Elton John [ tickets ]
"Songs from the West Coast" (Universal)
Street date: 10/2

With this album, Elton John reconnects with fans who may have drifted away after one too many Disney singles. The 12 new songs recall early-'70s Elton in the best possible way, with hints of "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer," as well as selections so Beatles-esque you'll swear they were left over from "Sgt. Pepper." Best listened to in its entirety, "Songs" is highlighted by its bookend tracks--particularly its brooding finale, "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore"--both of which begin and end with Elton's signature meditative piano. Featuring lyrics by Elton's longtime writing partner, Bernie Taupin, "Songs" dwells on politics, love, AIDS, and Taupin's specialty, dreams unfulfilled. Even when you're not certain what Taupin's words mean, Elton's delivery infuses them with significance. Yes, you'll definitely feel as if you’ve heard this album before. But if you've ever found yourself singing along with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," you won't be disappointed. --Randi Schmelzer, citysearch.com

Garbage [ tickets ]
"Beautifulgarbage" (Almo Sounds/Universal)
Street date: 10/2

Garbage packed its first two albums with forward-thinking pop songs; touches of electronica, and the world-weary rasp of lead singer Shirley Manson, combined for radio gems that embraced every listener's inner goth. A shame that "Beautifulgarbage" sounds like a lurch backward. This time around, the Garbage tradition of borrowing from all over the map has produced unfocused and derivative results: "Shut Your Mouth" is an overt aping of early-'90s goth-popsters Curve, while the DJ scratches on "Til the Day That I Die" sound slapped-on and, in spots, already out-of-date. To make matters worse, Manson's vocals are processed to the point where she sounds like any other pop singer--and lyrics like "Now you don't want me anymore/It's time to settle the score" don't aid her. Only the sunny "Breaking Up the Girl" and the driving "Parade" near the heights reached by previous Garbage singles; otherwise, "Beautifulgarbage" is merely ordinary. --Maura Johnston, philadelphia.citysearch.com

Spiritualized
"Let It Come Down" (Arista)
Street date: 9/25

"Let It Come Down" finds Spiritualized searching its soul following its last adventure, the 1997 rock oddity, "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space." On this stunning follow-up, head captain Jason Pierce--who for all intents and purposes is Spiritualized--finally 'fesses up to the toll that his substance abuse (his wanton ways are well documented on "Ladies and Gentlemen") and failed relationship (to ex-Spiritualized keyboardist Kate Radley) has taken. The record's eleven tracks tackle recovery (the shimmering "The Twelve Steps"), redemption (the wonderfully woeful "Lord Can You Hear Me?") and healing (the uplifting "Stop Your Crying"). Pierce enhances his trademark electro-scapes with rich gospel choruses and grand orchestral flourishes for operatic effect. "Let It Come Down" did not come easy--Pierce reworked the record over four years. But his labor has delivered a profound journal of his search for salvation. --Scott Henkemeyer, citysearch.com

Various artists
"Timeless" (Lost Highway)
Street date: 9/25

It's impossible to overstate the importance of Hank Williams [ tickets ] to American music. Williams' mournful voice and rock-solid songwriting virtually invented the modern sound of country. The all-star tribute "Timeless" explores Hank's legacy via a mix of tradition and revisionism, and superbly captures Williams' haunting spirit. Lucinda Williams finds the wrenching pathos at the core of "Cold Cold Heart" and sends a sad shiver down the listener's spine. Beck's spacey interpretation of the vengeful "Your Cheatin' Heart" is introspective and full of regret. Hank's blues roots, often forgotten, are well highlighted by Bob Dylan, Keith Richards and especially Keb' Mo', who brings total conviction to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Hank Williams III forgoes melancholy for a highly faithful rendition of Grandpa's "Long Gone Daddy." Johnny Cash's cloying "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" is the only real misstep. Otherwise, this set ought to make Williams fans yodel with delight. --Christopher Bahn, citysearch.com

The Strokes [ tickets ]
"Is This It" (RCA)
Street date: 10/9

New York City quintet the Strokes tap into the sound, attitude and harried look of '70s CBGB's punk with inspired results. The poetic grit of the Lower East Side is apparent on nearly every song on the young band's debut album. In the vein of Television and the Velvet Underground, they play simply and passionately. Frontman Julian Casablancas sings with a voice weathered beyond his years. The band echoes a dissonant Wire on "Alone, Together," and strips down glam-rock on "Last Nite." Throughout, the album's wound-up, spare rock and roll focuses attention on Casablanca's restlessness. Hype for the Strokes is well deserved--it's hard to imagine a more vital American rock band. (For the U.S. release, the band has replaced live favorite "New York City Cops" with "When It Started," and the original cover art, featuring a close-up of a black-gloved hand against a woman's body, is now a benign psychedelic pattern.) --John Dugan, chicago.citysearch.com

Previous Spin Cycles:

Sept. 20: Bob Dylan, Tori Amos, Ryan Adams, Diana Krall, Charlie Hunter

Sept. 6: Toby Keith, Macy Gray, Mary J. Blige, Slayer, Jimmie Vaughan

Aug. 23: Björk, The Isley Brothers, Sparklehorse, John Lee Hooker, Robbie Fulks

Aug. 9: Usher, Prince, Freedy Johnston, Joy Division, Chocolate Genius

Have a comment or question? Send a message to the Spin Cycle editor: Don Harvey.