#345 - Nomads Indians Saints, Indigo Girls

"Nomads Indians Saints shows Emily Saliers and Amy Ray in fine form, delving a little deeper into the themes of love and faith that run through all of their work. Now that they've had the chance to travel around, see the world, and hear people's stories, their poetic vision has expanded somewhat to include a more global perspective, but without losing the intimacy that makes their songs so potent." (allmusic guide)

#344 - Cosmo's Factory, Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Appropriately, Cosmo's Factory's first single was the working band's anthem "Travelin' Band," a funny, piledriving rocker with a blaring horn section -- the first indication their sonic palette was broadening. Two more singles appeared prior to the album's release, backed by John Fogerty originals that rivaled the A-side or paled just slightly." (allmusic guide)

#343 - Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1, The Traveling Wilburys

"The Traveling Wilburys are the only supergroup that lives up to expectations because they underplay them. They never shoot for the moon on their 1988 debut, they simply lay back and have a little fun. Anyone expecting something monumental will be disappointed, yet that's precisely what's fun about it." (allmusic guide)

#342 - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, The Flaming Lips

"A multicolored, faux-concept album regarding robots and interplanetary hi-jinx, this 2002 release continues the Flaming Lips' increasingly pop-oriented path. Not as brilliant as The Soft Bulletin, but still a creative, sparkling landmark in the major label world." (real music guide)


#341 - Central Reservation, Beth Orton

"On her stunning sophomore album, Central Reservation, Beth Orton slips free of the electronic textures that colored her acclaimed 1996 debut, Trailer Park, stripping her music down to its raw essentials to produce a work of stark simplicity and rare poignancy." (allmusic guide)




#340 - Rattle & Hum, U2

"Most of this 1988 release was recorded during the band's Joshua Tree tour. It is often derided for marking the moment U2 began to balloon out of control, veering into something near parody. To be fair, there are several highly inspired moments including "Desire," "Heartland," and "All I Want Is You." An uneven listen." (real music guide)


#339 - Dire Straits, Dire Straits

"This 1978 debut sailed to No. 2 in the U.S. charts, thanks in part to the major FM hits "Sultans of Swing" and "Water of Love," making Dire Straits the only back to basics English pub rock act to score really big in the States. In part, this was because of Mark Knopfler's "J.J. Cale-meets-Dylan" song craft and stinging guitar lines show so much love for his American heroes and myths." (real music guide)