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Four stand-out new albums, as chosen by the Soundcheck staff.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Bach, “The Art of the Fugue” (Deutsche Grammophon)

French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard made a reputation playing some of the knottiest works of the 20th century literature -- from Boulez to Messiaen. For his debut recording on the Deutsche Grammophon label he chooses a much earlier –- and no less imposing -- monument from the piano literature: Bach’s “The Art of Fugue.” Bach composed this collection of fugues originally for organ in the last years of his life; Aimard makes it sound perfectly at home on a modern concert grand – bringing out the individual voices with utmost clarity and nuance. --picked by Brian Wise

"The Art of the Fugue" is available on Amazon.com.

Third World Love, "New Blues" (Anzic Records)

If you are a Soundcheck listener you probably know there are many Israeli musicians in the New York jazz scene. We’ve featured several of them in the past years and their presence here is partially explained by fellowships they get from the America Israel Cultural Organization. But they also bring something new to jazz: Middle Eastern and African sounds. The quartet Third World Love has three members from Israel: trumpeter Avishai Cohen, pianist Yonatan Avishai and bassist Omer Avital. The fourth member, drummer Daniel Freedman is a New Yorker. They met four years ago in Barcelona for a one-time tour, but as the story goes in their first tune they realized this was a “dream band.” It seems they were right. New Blues is their fourth album. --picked by Gisele Regatao.

"New Blues" is available on Amazon.com.

The Raconteurs, “Consolers of the Lonely” (Third Man/Warner Bros.)

The music industry hates music leaks. And Jack White of the White Stripes really, really hates them. Last year, he called a Chicago DJ to give her an earful for airing the last White Stripes album early. Then, a few weeks ago, he rushed to stores the second album by his side project, The Raconteurs. The idea was to skip advance publicity and get the jump on leakers. One problem: iTunes accidentally posted the album early, and it leaked before the hurried-up release date. Sadly, the controversy is overshadowing a solid album. --picked by Joel Meyer

"Consolers of the Lonely" is available on Amazon.com.

Spottiswoode And His Enemies, "That’s What I Like" (Criminal Records)

This NY-based septet, led by Englishman Jonathan Spottiswoode, has steadily built a reputation over the past decade with their surprising blend of indie-rock, folk, country blues, and touches of big band music. The unusual name of the band is just the beginning of a series of running gags about arch-enemies and criminals that run through the liner notes and Spottiswoode’s very entertaining web site, but the real entertainment lies in the songs and their clever arrangements. --picked by John Schaefer.

"That's What I Like" is available from the Spottiswoode web site.