MTV2 HANDPICKED Various Artists (Columbia) Shoulda called it A History of Alt-rock: 2001. Culled from the MTV spinoff, this 18-track compilation blends more recognizable names (Radiohead, Dave Navarro, Ryan Adams) with obscure ones (the achingly honest singer Dashboard Confessional).

AOI: BIONIX De La Soul (Tommy Boy) On the second installment of a three-album series that they've named Art Official Intelligence, the veteran rappers don't attempt to reinvent themselves according to popular trends. Instead, the trio keep crafting artful, intelligent hip-hop.

CLASSICS Sarah Brightman (Angel) Light-opera fans and Enya-philes will savor the former Broadway performer's gentle approach to modern adaptations of familiar short works by Schubert, Puccini, Beethoven and Chopin, as well as "Pie Jesu" by her ex-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber.