Idolator

Monday brings with it another installment of "On the Shelf," which looks at a few picks from the next day's slew of new album releases. We've already given you our take on Janet Jackson's new album and a little record called Straight Outta Lynnwood; after the jump, we look at new releases from Ludacris, Scissor Sisters, The Oohlas, and Alan Jackson.

Ludacris, Release Therapy (Disturbing Tha Peace)
The artist: Atlanta hip-hop superstar returning to the recording studio after a couple of critically acclaimed acting turns.
The sound: Luda's trademark baritone storms through an album of half-"feel good" music, half-Luda getting things off his chest, and accompanied by a guest list including Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige, and the again-omnipresent (sigh) Pharrell.
The first in line: Hip-pop fans and Academy members will be fighting it out all the way to the register.

Scissor Sisters, Ta-Dah! (Universal)
The artist: Gender-bending, NYC-born Elton John proteges who are huge pop stars in Britain, but who, as everyone is quick to remind us, can't make a dent in the US sales arena.
The sound: Slightly tempered take on the out-and-proud disco that made their debut album a staple both on the catwalks and at the clubs.
The first in line: Jock Jams fans. Ha ha, just kidding!

The Oohlas, Best Stop Pop (Stolen Transmission)
The artist: Ex-Everclear drummer and his brother team up with frontwoman Ollie Stone and her Kristin Hersh caterwaul.
The sound: Chunky alt-pop that cherry-picks stylistic flourishes from Throwing Muses, Cocteau Twins, and K Records.
The first in line: Recovering college radio DJs who can't bring themselves to pick up the new Veruca Salt album; fans of Stolen Transmission darling Ultragrrrl, who was the band's earliest champion—and who may actually have picked herself a winner, at least sound-wise. (Then again, after you've hailed the creepo Louis XIV, your taste can only get better.)

Alan Jackson, Like Red On A Rose (Arista Nashville)
The artist: Staunch country traditionalist who had a moment in the pop spotlight after releasing the Sept. 11 lament "Where Were You."
The sound: A subtler take on his sweet melodies, thanks to the recruitment of bluegrass fiddler Alison Krauss for production duties.
The first in line: Honky-tonked out fans of Jackson's deep tenor who want to reflect on love, aging, and romance. We're betting there are a lot of them, even though we don't personally know a single one—hey, we're talking about a man whose gospel record went platinum.

On The CD Front [Pause & Play]