Quelqu'Un M'a Dit
by Carla Bruni
Alibris business-partners expert Chris recommends this, the first album by Carla Bruni, an Italian supermodel turned singer-composer-guitarist. It's an intimate album, with a style some would call "neo-chanson," and Bruni's pared-down, acoustic songs (sung mostly in French)—unfussy and remarkably atmospheric—range from folksy to torch.

An End Has a Start
by Editors
Owing a debt to musical forebears Echo & The Bunnymen and Joy Division, but with an emotional urgency and a strength of spirit all their own, Editors have put together a dark and dramatic sophomore effort here that Alibris project manager Matt says, "strikes the perfect balance between moody, underground noise and more accessible, arena-bound rock."

Kiss the Crystal Flake
by Mother Hips
Mixing California dreaminess with crisp and intelligent songwriting, this energetic album delivers what Jesse, Alibris director of seller services, calls "a potent display of the band's singular ability to create beautiful vocal harmonies and outstanding rock & roll." Fans of great, straight-ahead guitar rock shouldn't miss this one.

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
by Sinead O'Connor
Moving and intensely introspective, this remarkable work was O'Connor's breakthrough album. Filled with the Irish singer's startlingly confessional songwriting, it's a collection of songs that Alibris office manager Cara says is "powerfully emotional throughout. It's an incredible showcase of Sinead's unique artistry and her fierce independence."

You Were Here
by Sarah Harmer
Mixing pensive melodies with deeply personal lyrics, Sarah Harmer is reminiscent of a young Joni Mitchell. Filled with the evocative sounds of acoustic guitar, drum loops, and cello and clarinet solos, this folk songstress's solo debut is what Alibris IT guru Josh calls "a poetic and emotional musical journey with a unique, almost homemade quality."

City Morning Song
by Sarah Shannon
Former Velocity Girl singer Sarah Shannon showcases her maturing sound on this, her second full-length solo album filled with richly textured arrangements ranging from sweet ballads to crisp pop. With earthy warmth, Shannon explores subject matter that Dan, Alibris's customer service manager, says is "sometimes dark, sometimes urgent, and always moving."

Andorra
by Caribou
The fertile electronic laboratory of singer/composer Don Snaith (using the nom de plume, Caribou) produced this dense and captivating album, merging robotic bass and multi-tracked drums with a gentle, yet confident vocal style. Alibris U.I. designer Lucija recommends this disc, whose kaleidoscopic production is sweetly reminiscent of the best of '60s psychedelic pop.

Boxer
by The National
The moody, smart songwriting on this indie rock album offers what Alibris project manager Matt calls "an always engaging, often breathtaking mix of nervous tension and delighted release." Richly supported by arrangements that feature piano, horns, and strings, this Brooklyn band's lyrics range from the subtle and brooding to the knowing and downright funny.

Action Packed: the Best of Jonathan Richman
by Jonathan Richman
With a twangy electric style and a stripped-down honesty, singer/guitarist Richman's work—showcased on this best-of collection from his past three decades—is deceptively straightforward. "Richman makes music that's totally infectious and endearing, whether the song's about a cup of cappuccino or digging ranches," says Alibris for Libraries expert, Bill.