(FORTUNE Magazine) – The Derek Trucks Band Soul Serenade Columbia

Want to feel lazy? Derek Trucks is only 24 years old, and he already sounds like the second coming of Duane Allman. First you'll be wowed by the way his slide guitar slithers and weeps. Then envy will kick in, and you'll pray that he winds up old and fat, pitching jug wine on TV.

Raymond Myles A Taste of Heaven Legacy/Honey Darling

Five years ago this New Orleans gospel singer was murdered in the French Quarter, the victim of a robbery. Thousands turned out for his funeral. And now, thanks to this reissue, you can hear why: Myles had a ferocious voice that was equal parts brimstone and butter.

Super Furry Animals Phantom Power Sony/XL

The biggest thing to come out of Wales since Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Super Furry Animals are as easy on the ears as she is on the eyes. But while Phantom Power may sound like a glorious set of sun-kissed harmonies, its lyrics have more political gloom than a Ralph Nader stump speech.

Elbow Cast of Thousands V2

Doesn't it seem like yesterday that Coldplay was the new Radiohead? Well, meet the new Coldplay (minus the falsetto and power ballads). While none of these Manchester boys are dating Gwyneth Paltrow (yet!), their big, dreamy, sensitive-fella pop should work like catnip on Winona Ryder.

Kings of Leon Youth and Young Manhood RCA

Tennessee's Kings of Leon--comprising three sons (and one nephew) of a Pentecostal preacher--can say they sold their souls for rock & roll and actually mean it. In "Holy Roller Novocaine," they have one of the most swaggering--and addictive--singles of the year.