sound, a little Auto-Tune, and appearances by John Legend, Skylar Grey, and MDMA.

Different Gear Still Speeding by Beady Eye

We all knew it was only a matter of time before one of Oasis' Gallagher brothers started a project without the other one, and after Noel walked away from the band, Liam was left to pick up the pieces. Different Gear Still Speeding by Beady Eye ($10) is the result, bringing the remaining members of the band together with producer Steve Lillywhite that's still identifiable for long-time fans of the band without the overproduction and somber tones that came to define its later work.