KC LMNOP Journée idéale (Orange Music)

As part of the growing community of Quebec DJs and MCs keeping things tight, KC sets himself apart by disposing of the in-your-face gimmickry and instead mellowing the vibe considerably. While the flow is subtle and many of the beats on Journée idéale are somewhat sparse, the resulting moodiness gives the album an air of uniqueness that makes KC definitely worth a listen. 7/10 (John Turner)

Various The Saint Soundtrack (Virgin)

America has accepted an electronic master class, and boy is it ever predictable. The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Orbital and Daft Punk are great, but how many times can these same names and same songs be put on compilations and soundtracks boasting an "electronic revolution?" There is nothing revolutionary about Underworld's "Pearl's Girl" on three collections issued only this month. Perhaps if the people putting these things together would read something other than Spin... 7/10 (Mireille Silcott

Chet Atkins with Tommy Emmanuel The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World (Columbia)

This is not specifically a country album, despite Chet "Mr. Guitar" Atkins's involvement. Rather, this disc is a showcase for the chiming, textured interplay of Atkins's and Aussie hotshot Emmanuel's acoustic pluckings. Proof that true talent is expressed through clarity and confidence, not convoluted noodling. An utterly charming little chunk of plastic. 8.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)

Zekuhl Àmón (Bros)

Given the divergent backgrounds of this Montreal band's lineup, there's a potential for tiresome "my turn" show-offery. Fortunately, democracy has prevailed on this disc--the blending of worldbeat pop styles results in Zekuhl's tasteful sound. The largest shortcoming is the "wet" production, which saps vital energy away. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) more discs...