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The electronic glam-pop duo of Will Gregory and Alison Goldfrapp are shamelessly retro: he plays cheesy, ’80s-style synthesizers that sound one step up from Casios, while she favors Marlene Dietrich curls, skintight catsuits and mile-high platform shoes. Musically, they channel everyone from T.Rex and Roxy Music to Gary Numan and Donna Summer. But, somehow, Goldfrapp manages to sound thoroughly modern, particularly on the decadent disco of “Ooh La La” and “Ride a White Horse.” Feb. 21

The guests on his album read like an incestuous rock-family tree, from his parents, Richard and Linda Thompson, and sibling friends Rufus and Martha Wainwright to Jenni Muldaur, daughter of Maria Muldaur. Musically, he gets compared to Jackson Browne. But the talented Thompson Jr. sounds most like Crowded House’s Neil Finn, especially on “I Should Get Up” and the break-up themed title track. On “Shine So Bright,” he sings: “I want to be a huge star who hangs out in hotel bars.” With such impeccable lineage and friends, no doubt he will be. Feb. 14

The chief Kink planned to release his first solo album in 2004—until he was shot in the leg while chasing purse-snatchers in New Orleans. That grim incident is colorfully recounted on “After the Fall.” Other songs, including “The Tourist” and “The Getaway,” also deal with wry observations on American life. While none match the wit of his English-themed classics, such as “Shangri-La,” “Sunny Afternoon” and “Waterloo Sunset,” it’s good to have Davies, one of pop’s most gifted tunesmiths, back in the game. Feb. 7