So I'm looking to splurge on some new music and want the boards advice.

I'm pretty sure I will buy the New Tom Waits album, but am looking for folks who'd tell me if it is worth it.

The list so far (unless you all suggest others that are better)

Damien Rice
Joseph Arthur's latest
Black Keys
the Faint - Wet From Birth
Rilo Kiley
??? Suggestions ???

Today

Im picking up the new Handsome Boy Modeling School...

That's it, unless I see something else that strikes me.

I've heard that the new Nick Cave is really good.
And do you have SMiLE yet?
If you wanna drop $40 and are a fan, the Shrimp Boat box is pretty great.
And the new live @ the BBC Brinsley Schwarz ("Cruel to be Kind") is a MUST for all Nick Lowe fans, Jeff!

Also, I hear that Hop on Pop disc is pretty good!

Please report back after you've given it a good listen.

of those listed, i've heard the first 3, and joseph arthur's my fav so far.

of those not listed, my favs to listen to this year are the new modest mouse, stills, shins, franz ferdinand, muse, wilco, belle & sebastian, kanye west, razorlight and keane.

Will do.....I did hear alot of it while in Florida. This store had it on. I was buying it regardless, but it did sound pretty good.

That Joseph Arthur is fantastic. Might take a few listens but it will probably become one of your favorites at some point. I've heard lots of great stuff this year that I would easily recommend like The National Cherry Tree and Pinback Summer In Abaddon and Old Canes Early Morning Hymns and Moonbabies The Orange Bilboard and Devendra Banhart Rejoicing In The Hands and Willard Grant Conspiracy Regard the End and Fiery Furnaces Blueberry Boat and....but it does look like this one below might interest you. Hasn't gotten much written about it in the indie zines but some nice reviews in the more adult leaning press. Here's what I say....

The Honeydogs - 10,000 Years

One that I've been spinning a lot this year is the Honeydogs 10,000 Years and it's a good one. Kind of like a modern day Sgt. Pepper's in some respects. Conceptual with far reaching, intelligent lyrics, all wrapped in great Beatleseque melodies and elegant pop arrangements that also bring to mind Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. It starts out sounding quite a bit like classic Harry Nilsson. Then I think about Ben Folds or Jason Falkner or someone like that in the modern orchestrated pop field. And other times it reminds me a bit of something more rootsy by Ry Cooder or John Hiatt. Great production work by young veteran John Fields moves it far beyond the scope of most "indie" projects. (read more)

i got the tom waits and the handsome boy, and the gf reports that the handsome boy is diverse but surprisingly good. the tom waits is no disappointment either. may check out those nick cave cds next week.

This one's been on my wishlist for a few months now. It's definitely something that I need to listen to before compiling a Top Anything of 2004. Thanks for posting the review!

The Joseph Arthur is really damn good. Davey's right on it becoming a favorite down the line. It definitely has staying power.

The new Joseph Arthur album is the best album of the year, period. I honestly don't think any of my favorite artists could beat it if they released something new this year.

Yes, report back. That track w/Del "The World's Gone Mad" is just FANTASTIC.

The new Black Keys is good.
So is Rilo Kiley, but some people don't like it. I do.
The Faint is so-so. IMO, only a few good tracks.