Les Claypool [ tickets ]
"Of Whales and Woe"
(Prawn Song)

Les Claypool goes through bands like marathon runners go through shoes. He's been in numerous groups over the past 15 years, including Primus, Sausage, Holy Mackerel, Frog Brigade and Oysterhead--the jam-rock super-group that also features Phish's Trey Anastasio and The Police's Stewart Copeland.

"Of Whales and Woe," however, is the first studio project credited solely to the acclaimed San Francisco Bay Area bassist/vocalist. Judging by the song titles--"Back Off Turkey," "Phantom Patriot," "Robot Chicken," etc.--Claypool has not lost his wacky sense of humor.

Claypool will tour to support "Of Whales and Woe," kicking off with a June 1 hometown show at The Warfield in San Francisco.

George Thorogood [ tickets ]
"The Hard Stuff"
(Eagle)

George Thorogood will try to prove that he's still "Bad to the Bone" at age 54 with this new set of originals and covers.

The blues-rock guitarist/vocalist, who has produced such hits as "I Drink Alone," "Get a Haircut" and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," shows the good taste to cover both Fats Domino's "Hello Josephine" and John Lee Hooker's "Huckle Up Baby."

Thorogood, a tireless road warrior, will of course tour to support this new album. The North American portion of the outing opens July 20 in Hinckley, MN.

Dave Alvin [ tickets ]
"West of the West"
(Yep Roc)

Dave Alvin honors his fellow California songwriters with this set of carefully chosen covers. The roots-rocker, who made some truly memorable music with the band The Blasters, handles such tracks as Merle Haggard's "Kern River," The Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" and the Grateful Dead's "Loser."

Peeping Tom
"Peeping Tom"
(Ipecac)

Mike Patton, the former frontman for Faith No More, unveils his new band, Peeping Tom. The group's eponymous 11-track CD features a boatload of guest stars, including Amon Tobin, Massive Attack, Dan the Automator and Kid Koala. The biggest surprise is that Norah Jones--yes, that Norah Jones--shows up on one track.

Sophie Barker
"Earthbound"
(Emperor)

Sophie Barker, a vocalist best known for her work with Zero 7, releases her debut solo record. Barker sang with Zero 7 on the band's first two records--2001's "Simple Things" and 2004's "When It Falls." "Earthbound" was co-produced by Robin Guthrie, a founding member of the Cocteau Twins.

Various Artists
"Rescue Me"
Nettwerk)

This hip soundtrack features a plethora of noteworthy artists. Included in this set are The Von Bondies, The Black Keys, Stereophonics, Wolf Parade, Our Lady Peace, The Subways and Ray LaMontague. Brian Jonestown Massacre even turns up here.

Other new releases:
Boards of Canada, "Trans Canada Highway" (Warp)
Camille, "Live au Trianon" (EMI)
Celtic Frost, "Monotheist" (Century)
Kris Kristofferson, "Live from Austin, Texas" (New West Records)
James Luther Dickinson, "Jungle Jim and the Voodoo Tiger" (Memphis)
Jeff Martin, "Exile and the Kingdom" (Nevada)
Moonstone Project, "Time to Take a Stand" (Majestic Rock)
Rotary Connection, "Best of Rotary Connection" (Universal)
Marilyn Scott, "Innocent of Nothing" (Prana)
Ronnie Spector, "Last of the Rock Stars" (High Coin)
Sigur Ros, "Japan Only Tour EP" (EMI)
Silverstein, "18 Candles: The Early Years" (Victory)
Ralph Stanley, "A Distant Land to Roam: Songs of the Carter Family" (Sony)
Various Artists, "It's Only Life: Songs of John Bucchino" (P.S.)
VAST, "Turquoise and Crimson" (2blossoms)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Hitman Blood Money" (Sumthing Else)
"Remo Williams: Adventure Begins" (Perseverance)