Pearl Jam, “Backspacer”

“Backspacer” backtracks to the taut punk attack of 1998’s “Yield” and the atom-collider G-force of 1994’s “Spin the Black Circle.” The band’s twin-guitar aneurysms and drum fusillades flood the grooves with fist-pumping joy in “Got Some,” “The Fixer” and “Johnny Guitar,” while Eddie Vedder’s commanding vocals, whether revving up to a rebel holler or simmering on a vulnerable croon, hold the mayhem in check.

Download: “Got Some,” “Gonna See My Friend,” “The End,” “Amongst the Waves,” “Supersonic.”



Mika, “The Boy Who Knew Too Much”



Mika’s driving, exuberant pop nods to influences ranging from Tin Pan Alley to Pet Shop Boys. But the flamboyant theatricality suggested by the title clearly owes a special debt to Queen’s Freddie Mercury. Still, Mika synthesizes his inspirations with a melodic and rhythmic savvy that make his tunes sound entirely fresh.

Download: “Blame It on the Girl,” “We Are Golden.”



Noisettes, “Wild Young Hearts”


What fun!

Dynamic vocalist Shingai Shoniwa leads this British trio in a near-perfect synthesis of disco, funk, ’60s soul, power pop, Phil Spector-ish girl-group sass and Shirley Bassey bombast. From the opening handclaps to the fearless sex-kitten vocals and smart lyrics throughout, the package is irresistible.What a summer album this would have made.

Download: “Wild Young Hearts,” “Don’t Upset the Rhythm,” “Never Forget You,” “Saturday Night,” “24 Hours,” “Cheap Kicks.”