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Albums of the Week

Queens of the Stone Age

“. . . Like Clockwork”

★★★

The fact that QOTSA can kick out the jams was established long ago, but it’s the finesse and intricacies of Josh Homme’s songwriting that’s produced some of the band’s most striking work in recent years. It’s a trend that continues with their sixth album, which sees the frontman trying his hand at Bowie-style robo-funk on “Smooth Sailing,” channeling latter-day Beatles ballads through “The Vampyre of Time and Memory” and airing his increasingly polished falsetto on the standout title track.

Add the usual abundance of impenetrably tight grooves (with drums nailed to perfection by one Dave Grohl) and “. . . Like Clockwork” is a great listen for rock ’n’ roll lovers of almost every description.

Matthew Morrison

“Where It All Began”

WHAT with the endless (and frequently pointless) album spinoffs and actor solo careers, being a hard-core “Gleek” must be seriously tough on the piggy bank.

Well, time to scrimp up those pennies again, because for his second album, Matthew Morrison has decided to indulge himself by singing his favorite standards and musical numbers. As anyone who has seen him play Will Schuester on “Glee” knows, his pipes work pretty well, but these versions of “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “Singin’ in the Rain” are nauseatingly bland. Only a brassy and boisterous take on “Ease on Down the Road” (featuring a guest spot from Smokey Robinson) peps up proceedings enough for the album to feel engaging.

It might be a stroll down Memory Lane for Morrison, but it’s a trip on Drudgery Drive for the rest of us.

Downloads of the Week

Miley Cyrus

“We Can’t Stop”

★★ 1/2

PUT those knives away for now, because the former Disney star’s comeback single is a cut above the pop fluff she’s been peddling to date. Taken from her as-yet-untitled new album (due later in the year) and produced by hip-hop producer Mike Will, this catchy summer anthem finds Billy Ray’s daughter letting out her inner Rihanna, with impressive results.

Camera Obscura

“Do It Again”

★★★

THE Scottish indie-pop institution has returned, and in among the doleful lilt of their new album, “Desire Lines,” lies this spritely, Motown-flecked pearl, in which singer Tracyanne Campbell recalls a lusty encounter with much delight: “You were insatiable/I was more than capable.” Sounds like a fun time.

Eleanor Friedberger

“When I Knew”

★★★

FRIEDBERGER’S new solo album is called “Personal Record,” and for good reason. Throughout it, she skillfully converts her memories and experiences into evocative lyrics, as on this power-pop cut, which takes a nostalgic look back at a teenage friendship formed over music. Wonderfully vivid and immensely catchy.

Jessie J Feat. Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal

“Wild”

★★

THE British star is prepping album No. 2, and as a teaser has issued this brand-new track, which documents the thrill of her rise to the top over a vibrant dance-pop groove. “Wild” does suffer from slight schizophrenia due to the grimy rap interludes contributed by Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal — but then again, fame does strange things to people.

Filter

“What Do You Say”

THESE industrial rock also-rans from the ’90s are still going, and their new album, “The Sun Comes Out Tonight,” doesn’t point to an immediate upgrading of that status. This first single is another example of their lack of appeal: processed guitars, silly lyrics and typically blustering vocals from singer Richard Patrick. It may have been passable 20 years ago, but in this day and age, it’s merely pitiful.