Hot summer tunes

Summer doesn't officially begin for a month or so, but, like the movie industry, the music biz trots out a ton of new products when the weather turns warm. As usual, the next three months include dozens of releases across all genres. Here are a few highlights (but note that release dates can change).

"American Idol Season 9": The TV giant's weakest season to date collects covers from its top 10, led by Lee DeWyze's "Treat Her Like a Lady" and Siobhan Magnus' "Paint It Black." No, it doesn't include Andrew Garcia doing "Straight Up."

"Sea of Cowards," Dead Weather: There were identity issues on the first album by this Jack White project. The second time out is a stomping monster.

"High Violet," the National: A 10-year build has led to the best album by the Ohio-rooted band that creates a beautifully icy type of indie rock.

"Tear the World Down," We Are the Fallen: Ben Moody and much of Evanescence team up with Carly Smithson of "American Idol" on this collection of dramatic goth-pop-metal.

Also out: "The Powerless Rise," As I Lay Dying; "On Approach," Everest; "Li(F)e," Sage Francis; "Totalled," Indian Jewelry; "Hang Cool Teddy Bear," Meat Loaf; "Welcome to the Dark Side," Tila Tequila.

"Brothers," Black Keys: The blues duo has yet to release a stinker. Producer Danger Mouse is on it, which bodes well.

"This Is Happening," LCD Soundsystem: The single "Drunk Girls" has given us high hopes for James Murphy's latest.

"Distant Relatives," Nas and Damian Marley: Finally, a rap-reggae fusion that doesn't settle for danceable grooves and dunderheaded lyrics.

"Skin Collision Past," Wild Moccasins: This first full-length album is darker than the band's EP but has wonderfully layered and hooky pop songs dusted with lounge and glam.

Also on May 18: "The Foundling," Mary Gauthier; "Suburban Nature," Sarah Jaffe; "Love and Its Opposite," Tracy Thorn.

"Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook," Betty LaVette: This is the sort of record Rod Stewart could be making. Thankfully, he's not. LaVette sings as if her life depends on it.

Also out May 25: "Rebel Within," Hank III; "My Soul," Leela James; "Stone Temple Pilots," Stone Temple Pilots; "Dirty Side Down," Widespread Panic.

"Tried & True," Clay Aiken: Another "Idol" finalist, another set of covers -- these from the '50s and '60s. It's as if he never left the show.

"To the Sea," Jack Johnson: As if he ever left the sea. He's reliable, so expect the hairdo to be the biggest change.

Also out June 1: "Rokstarr," Taio Cruz; "The Chaos," Futureheads; "Skeletons," Hawthorne Heights; "Bom Tempo," Sergio Mendes.

"Bionic," Christina Aguilera: The big-voiced pop star's fourth studio album includes collaborations with DJ Premier, Sia, Ladytron, M.I.A. and Santigold.

"History From Below," Delta Spirit: Making good on the promise of its debut, this San Diego band has a masterwork on its hands.

Also out June 8: "White Crosses," Against Me; "Further," Chemical Brothers; "Shout It Out," Hanson; "Sweet and Wild," Jewel; "How I Got Over," the Roots; "She Won't Be Lonely Long," Clay Walker.

"Thank Me Later," Drake: After a seemingly endless wait, the Canadian rapper drops his full-length album, which is said to feature Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and The-Dream.

"The Laws of Illusion," Sarah McLachlan: The Lilith Fair founder's first album in seven years is preceded by the first single, "Loving You Is Easy."

"Mojo," Tom Petty: Here's hoping his latest lives up to the title. Since parting ways with Rick Rubin, his songs have lacked punch.

Also out June 15: "The R.E.D. Album," the Game; "American Slang," Gaslight Anthem; "Scream," Ozzy Osbourne.

"Venom," Chamillionaire: According to the Houston rapper, this one might move to July. Its "Spider-Man"-influenced title also suggests a darker side will be shown.

"Recovery," Eminem: A year after releasing his least satisfying album, Eminem is back. He'd planned a sequel to "Relapse" but then came up with a new record.

"The Sellout," Macy Gray: The loopy songstress returns with a joyous collection of R&B jams, led by the single "Beauty in the World." The disc also features Velvet Revolver and Bobby Brown.

"Memphis Blues," Cyndi Lauper: The "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant returns to music with this collection of blues covers and appearances by B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Allen Toussaint, Ann Peebles and Charlie Musselwhite.

Also out June 22: "We Walk This Road," Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

"The Heart of a Champion," Paul Wall: Don't expect many surprises, but the deep-voiced Houston rapper is a reliable hip-hop workhorse.

"Street Songs of Love," Alejandro Escovedo: It's not the monster that his "Real Animal" was but it's another great set that will please the true believers.

Also out June 29: "Night Work," Scissor Sisters; "Laws of Power," Three 6 Mafia; "Just Across the River," Jimmy Webb.

"Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty," Big Boi: Andre 3000 had the pop hits, but Big Boi was always the better rhymer in OutKast.

"Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites," Jimmie Vaughan: It's been nine years since the guitar wizard released a solo album. This one is a rich, old-school rock and blues record, impeccably played.

"Dark Night of the Soul," Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse: Widely circulated online, this collaboration between super producer Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous is somber but beautiful.

"100 Miles From Memphis," Sheryl Crow: All she wants to do is have some fun again.

"Without Regret," Kimberly Caldwell: It's hard to believe this "American Idol" Season 2 finalist has never released an album. This collection of rock-fueled pop songs is a terrific showcase for her booming, bracing voice.

"King Uncaged," T.I.: To paraphrase the parole officer in "Raising Arizona": "Have you learned anything, T.I.? OK, then."