#177 - Armed Forces, Elvis Costello & The Attractions

"In contrast to the stripped-down pop and rock of his first two albums, Armed Forces boasted a detailed and textured pop production, but it was hardly lavish. However, the more spacious arrangements -- complete with ringing pianos, echoing reverb, layered guitars, and harmonies -- accent Costello's melodies, making the record more accessible than his first two albums." (allmusic guide)

#176 - Gold, Ryan Adams

"Everyone has their influences, and Adams seems determined to make the most of them on Gold; it's a far more ambitious album than his solo debut, Heartbreaker. The performances are polished, Ethan Johns' production is at once elegant and admirably restrained, Adams is in strong voice throughout, and several of the songs are superb." (allmusic guide)

#175 - Abandoned Luncheonette, Hall & Oates

"The duo's second album from 1973 is a blue-eyed soul delight with fragments of genius. The LP fuses together laid-back folk, analog synths and Philly-style soul harmonies. The big hit here is "She's Gone," but check out the knockout opening track, "When The Morning Comes," as well as "Had I Known You Better Then."" (real music guide)

#174 - Document, R.E.M.

"The first R.E.M. record produced by Scott Litt mixes exuberant rockers with more brooding numbers. The political engagement hinted at in earlier, eco-friendly songs like "Fall On Me" is given freer rein this time out, with mixed results: "Exhuming McCarthy" is so bouncy you don't care what they're singing about, whereas "Welcome to the Occupation" is dull AND didactic." (real music guide)