Plus: Medeski Martin & Wood [ tickets ], Umphrey's McGee, Pink [ tickets ], more.

Rascal Flatts [ tickets ]
"Me and My Gang"
(Lyric Street)

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2000, Rascal Flatts have been one of the most popular acts in country music, selling millions of records and filling major arenas across the US.

Given the tremendous success of the band's new song "What Hurts the Most," which is the trio's fastest-selling single to date, it looks like the winning ways will continue with this follow-up to 2004's "Feels Like Today."

Rascal Flatts is nominated for several big ACM (Academy of Country Music) awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Vocal Group. The 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live May 23 by CBS-TV from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Morrissey [ tickets ]
"Ringleader of the Tormentors"
(Sanctuary)

The former frontman for The Smiths once made fans wait seven years between albums (from 1997's "Maladjusted" to 2004's "You Are the Quarry"). But Morrissey isn't torturing his followers this time around, given that his new studio album drops just two years after the last.

Plus, the relatively short dry spell was made even more manageable by the fact that the alt-rock icon released a concert disc, "Live at Earls Court," in 2005. It's just further proof that Morrissey is one heck of a sensitive soul.

The Flaming Lips [ tickets ]
"At War With the Mystics"
(Warner Bros.)

Break out the bunny suits and get ready for bright, shiny musical confetti to fall upon your ears as The Flaming Lips return with their 11th studio album.

This Oklahoma rockers have been supporting this highly anticipated follow-up to 2002's "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" with a flurry of high-profile media spot, including performances on "The Late Show With David Letterman" and on MTV2's "Subterranean."

Medeski Martin & Wood
"Note Bleu: The Best of the Blue Note Years 1998-2005"
(Blue Note)

There's little doubt that Medeski Martin & Wood is the most popular jazz trio in the jam-band world. This collection, however, might come as a true eye-opener to jazz snobs who wrote the trio off as mere Phish food.

This 15-song set collects some of the finest offerings during MMW's stay at Blue Note--the most legendary of all jazz labels. Keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood will support this record with a national tour beginning in early April in New York. But, then again, that's nothing new for these road warriors.

Umphrey's McGee
"Safety in Numbers"
(Sci Fidelity)

Umphrey's McGee has enlisted some interesting names to help with its third studio album. One is the great saxophonist Joshua Redman, who is an interesting choice because his jazz chops should fit perfectly with Umphrey's jam-band groove. The other is classic rocker Huey Lewis, who is an intriguing pick just because no one could have seen that collaboration coming.

Umphrey's McGee is also featured in the new DVD "Jam in the Dam," which also includes performances by Keller Williams, The Disco Biscuits and Particle. The band begins a lengthy US tour in early April in Chicago. But, like with MMW, that really doesn't qualify as big news.

Pink
"I'm Not Dead"
(La Face)

Pink is out to score another major hit with her fourth album, which is the follow-up to 2003's "Try This." Judging by the CD's first single, "Stupid Girls" (a track that addresses bulimia), Pink remains just as colorful and outspoken as ever.

The album includes one vastly surprising collaboration--although perhaps not quite as surprising as the previously mentioned one between Huey Lewis and Umphrey's McGee--as Pink and folk-darlings the Indigo Girls combine forces on the political slam "Dear Mr. President."

Other new releases:
Blackmore's Night, "Village Lanterne" (Steamhammer)
Lila Downs, "Cantina" (Narada)
Flower Kings, "Paradox Hotel" (Inside Out)
Shooter Jennings, "Electric Rodeo" (Universal South)
Sonya Kitchell, "Words Came Back To Me" (Velour)
Lacuna Coil, "Karmacode" Century Media)
Eric Lindell, "Change in Weather" (Alligator)
Charles Lloyd, "Sangam" (ECM)
Pat Martino, "Remember: A Tribute to Wes" (Blue Note)
Pink, "I'm Not Dead" (La Face)
Placebo, "Meds" (Astralwerks)
Poison, "Best Of: 20 Years of Rock" (Capitol)
Queensr˙che, "Operation: Mindcrime II" (Rhino)
Various Artists, "35x35--35 songs, 35 Years of Genuine Houserockin' Music" (Alligator)
Various Artists, "Disneymania " (Disney)
Cassandra Wilson, "Thunderbird" (Blue Note)