Plus: O.A.R. [ tickets ], David Banner [ tickets ], more.

John Mellencamp [ tickets ]
"Life, Death, Love and Freedom"
(Hear Music)

The Indiana native is set to release his 22nd studio album, the T Bone Burnett-produced "Life, Death, Love and Freedom." The record's first single is the tune "Jena," which was released back in October in response to the racially charged situation in that Louisiana town.

The set follows last year's "Freedom's Road," which emerged at No. 5 on The Billboard 200, Mellencamp's highest debut ever--and spawned the crossover hits "The Americans" and "Our Country," the latter of which received a Grammy nod in the "Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance" category.

The veteran rocker is currently touring in support of "Life, Death, Love and Freedom." The North American portion of the tour is set to run through an Aug. 2 date in Berkeley, CA.

Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in March. The other members of the Class of 2008 are Madonna, The Ventures, Leonard Cohen and The Dave Clark Five.

Nas [ tickets ]
"Nas"
(Def Jam)

With the title of his previous album, Nas informed us that "Hip-Hop is Dead." Now, he will attempt to breathe some life into the genre with the release of his eponymous ninth CD.

The first single from "Nas" is "Hero," which was produced by Polow Da Don. Other producers on the new release include DJ Green Lantern, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Cool & Dre, Jay Electronica, Stic.Man of Dead Prez, and 2008 Grammy producer of the year Mark Ronson; the Ronson-produced cut, "Fried Chicken," features guest artist Busta Rhymes.

Nas will spend part of his summer performing on the Rock the Bells tour. The traveling hip-hop festival, which also features Mos Def, De La Soul and other acts, will kick off July 19 in Tinley Park, IL.

The Hold Steady [ tickets ]
"Stay Positive"
(Vagrant)

The popular indie-rockers are back with a follow-up to 2006's "Boys and Girls in America." "Stay Positive" is the band's fourth studio album and features the lead single "Sequestered in Memphis."

Having performed more than 200 shows in 2007 alone, the Brooklyn-based quintet will remain active on the road this summer. The group is currently in the midst of a 23-date jaunt, which is scheduled to wrap up Aug. 13 in Norfolk, VA.

O.A.R.
"All Sides"
(Atlantic)

The roots-rock combo, which is especially popular with college crowds, returns with its first new studio album since 2005's "Stories of a Stranger." The band was last heard on "Live From Madison Square Garden," a concert recording that capture its sold-out performance at the legendary venue in January 2007.

These road warriors will, of course, support "All Sides" on tour. The band has dates scheduled through August. Of note, O.A.R. will serve as the opening act during all three nights of the Dave Matthews Band's annual Labor Day Weekend party at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA.

David Banner
"Greatest Story Ever Told"
(Motown)

The rap star is set to drop the "Greatest Story Ever Told." The CD, which follows 2005's "Certified," features the single "Speaker." Banner is joined on "Greatest Story" by such stars as Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Akon.

More new releases:
ABN, "It Is What It Is" (Rap-a-Lot)
Bajofondo, "Mar Dulce" (Decca)
Blackmore's Night, "Secret Voyage" (Steamhammer)
Elisa, "Dancing" (Sugar)
Foreigner, "No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner" (Atlantic)
Philip Glass, "Glass: Music in Twelve Parts" (Orange Mountain)
Delta Goodrem, "Delta" (Decca)
The Grascals, "Keep on Walkin'" (Rounder)
Johnny Otis, "The Golden Age of American Popular Music: The Jazz Hits from the Hot 100 1958-1966" (Ace)
Randy Travis, "Around the Bend" (Warner Bros.)
Wire, "Object 47" (Pink Flag)
Ace Young, "Ace Young" (Pazzo)

Soundtracks and scores:
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Varese)
"Passing Strange" (Ghostlight)