Original Soundtrack - Notorious (Soundtrack)
The soundtrack to the Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious — which lands in theaters this Friday – is a good sign the film has its heart in the right place. Passing on Puff Daddy’s polished tribute “I’ll Be Missing You”, the soundtrack sticks with songs that reflect the late rapper’s gangster lifestyle. This includes his biggest hits, some great early demos, plus a handful of new tracks, including an appearance from Biggie’s son Christopher “CJ” Wallace Jr.

Joshua Redman - Compass
The presence of jazz legend Sonny Rollins looms large over saxophonist Joshua Redman’s 2009 release Compass. Similar to 2007’s Back East, Redman once more explores a piano-less trio — though there are some quartet and quintet numbers here. Looser and more relaxed on Compass than he has ever been on a studio recording, Redman leaves his studied and cautious approach at the threshold, even as his now trademark sense of melodic restraint is evident.

The Derek Trucks Band - Already Free
There is a homegrown organic looseness to Already Free that sets the album apart from all of Derek Trucks’ previous offerings. Perhaps that’s because it was recorded at home — literally in a home studio with the DTB and/or their guests playing live from the floor much of the time. Already Free is not only an excellent entry in the Trucks catalog; it’s a stone killer.

Above the Law - Shari Addison
Neil Ardley - Harmony of the Spheres
Bee Gees - Odessa (Deluxe Edition)
The Blue Note 7 - Mosaic: A Celebration
Freddy Cannon - Boom Boom Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Best of Freddie Cannon
Peter Cincotti - East of Angel Town
Ravi Coltrane - Blending Times
Eli Young Band - Eli Young Band
Judy Garland - Love Songs
Linda Hayes - Atomic Baby: Hollywood R&B from the Platters First ‘Dish’
Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel
Arthur Lee - Arthur Lee
Jeb Loy Nichols - Parish Bar
Stevie Nicks - The Soundstage Sessions
Satyricon - The Age of Nero
The Shacklefords - The Shacklefords Sing
Artie Shaw - The Complete Spotlight Band 1945 Broadcasts
Tamarama - Wonderland City (EP)
Rokia Traoré - Tchamantché (Bonus Tracks)
Collin Walcott/Don Cherry/Nana Vasconcelos - Complete Codona
Glenn Yarbrough - Bend Down and Touch Me/Each of Us Alone
Glenn Yarbrough - Somehow, Someway/Jubilee
Glenn Yarbrough - Let Me Choose Life/Yarbrough Country
Glenn Yarbrough/Marilyn Child - Sing Folk Songs
Various Artists - Body & Soul: Love Serenade (Platinum Edition)
Various Artists - Now That’s What I Call Motown!
Various Artists - NOW: Motown