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

The Best of John Hiatt - CAPITOL
Artist: John Hiatt

John Hiatt finally achieved some sort of fame in 1987, when his comeback album Bring the Family sparked a career renaissance. For the next decade, his albums sold well and his songs were continually covered by other artists, all of which earned him acclaim as one of the finest songwriters of his era. Despite its title, The Best of John Hiatt... Read More

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

Let's Go Do What Happens
Artist: Francis Dunnery

Francis Dunnery's third album, Lets Go Do What Happens, is his most ambitious and successful record to date. Moving to a smaller label and building his own studio has allowed Dunnery to follow his instincts, and the result is a mature, well-crafted collection of adult alternative pop songs distinguished by his melodic flair. There may be more... Read More

This Euphoria
Artist: Davíd Garza
Community Score: 7.03

David Garza made his major label debut in a big, brilliant way -- compared to the almost genteel efforts on earlier albums like Eyes Wide Open, This Euphoria flat-out rocks. Call it a natural progression, call it what happens when there's big bucks to work with, but Garza came up with one of the best rock albums of the second half of the '90s.... Read More

Still Burning
Artist: Mike Scott

Still Burning finds Mike Scott returning to the grand productions and big statements that made his work with the Waterboys distinctive. Although he can still stumble over his own ambitions, there are still several sweeping songs on the record that should appeal to fans of Scott's "Big Music." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read More

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

Carolina Day: The Collection (1970-1980)
Artist: Livingston Taylor

Carolina Day: Collection (1970-1980) is an excellent single-disc collection spotlighting the singer-songwriter's prime years -- the '70s. Drawing highlights from his albums for Capricorn and Epic, the collection hits almost all the high points, including the hit singles "I Will Be In Love with You," "I'll Come Running" and "First Time Love,"... Read More

Little Plastic Castle
Artist: Ani DiFranco
Community Score: 8.62

Little Plastic Castle posed an unusual challenge for Ani DiFranco. She released this record after spending a year promoting her first live CD (Living In Clip) by repeatedly admitting to reporters that her studio albums lack the vitality of her concert performances. Rock critics agreed en masse, and their praise for the live album helped to... Read More

Retrospective
Artist: Leon Russell

Retrospective is an 18-track collection that features the bulk of Leon Russell's greatest hits ("Tight Rope," "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms," "Lady Blue," "Back to the Island"), plus many key album tracks. Since Russell was primarily an album artist, this approach doesn't necessarily do him justice, but for listeners who only want the hits, this... 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

Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman
Artist: Randy Newman

Throughout his entire career, Randy Newman was at the fringes of popular music. He peeked through the curtains every so often, whether it was in the form of a film composer or a novelty hitmaker, but he always remained a cult act, albeit one with enormous influence and respect. He had enough fans (particularly those in the industry) to keep a... Read More