#682 - A.M., Wilco

"Wilco's first record after the dissolution of Uncle Tupelo continues on an unsurprising trajectory previously mapped by Tupelo's Anodyne. The songs are great, almost lighthearted country-rock songs. "I Must Be High" and "Box Full Of Letters" show Jeff Tweedy's infatuation with classic pop forms, but Wilco was made for greater things -- as later records would show." (real music guide) (Blogger's note: Another personal favorite of mine.)

#681 - Arc Of A Diver, Steve Winwood

"Utterly unencumbered by the baggage of his long years in the music business, Winwood reinvents himself as a completely contemporary artist on this outstanding album, leading off with his best solo song, "While You See a Chance." Winwood also plays all the instruments." (allmusic guide)




#680 - Shangri-La, Mark Knopfler

"Knopfler delivers one easy-rolling country rock sketch of a small town beautiful loser after another, and he actually sings about a successful fast food restaurant. Interesting. Anyway, longtime fans will be glad to hear Dire Straits-brand tightness and plenty of Knopfler's impeccable playing." (real music guide)


#679 - Cry Cry Cry, Cry Cry Cry

"Though the disc begins with a bona fide chart buster, R.E.M.'s "Fall on Me" (with ringing guitars and astonishingly audible lyrics no less), most of the cuts come from such unsung artists as James Keelaghan and Jim Armenti. All three members of this folk music dream team are in excellent voice, alternating ensemble pieces with honed call-and-response. Yet these polished, hush-inducing performances never lose their edge and urgency--this is really what they mean by harmonic convergence." (amazon editorial review)

#678 - Headhunters, Herbie Hancock

"This is the album that saw Hancock transform from a respected jazz genius into a funkified crossover superstar. While "Chameleon" and the plugged-in reading of "Watermelon Man" got plenty of airplay, Hancock never panders to his listeners. This is an extremely influential album and is now considered the Rosetta Stone of aspiring Acid Jazz kids." (real music guide)