[Weekly roundup of the week's notable CD releases - try before you buy. Check out our upcoming CD release schedule for all 2009 releases.]

Artist: Great Lake Swimmers
Album: Lost Channels
Sample: “Pulling on a Line”

The Canadian folkies are back with their fifth album, Lost Channels, following up on 2007’s critically acclaimed Ongiara. Considerably more produced than their previous lo-fi outings, Lost Channels retains the haunted folk of its predecessors, wrapped in a more accessible package.

Recommended for fans of Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine.

Great Lake Swimmers – “Pulling on a Line”

Artist: Peter Bjorn & John
Album: Living Thing
Sample: “Nothing to Worry About”

Swedish indies PB&J burst onto the scene in 2007 with “Young Folks” only to follow it up with the all-instrumental Seaside Rock. Two years removed from the indie bubble gum of “Young Folks”, the trio returns with Living Thing, a much darker album that might startle those who never dug deeper on Writer’s Block than just “Young Folks”.

Recommended for

Peter Bjorn & John – “Nothing to Worry About”

Artist: Prince
Albums: LOtUSFLOW3R, MPLSoUND & Elixer

The artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince continues to shake things up, releasing a triple-disc set exclusively through Target for only $11.98. In addition to his LOtUSFLOW3R and MPLSoUND discs, Elixer is dedicated to songs that he wrote and produced for his newest female protégé, Bria Valente. Unfortunately, the unique distribution deal is the most interesting thing about this album, which is comprised of his weakest material in years.

Recommended for die-hard Prince fans only.

Prince – “Chocolate Box” [f. Q-Tip]