Band members fly solo this fall

Edna Gundersen, Elysa Gardner, Steve Jones, Brian Mansfield, Jerry Shriver and Korina Lopez USA TODA

Neal Schon of Journey produced and played all the guitar parts on his new solo album, 'The Calling,' due Oct. 22.

Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Neal Schon of Journey and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab all have new albums
Richie Sambora's latest is his first album under his own name in 14 years
On his own, Big Boi skews more toward indie rock than Outkast's rap

If your favorite band isn't on the fall release schedule, look for a consolation prize in the form of a solo album by one of its members, a phenomenon almost as predictable as greatest-hits collections and live discs. USA TODAY's Edna Gundersen, Elysa Gardner, Steve Jones, Brian Mansfield, Jerry Shriver and Korina Lopez survey a dozen from this season's unusually large batch.

Micky Dolenz,Remember
(out now)

The Monkees lead singer/drummer gives a fresh twist to classic songs that he says were important touchstones in his life. They include tunes written by Carole King, The Beatles and Chuck Berry. And, of course, he revisits The Monkees' Neil Diamond-penned hit, I'm a Believer. — Jones

James Iha,Look to the Sky
(out now)

The guitarist and songwriter, a co-founder of Smashing Pumpkins who remained active with the band until 2000, just unleashed his first solo album in 14 years, with assists from Tom Verlaine, Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara, Nathan Larson of Shudder to Think, and Karen O and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It's folkie, poppy alt-rock that recalls his 1998 debut and, yes, the Pumpkins. — Gundersen

Richie Sambora,Aftermath of the Lowdown
(out now)

Bon Jovi fans won't be disappointed with guitarist Sambora's first album under his own name in 14 years. Not only does it contain soul-searching songwriting, it flat-out rocks. — Mansfield

John Cale,Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood
(Oct. 9)

Since leaving his highly influential role as the avant-garde voice of the Velvet Underground in 1968, the now-70-year-old Welshman has immersed himself in collaborations and solo albums. This slyly named outing features his signature droning viola, electronic music and a collaboration with Danger Mouse on opening track I Wanna Talk 2 U. — Shriver

Don Felder,Road to Forever
(Oct. 9)

This will be just the second solo album from the guitarist known for his 1974-2001 stint with the Eagles. Though the album is loaded with guest performers — including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Randy Jackson and members of Toto — Felder says the themes of the 12 original "classic rock" songs will be personal and introspective. — Shriver

Jeff Lynne,Long Wave
(Oct. 9)

Named for the type of radio that picked up distant pop tunes for the future Electric Light Orchestrator during his youth, Long Wave finds Lynne covering inspirations ranging from Chuck Berry and Roy Orbison to Charles Aznavour and the Four Aces. — Mansfield

Donald Fagen,Sunken Condos
(Oct. 16)

On his fourth solo outing, Steely Dan's lead singer once again brings his ageless cool to a collection of lean, witty, jazz- and funk-kissed tracks. Described in a news release as the start of a "new chapter" following his previous Nightfly Trilogy, Condos consists of eight original tracks, along with an "Ashkenazi recasting" of Isaac Hayes' Out of the Ghetto. — Gardner

Benjamin Gibbard,Former Lives
(Oct. 16)

After 15 years in Death Cab for Cutie, frontman Gibbard takes the solo plunge. "These songs span eight years, three relationships, living in two different places, drinking, then not drinking," he says in a news release. "They're a side story, not a new chapter." Gibbard, who was once married to New Girl star Zooey Deschanel, finds his footing with a jangly, upbeat blend of indie rock and pop. — Lopez

Smoke and Jackal,EP1
(Oct. 16)

Over a few bottles of wine and a shared affinity for rhythm and aural landscapes, Kings of Leon bassist Jared Followill teamed up with rock band Mona's frontman, Nick Brown. On side project EP1, Followill steps away from the gritty rock of his family's signature sound and into an ambient world of dreamy basslines and sleepy vocals. Which one is Smoke and which one is Jackal? They're leaving that up to fans to guess. — Lopez

Neal Schon,The Calling
(Oct. 22)

Journey's lead guitarist recorded his latest solo work during a break in the group's tour schedule. Schon produced the album and played all the guitar parts as well as bass, enlisting former bandmate Steve Smith on drums and Igor Len on acoustic piano. Miami Vice theme composer Jan Hammer, a frequent collaborator with rock and jazz stars, lends synth solos on two tracks. — Gardner

Paul Banks,Banks
(Oct. 23)

For this second solo album, the Interpol singer/guitarist retires Julian Plenti, the alter ego adopted for his 2009 debut and a five-song EP in June. Wit and emotion counter the minor-key tension on the 10-song collection, recorded in New York and Connecticut with producer Peter Katis. A U.S. tour starts Nov. 3 in Austin. — Gundersen

Big Boi,Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors
(Nov. 13)

The Outkast rapper leans toward indie rock after 2010's funk-fueled Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Andre 3000 seems to be nowhere in sight, but Big Boi does collaborate with Phantogram singer Sarah Barthel, Modest Mouse, Little Dragon, A$AP Rocky, Bun B and Big K.R.I.T. — Jones

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