Lonely at the Top: The Best of Randy Newman
Artist: Randy Newman

From a chart standpoint, Randy Newman's only Top 40 hit came in the form of 1977's "Short People, which reached the number two spot, backed by the Eagles' Timothy B. Schmit, J.D. Souther, and Glenn Frey. Actually, it's the music of Newman's career that didn't chart that made him one of the most renowned songwriters of the modern era. Lonely at... Read More

To the Roof of the Sky
Artist: Vigilantes of Love
Community Score: 5.00

To the Roof of the Sky, realeased independently in 1998, is full of homespun textures and country tinges: a dobro here, lap steel there. With a strong set of songs, leader Bill Malonee has fashioned what is arguably Vigilantes of Love's finest outing to date. Some songs rock ("But Not for Long" and the rollicking, Dylanesque "Opposite's True")... Read More

1965 Revisited
Artist: Bob Dylan
Best Bit EP
Artist: Beth Orton

Best Bit is a masterpiece in miniature, a four-track EP of stunning vision and depth. Beth Orton's first substantial release since her groundbreaking debut album, Trailer Park, it moves away from the electronic textures of her previous work to forge a more organic compound of folk, dance-pop, and jazz. The title track, with its loose, swinging... Read More

Let It Come Down
Artist: James Iha

During lulls on the lengthy Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness tour and before the Smashing Pumpkins returned to the studio to record Adore, James Iha made his first solo album, Let It Come Down. Fortunately, it is one of the rare solo projects from a member of major band that explores territory that could not be covered by the band itself.... Read More

Strange Angels
Artist: Kristin Hersh
Community Score: 8.00

Due to economic reasons, Kristin Hersh reluctantly disbanded the Throwing Muses in 1997, claiming that the trio could no longer afford to tour and record. So, she was essentially forced back to recording a solo acoustic album in the vein of Hips and Makers, her revelatory 1994 solo debut. Strange Angels isn't the equal of that minor masterpiece,... Read More

Super Hits
Artist: Dan Fogelberg

Super Hits is a budget-priced, ten-track collection that features a pair of Dan Fogelberg's biggest hits, "Longer" and "The Language of Love," which are balanced by a selection of album tracks and failed singles. Although many of these songs equal his hits in terms of quality, anyone interested in those songs will be happier with the original... Read More

The Best of Bob Dylan - SONY DIRECT
Artist: Bob Dylan
Community Score: 4.50
Live
Artist: Julie Adams
Blame It on Me
Artist: Alana Davis
Community Score: 5.00

It's strange that singer/songwriter Alana Davis first received national attention through "32 Flavors," a cover of an Ani DiFranco song. In one way, the gesture was fitting, since it acknowledged a primary influence, but in another way it was frustrating, since her debut album Blame It On Me showcases a strong developing songwriter. Drawing from... Read More

Slow Dark Train
Artist: Vigilantes of Love
Community Score: 8.00

Slow Dark Train gives us fourteen cuts, which are all highlights. From the religious overtones of "Judas Skin" and "Love Cocoon" to the folk-rock of "Version of the Truth," Vigilantes of Love sing songs of experience that come directly from the heart. Nothing here will disappoint, and while lyrics are included, one will soon find themselves... Read More

Portrait: The Music of Dan Fogelberg from 1972-1997
Artist: Dan Fogelberg

Portrait: The Music of Dan Fogelberg 1972-1997 is an extensive, four-disc box set that covers the singer-songwriter's entire career in detail. In addition to all of the hits and favorite album tracks, the box also features the B-side "Hearts and Crafts" and four previously unreleased tracks, including the newly recorded "Don't Lose Heart." Those... Read More

What Are You Trying to Say? Hollywood Bowl 9/3/65
Artist: Bob Dylan