I can't admit that I'm overly excited about today's new releases, but as always here they are.

Dar Williams releases her sixth album with "The Beauty of the Rain." Williams, who has made a name for herself in the folk community, hooks up with notables such as Béla Fleck and the Dave Matthews Band's Stefan Lessard on the record.

As if R. Kelly's regular release of "Chocolate Factory" wasn't enough, Kelly tempts audiences of all ages with his limited edition release of the album featuring a bonus disc with six bootleg tracks from "Loveland."

"Cyclorama," the Styx's 19th release, brings us back to when music was, um, worse than it is today. Bringing in the thunderous sound of big rock, this release features a cover with a giant carrot protruding from the sky - interesting.

Industrial powerhouse Ministry releases "Animositisomina." The band, which had been keeping a lower profile since the commercial success of "Psalm 69," has run into numerous problems in its career such as drug abuse, management issues and the death of guitarist William Tucker. "Animositisomina" might give the band a fresh start.

Cat Power releases even more angst-ridden hymns to our public ears today. Known for being more depressing than even today's emo, Cat Power's sixth release, "You Are Free," shouldn't disappoint.

Good thing The Go-Betweens reunited and reformed in 2000. Since then the band has been really busy. Releasing five albums since then, "Bright Yellow, Bright Orange" continues on the Australian cult group's trend in hopes of recapturing new wave fans that couldn't get enough in the actual '80s.

Also with releases are Calexico and Jennifer Hanson with her self-titled country debut.

Elysia Smith