Plus: Black Mountain, more

Cat Power [ tickets ]
"Jukebox"
(Matador)

The indie-music queen is back with her second all-covers album. The first was 2000's appropriately titled "The Covers Record." The vocalist's previous release was 2006's "The Greatest," which hit No. 34 on the US charts and was, by far, her most commercially successful album to date.

The new album features Cat Power's current group, the Dirty Delta Blues, as well as such guests as Spooner Oldham, Larry McDonald and Matt Sweeney. "Jukebox" includes renditions of songs written and/or popularized by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin and Joni Mitchell.

Drive-By Truckers
"Brighter Than Creation's Dark"
(New West)

Having split with singer/guitarist Jason Isbell last spring, the Drive-By Truckers mark a fresh start with the 19-song "Brighter Than Creation's Dark." The album includes tunes from primary songwriters Patterson Hood and vocalist/guitarist Mike Cooley, as well as from bassist Shonna Tucker.

The alt-country/rock band--which also features guitarist John Neff and drummer Brad Morgan--will support "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" with a North American tour. The trek kicks off Feb. 11 in Anaheim, CA, and is currently scheduled to stretch through a March 29 date in Asheville, NC.

North Mississippi Allstars
"Hernando"
(Songs of the South)

The popular jam-band--which released its first concert DVD, "Keep On Marchin'," last year--is back with a new studio album. These tireless road warriors are, of course, supporting "Hernando" with a tour, and currently have dates announced through Feb. 24.

Black Mountain
"In the Future"
(Jagjaguwar)

The psychedelic rock band from Vancouver finally returns with a follow-up to its popular eponymous debut of 2005. "In the Future" includes the song "Stay Free," which was originally featured on the soundtrack of the hit film "Spider-Man 3."

Patty Larkin
"Watch the Sky"
(Vanguard)

The folksy singer/songwriter returns with "Watch the Sky," her long-awaited follow-up to 2003's "Red Luck." The Boston-based musician, who trained at Berklee College of Music, was last heard on 2005's "La Guitara," a compilation of tracks from great female guitarists.

More new releases:
Eric Andersen, "Avalanche" (DBK)
Julie Andrews, "The Lass with the Delicate Air" (Flare)
The Backyardigans, "The Backyardigans: Born to Play" (Nick)
Natasha Bedingfield, "Pocketful of Sunshine" (Epic)
Matt Costa, "Unfamiliar Faces" (Brushfire)
The Feelies, "Crazy Rhythms" (Water)
Liam Finn, "I'll Be Lightning" (Yep Roc)
MGMT, "Oracular Spectacular" (Sony)
Various Artists, "Radio Disney Jams, Vol. 10" (Disney)
The Whigs, "Mission Control" (ATO)
Chuck Wicks, "Starting Now" (RCA)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Dr. Who: Series 3" (Silva)
"Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening 25th Anniversary Cast Recording" (DRG)
"Happy Days (2007 Original Cast Recording)" (P.S. Classics)