Pale Sun, Crescent Moon
Artist: Cowboy Junkies

A refreshed, revitalized sound that doesn't sacrifice the delicate touches that first made them unique; rugged, but still pristine. Much of the new spark emanates from the strings of honorary Junkie Ken Myhr, who peals out intense, biting lead guitar throughout. Especially prominent is his incendiary slide work on "Seven Years" and a spectacular... Read More

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
Artist: Alanis Morissette
Community Score: 7.44

While it's not a repudiation of her blockbuster, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie is a clear step forward, teeming with ambition and filled with new musical ideas and different sonic textures. Alanis Morissette's voice still sears, but she has more control over her singing, rarely reaching the piercing heights that occasionally made Jagged... Read More

Getaway Cruiser
Artist: Getaway Cruiser
The Best of James
Artist: James
Community Score: 9.97
All the Pain Money Can Buy
Artist: Fastball
Community Score: 5.93

When compared to their last album (the 1996 debut Make Your Mama Proud), Fastball's latest release shows that the group is steadily improving and honing their AAA/roots-rock sound. The biggest difference between All the Pain Money Can Buy and their debut is that by spicing up their songs with horns and classic synthesizer sounds, there is a... Read More

Through the Trees
Artist: The Handsome Family

Through the Trees was the Handsome Family's breakthrough album, garnering enough attention and sales that they were finally able to quit their day jobs and focus on music full-time. The group subsequently toured the U.S. and Europe, while critics on both sides of the Atlantic went nuts for the Sparks' clever, brooding songs. With Through the... Read More

Low Estate
Artist: 16 Horsepower
Community Score: 9.25

Sixteen Horsepower's third album, Low Estate, finds the group at the peak of their powers, moving their hypnotic, rustic country-rock into neo-Gothic territory. Producer John Parish helps the group reach their potential, accentuating the darkness and mystery inherent in their music. There are still a few weak moments on the record, but overall,... Read More

Goldfly
Artist: Guster
Community Score: 7.00

Bursting on to the sonic scene with the driving "Great Escape," Guster's major-label debut quickly mellows into the insightfully deceptive "Demon" and the island chock of "Perfect" before revving back up to the strikingly produced "Airport Song." Though the album has many high points, this first single is the highest. Drifting in like a distant... Read More

Freak Show
Artist: Silverchair
Community Score: 7.06

Silverchair were slaves to their influences on their debut Frogstomp, but on their second album Freak Show, they're beginning to show signs of developing their own style. While they may still concentrate too heavily on Pearl Jam and Nirvana, they're beginning to fuse the elements together in a more interesting way and are writing stronger hooks.... Read More

Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986-1995
Artist: Cowboy Junkies

Studio: Selected Studio Recordings is a fine compilation of highlights from the Cowboy Junkies' albums, including such songs as "Sweet Jane" and "Misguided Angel," as well as the previously unreleased "Lost My Driving Wheel." While this is a thoughtfully compiled retrospective, The Trinity Sessions remains the definitive Cowboy Junkies album,... Read More

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie - AUSTRALIA
Artist: Alanis Morissette

While it's not a repudiation of her blockbuster, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie is a clear step forward, teeming with ambition and filled with new musical ideas and different sonic textures. Alanis Morissette's voice still sears, but she has more control over her singing, rarely reaching the piercing heights that occasionally made Jagged... Read More