#409 - Van Halen, Van Halen

"Van Halen delivered one helluva debut in 1978. The album not only put the band on the map, but it also raised the bar for rock groups in general. Most of the songs on Van Halen are still staples of FM radio, including "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love," "Jamie's Crying," and "Runnin' With the Devil." A true rock classic." (real music guide)


#408 - 1,000 Kisses, Patty Griffin

"If the album's production style is subtle, it's also a superb match for the material, and without forcing their hand, Griffin and the musicians can sway from the life-on-the-street swagger of "Chief" to the Latin romanticism of "Mil Besos" to the torchy late-night blues of "Tomorrow Night" without missing a step, finding a broad emotional spectrum in these low-key sessions." (allmusic guide)

#407 - The Soft Bulletin, The Flaming Lips

"An amazing album from end to end, the Lips finally made their brilliance apparent to everyone with this 1999 album. A nakedly humane record draped in seemingly surreal elements, the disc made everything old seem new again. It's bizarre, beautiful orchestral pop music (but mixed like a contemporary R&B album), and also the last great pop album of the 1990s." (real music guide)

#406 - Songs For Swingin' Lovers, Frank Sinatra

"Sinatra's most famous (and copied) album. He and Nelson Riddle put a medium tempo jazz bounce into ballads and created the upbeat and richly romantic "Swingin' Lovers" sound. The CD improves on perfection by offering a bonus track of "How About You."" (real music guide)


#405 - Magnolia Soundtrack, Aimee Mann

"For Aimee Mann, the soundtrack to Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia was her first opportunity to release new material since 1995's I'm With Stupid. True, some of the songs are a few years old, but this is their first release, and each of her nine songs for the film seamlessly fit together, achieving a perfect blend of musical and lyrical tone." (allmusic guide)