Anodyne The Outer Dark (Escape Artist) Brutalizing metalcore from the depths of mortal Hades—Brooklyn! Fans of Voivod and Hydra Head, take note. 9 (JC)

Jean-François Groulx Destinations (Effendi/SRI) Past Jazz Fest concours winner Groulx in a successful mating of the jazz and Latin idioms. 8.5 (LD)

Various Balling the Jack: the Birth of Nu Blues (Ocho/Fusion III) Diamanda Galas, Bob Log III, Billy Childish, Nick Cave, Captain Beefheart... questions? 8.5 (JC)

Badly Drawn Boy About a Boy original soundtrack (XL/Select) This charming and well-rounded package of full-on tunes and instrumental breaks finds the man and his toque in top form. 8 (LC)

Jaymz Bee and the Deep Lounge Coalition Sub Urban (Oglio/Fusion III) T.O.’s tuxedoed titan of tackiness schmaltzifies Snoop, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Outkast. Forty oz. of foolishness, this is. 8 (RB)

Mclusky Mclusky Do Dallas (Too Pure/Select) Manic, sweaty Welsh trio recruit Steve Albini for album two. Best title: “Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues.” 7 (LC)