It's been seven years since Wolf Parade released their last LP and subsequently went on an indefinite hiatus. Each member spent time on various side projects, but they're back together and sound more cohesive than ever.

Ted Leo (minus the Pharmacists) is back with a vengeance with his first solo record in 7 years, which explores new territory, both musically and emotionally. We discuss it in depth in episode #70 of "For the Record."

The second coming of LCD Soundsystem has been controversial because of the band's much-ballyhooed breakup less than a decade ago, but "American Dream" makes us forget all that and just be grateful for their return.

Filthy Friends is a supergroup made up of Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Scott McCaughey of the Minus 5 and the Young Fresh Fellows, Kurt Bloch of the Fastbacks, and Bill Rieflin of King Crimson and many other bands.

With "Saturday Night," Tim Darcy, the lead singer of Montreal band Ought, has released a solo album that feels like he has combined equal parts Lou Reed, Neutral Milk Hotel, and 1960s psychedelia, to create a sound that's wholly his own.

Canadian collective Broken Social Scene had been on a multi-year hiatus, but are finally back with their first record in 7 years, "Hug of Thunder." We discuss it in-depth in episode #66 of "For the Record."

Ratboys' second record, "GN," is sweet on the surface but has a depth and complexity to it that rewards repeated listens. We discuss it in-depth on episode #65 of "For the Record."

Recording under the moniker Jay Som, Oakland's own Melina Duterte produced "Everybody Works" in her own home, playing all of the instruments herself. The result sounds more like a full band.

The Mountain Goats' 16th studio album, "Goths," is neither a goth record, nor a record about being goth, but a complex and beautiful album about looking back on the intensity and passions of your youth with the perspective of adulthood.

Girlpool's second full-length record marks a major change in style for the band, as the onetime duo adds a drummer, noisier guitars, and lowers their vocals in the mix. We discuss it in depth in episode #62 of "For the Record."