Lesser-known CDs offer diversity

Sometimes I'm in the mood to sample lesser-known music -- debut albums or fringe outfits that provide a break from the usual suspects in my stereo. And sometimes Courtney gives me free CDs to review. Either way, you get to read about some decent artists. Here are six albums that debuted this year, with styles to suit every musical taste.

Jucifer, I Name You Destroyer

Jucifer, a duo of guitarist Amber Valentine and drummer Ed Livengood, is a true to life indie rock band. Their sound is simple: guitar, drums and a lot of distortion. I Name You Destroyer, their third album, draws from musical inspirations ranging from alternative to raging metal rock. The ethereal (think drug-induced haze) sound of Valentine's voice adds another dimension to their giant riffs and power chords. If you're an indie lover, enjoy Sonic Youth and Nirvana, or have a thing for danger and destruction with a sleazy edge, you may want to check it out. However, if you're more traditional, like sophomore Rebeca Mercado, you may want to hold off on buying this one. After hearing the album, all she had to say was, "I'm confused."

BWB, Groovin'

BWB is a trio of Rick Braun (trumpet), Kirk Whalum (saxophone) and Norman Brown (guitar). The group presents instrumental jazz versions of popular songs such as Alicia Keys' "A Woman's Worth" and D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar." The music is soulful and well-played, and guest musicians or vocalists give each song a unique sound. Rather than simply rehashing the familiar melodies of the originals, or repeating a phrase into oblivion for the entirety of the song, BWB manages to keep the songs from simply feeling redundant. This is definitely not the smooth jazz these men are known for, but they join together under Warner Brother's label and present an impressive blend of jazz, funk and blues any jazz fan should enjoy.

Mark Selby, Dirt

Dirt is Oklahoma-raised Mark Selby's sophomore release following the widely praised More Storms Comin'. Selby blends rock and roll with a taste of blues and a touch of country, topped off with soul-searching and romance in his lyrics and versatile vocals. Thre result is a uniquely personal album. Selby demonstrates his finesse with guitar in "Reason Enough" and his ability to rock in "Willin' to Burn." Selby's album is perfect for rockers with an underlying love for dirt country or country lovers with a rock edge. Think Dixie Chicks with testosterone. I would recommend the album if for no other reason than that Selby's music demonstrates his true talent on guitar and his obvious love of playing.

Townhall, The New Song

What would you expect of five college jazz majors? Group members George Stanford, Mark Smidt, Tim Sonnefeld, Nate Skiles and Kevin Pride met while studying jazz in music school in Pennsylvania, and the album obviously reflects their jazz background. The music combines jazz, reggae and rock, and it can best be described as "fun." The group has a truly original feel and should appeal to fans of vast genres. Songs such as "Master of the Universe," "Family" and "The New Song" lean towards current folk rock trends yet are filled with instrumental melodies and solos. The jazz influence is hard to miss, even when disguised behind blues, big band and Latin styles. The band sounds like they are having a great time; their enthusiasm really comes through in the music. Think jam session meets skilled and versatile musicians. Fans of The Band, Bob Marley, The Beatles or Steely Dan, as well as jazz or folk rock, should definitely check this out.

Vaux, There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them

This sextet hails from Denver and their sophomore album, There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them, will leave fans of their first album wondering why anyone would ever want them to stop. The music combines metal, punk and indie rock -- not a remarkably unique combination. Somehow, the group seems vaguely familiar yet sounds like nothing I have heard before. These lyrics are not sappy and romantic, and they certainly aren't the catchy tunes that get stuck in your head. This music is intense and explosive, avoiding the redundant repetition of current radio hits and leaving you wishing there was someone nearby to mosh with. There are many layers to the music and rock lovers will be able to find something here they enjoy, be it the emotion, instrumentals or simply brooding musicians.

Ingram Hill, Until Now

Ingram Hill is a band comprised of Justin Moore, Phil Bogard, Shea Sowell and Matt Chambless -- four young guys who present a versatile album combining rock, country and new wave sounds. The album opener, "Will I Ever Make It Home," their first radio single, is reminiscent of most radio songs' catchy lyrics: a strong beat, a guitar/vocalist intro and increasing intensity until the full band joins the mix. "Almost Perfect" follows and is pure rock, as is "Brother's Keeper." The album is rounded out presenting ballads with lyrical vocals and mellow instrumental accompaniment. Ending the album is "Your Smiling Face," which adds a final dimension to the album. This song is sheer country direct from Memphis,