#546 - 1200 Curfews, Indigo Girls

"1200 Curfews is a double live album recorded on the Swamp Ophelia tour from 1994 to 1995, covering the duo's best loved songs as well as some inspired covers of classics from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell. And while this is obviously directed at the Indigo Girls' insatiable cult following, even casual fans will find the album engaging since the live performances are often more spirited and direct than the studio versions." (allmusic guide)

#545 - I Am Shelby Lynne, Shelby Lynne

"The Phil Spector-esque stunner "Your Lies" is one of the best songs to come out of the Adult Contemporary scene since Carole King and Neil Diamond were running the show. The rest of Lynne's second record is a combination of bluesy/country grit, slow-jam soul, and smoldering sexuality, perfectly illustrating why the underrated singer is such a cult and critical fave." (real music guide)

#544 - Mule Variations, Tom Waits

"Waits is still writing terrific songs and matching them with wildly evocative productions; furthermore, it's his lightest record in years -- it's actually fun to listen to, even with a murder ballad here and a psycho blues there. In that sense, it's a unique item in his post-Swordfish catalog, and that may make up for it not being the masterpiece it seemed like it could have been." (allmusic guide)

#543 - A Wizard, A True Star, Todd Rundgren

"It truly takes a concerted effort on the part of the listener to unravel the record, since Rundgren makes no concessions -- not only does the soul medley jerk in unpredictable ways, but the anthemic closer, "Just One Victory," is layered with so many overdubs that it's hard to hear its moving melody unless you pay attention. And that's the key to understanding A Wizard, a True Star -- it's one of those rare rock albums that demands full attention and, depending on your own vantage, it may even reward such close listening." (allmusic guide)