The Minus 5: “Killingsworth”
3 1/2 stars

There’s prolific. And then there’s Scott McCaughey. He plays with R.E.M. He’s in Robyn Hitchcock’s new band, the Venus 3. He just released albums by his own two outfits, the Young Fresh Fellows and the Minus 5, on the same day. On the latter, he’s apparently trying out for a spot in the Kinks.

Supported by regular 5′ers Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Ken Stringfellow (Posies), as well as most of the Decemberists and assorted others, McCaughey delivers his “Muswell Hillbillies.” He’s even got Ray Davies’ skewed sarcastic sensibilities, witness titles like “Ambulance Dancehall,” “The Lurking Barrister,” and “Dark Hand of Contagion.” There’s a temptation to wonder if he had a murder-ballad-style song cycle in mind; it’s all certainly dark enough, despite the sunny alt-country vibe. But then again, maybe the closer sums up his true intent. It’s called, “Tonight You’re Buying Me a Drink, Bub. Rating: Sounds like: The Kinks, Robyn Hitchcock.

- Lynne Margolis

Regina Spektor: “Far”

4 stars

Spektor really came into her own with her second CD, the 2006 release “Begin To Hope,” as the kitschy, whimsical and at times subversive elements of her music blended nicely with her talent for writing smart and potently catchy rock-pop. Her new CD, “Far,” shows that Spektor is continuing to sharpen those talents.

While “Begin To Hope” had many high points, it also had a few songs that didn’t quite take wing (”Field Below” and “Lady”). But on “Far” Spektor stays in full flight throughout nearly the entire album. “Far” should go a long way in solidifying Spektor’s place as one of rock’s most individualistic talents. If you like this, try Dresden Dolls, Alanis Morissette.

- Alan Sculley

Levon Helm: “Electric Dirt”
4 stars

These days, fans of the great rock group, the Band, don’t have much to hold onto. Robbie Robertson rarely surfaces at all. Same with Garth Hudson. Rick Danko has passed away. But drummer/singer Levon Helm is keeping the flame lit, and his new CD, “Electric Dirt,” may be the closest thing to a classic Band album than anything since the original group split up in the mid-1970s. Songs like “Tennessee” and “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” and “King Fish” sound like vintage Band songs.

Helm, whose weathered vocals were such an asset in the Band, is in fine voice. It all adds up to a CD, in “Electric Dirt,” that should be a timeless classic. If you like this, try The Band, Bob Dylan.

- Alan Sculley

The Builders and Butchers: “Salvation is a Deep Dark Well”
3 1/2 stars

You have to hand it to a band that can sound like a cross between Ozzy Osbourne and a group that emerged from some backwoods seemingly fully formed. The Ozzy factor comes courtesy of singer Ryan Sollee, whose reedy voice sounds like the “Prince of Darkness.” The backwoods element comes from the band’s music itself. Filled with mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitars and swampy percussion, the sound has some Appalachian folk, gospel and jug band country to go with a stiff kick of rock and roll. And guess what, the stylistic mix works well, thanks to some potent hooks and the band’s energetic playing.

On this, the group’s second CD, the song “Hands Like Roots” shows just how much wallop an acoustic track can pack, thanks to its thumping beat and an assertive bass line. “Devil Town and “Short Way Home,” meanwhile, boast edgy melodies that demand to be noticed. Want further variety? Try the pleasantly pounding piano-driven song “Down In This Hole” or “Barcelona,” which as its title suggests, mixes in a bit of Spanish flair to go with the frenetic strumming that powers the song. Yee-haw! If you like this, try Blitzen Trapper, Felice Brothers.

- Alan Sculley