No politics. No Hurricanes. No death. Not today, because it's new music Tuesday in the Hyena Kitchen — and of the 1300-plus releases today — some bear mentioning. And two actually bear buying.. The big "fans will buy it regardless" release for today is the new Rolling Stones CD A Bigger Bang (Virgin UK) — and I really wish it was. It's big, I just wanted bigger. As a band, these guys, above all others, are capable of producing an amazing of collection of songs, but unfortunately, this falls right in line with the last few studio outings and, in turn, gets them back on the road once again. If you get a chance to see them this time around — by all means go — "this could be the last time" around, without the aid of a walker.

The big MUST buy for the week, however, is the seventh CD from Luther, Cody, & Chris, collectively known as The North Mississippi Allstars. Electric Blue Watermelon (Ato Records) is by far their best effort yet. Fresh off a tour (and CD) backing John Hiatt and produced by dad, Jim Dickinson, NMA hone their blues revival-southern rock-jam band sound to the release that had, until now evaded them. Old friend Robert Randolph, Lucinda Williams, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, help the boys round out the CDs sound. Treat yourself and pick this one up and catch the North Mississippi Allstars on their current tour.

While the gang over at Putumayo Records have put together this week's other MUST buy — another amazing collection entitled, Latin Lounge (Putumayo). A strong mix of established and fledgling artists — including Si Sé and Spain's Amparanoia — that should not be missed. If you have discovered Putumayo's previous offerings, you already know what the quality they bring. If that weren't enough, a portion of the proceeds from this CD go to Oxfam America.

Other releases of interest that might slip past you include: Another Run Around the Sun (IRIS) from James & Carly's son, Ben Taylor, Alt-country singer-songwriter James McMurtry's Childish Things (Compadre Records), as well as last week's amazing release from Eric Clapton Back Home (Warner Bros) and Otis Taylor's mix of Delta blues & African folk, Below the Fold (Telarc).

Remember, music can help us get through bad times. Enjoy!