Priestess, Prior to the Fire

The latest effort from this Montreal-based hard rock band opens strong with the Sabbath-inpired “Lady Killer” and never lets up.

Carolina Chocolate Drops, Genuine Negro Jig

This African-American act plays old-time string music with an ear for authenticity on this fine disc produced by Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke).

The Damned United

Michael Sheen is terrific in this biopic about British soccer coach Brian Clough who coached the Leeds United team in the 1970s.

Dead Snow

A group of young vacationers stir up a nest of Nazi zombies in this campy, over-the-top B-movie that benefits from its low-budget production.

The Informant

Matt Damon gives a great performance as Mark Whiteacre, a corporate whistle-blower who has trouble distinguishing fact from fiction.

The September Issue

Vogue’s annual September issue is its biggest of the year and this documentary chronicles the chaos that goes on behind-the-scenes.

Clem Snide, Meat of Life

This power-pop band returns to form with this fine offering that’s propelled by its infectious title track.

Laura Veirs, July Flame (Raven Marching Band)

The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy has proclaimed his love for this moody record, which features haunting vocals and makes Veirs come off as a modern-day Suzanne Vega.

Juliana Hatfield, Peace & Love (Ye Olde Records)

Indie rock veteran Juliana Hatfield wrote and recorded these songs in her small Cambridge apartment, giving them an intimate feel that’s amplified by the lyrical content about love and loss.

The Soft Pack, The Soft Pack (Kemado)

Pop tunes such as “Down on Loving” and “Answer to Yourself” have a retro, ‘60s vibe though in the San Diego band’s hands, they careen with the all the energy of anything by contemporary Brit-pop acts such as Franz Ferdinand.

Lucas Scott & the Married Men, George Lassos the Moon (G&P Records)

Local H frontman Scott Lucas delivers a series of moody love songs he wrote in the attempt to get an ex-girlfriend to come back to him.

Massive Attack, Heligoland (Virgin)

Trip-hop pioneers’ first new full-length in seven years is a compelling mix of electronic beats and soulful vocals that sounds as contemporary thanks to its hip-hop vibe.

Hunger (Criterion)

Michael Fassbender gives an incredible performance in this visually striking (and visceral) biopic about IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.

Yeasayer, Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian)

An atmospheric-yet-danceable album that pushes the band’s indie pop sound into ambient and other-worldly territory.

The House of the Devil

Before turning into a typical slash flick bloodbath, Ti West’s movie effectively evokes early ‘80’s horror films and is downright terrifying.

Passion Pit – Chunk of Change

This reissue of Boston-based indie band’s 2008 debut EP sparkles with its androgynous vocals and infectious synth-pop melodies.

Broken Bells –“High Road”/”An Easy Life”

The debut single from Broken Bells (the Shin’s James Mercier and Dangermouse) is a predictably somber combination of reserved vocals and electronic instrumentation.  The groovy b-side is an exclusive instrumental.

Wanda Jackson –“You Know I’m No Good”/”Shakin’ All Over”

The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum inductee gives Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” some real grit and gets her groove with “Shakin All Over” on this Jack White-produced single.

Bronson

A biopic that takes plenty of liberties, Nicholas Winding Refns’ film about Britain ’s most notorious criminal is a visually striking portrait that features an incredible performance by Tom Hardy, who plays the lead.

A Serious Man

A modern-day retelling of the book of Job that’s set in Minnesota in the mid-70’s, this Coen Brothers’ film doesn’t feature the usual cast of A-list actors but it’s as distinctive (and morbidly funny) as everything else they’ve done.

Magnetic Fields, Realism (Nonesuch)

Led by the foghorn voice of front man Stephin Merritt, this veteran indie band’s distinctive style of chamber pop music takes a refined turn on this fine effort.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, I.R.M. (Elektra)

The daughter of French singer Serge Gainsbourg, Charlotte got a little help from Beck, who co-wrote the songs (and you can really tell) on this terrific album that features everything from lush orchestral pop to precious ballads.

More Than a Game (Liongate)

This documentary isn’t just about how LeBron James became one of the best high school basketball players of all time. It’s also about how a group of teens handled the acclaim they received when their Akron, Ohio team started playing for national recognition.

Zombieland (Sony)

Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson star in this very funny zombie flick about two guys who set out to find the last twinkie on earth. Almost as hilarious as “Shaun of the Dead.”