LakinLand - Pick Hit of the Week

Mayor

Illumination - Paul Weller (Yep Roc)
Traffic lives! This is what all those Steve Winwood solo albums should have sounded like. Yes, more soulful pop/rock grooves from the British trad rocker who keeps putting out one dandy album after another. A good one to turn up and fill the room with sound or to sit back and enjoy on headphones. (And a special tip of the hat to Yep Roc for giving it a domestic release.)

The Big Come Up - The Black Keys (Alive Records)

From 2002, another minimal two piece band to deal with, but one that has a twist to it. This pair of white dudes play raunchy electric blues and give it a distorted alternative edge. This is blues made in the garage, not on the porch, so it may scare off the purists. But like the Clash playing their version of reggae, The Black Keys may also attract listeners with a punk attitude to a style of music they ordinarily wouldnít give the time of day.

Webmaster
The Raveonettes - Whip It On (Crunchy Frog) Recorded in glorious b minor and mono compatible the Raveonettes debut ep is a fun blast of rock noise. Grounded firmly in the Jesus & Mary Chain school of feedback this Danish duo is a retro sonic blast.
Ry Cooder & Manuel Galab·n - Mambo Sinuendo (Nonesuch) Cooder's dual project with Cuban guitar legend Manuel Galab·n.. Deftly employing the rhythms of son, mambo and R&B, along with the sentiments of Cuban balladry and even Tin Pan Alley standards. The all instrumental album is Cuban "lounge" music that would make Esquivel smile.
Jesse Malin - The Fine Art of Self Destruction Do you like Ryan Adams? Well Ryan likes Jesse Malin so much he produced his record. While Adam's puts his stamp on the record Malin is not exactly a Ryan clone. The album is loose and ragged with a go for broke vibe that energizes the songs. His song writing is full of vivid characters and he loves the big chorus hook. Highly recommended.
`T.Rex - Electric Warrior Finally this glam rock essential gets the remastered / bonus track treatment. The sound? Vastly improved with lots of punch. The bonus tracks? Nifty acoustic "Planet Queen" and the rocker "Hot Love' are great additions. However, the interview is best left for a bonus disc, who wants to fill their cd player with cds, hit random and get stuck on the interview track. But it still remains glam rock at it's best. "Beneath the bebop moon I want to croon with you."`

The Essential Clash (Epic) Yes, you should own all the albums, but if for some reason you donít, this is a good place to start. (The singles collection is not enough!) And even if you do have them all (except "Cut The Crap," of course), this ainít a bad deal to pick up and have around when you want a good cross-section of music by one of the greatest bands of all time. Groovy Times? You got that right!

Bob Crane & His Orchestra Play The Funny Side of TV

In honor of the release of "Auto Focus" on DVD, we offer this choice blast from the past. Yes, itís a real album and Bob "Colonel Hogan" Crane does indeed play the drums on it. But the cover is a little misleading. Klink and Schultz are not in the band. And it was not recorded live at Stalag 13. Lucinda Williams - World Without Tears (Lost Highway)

2001's Essence was a monochromatic rumination on lost love. This years World Without Tears opens up the palette to show Lucinda's new found strength as band leader. Elements of southern Rock, folk-blues and yes spoken word jams highlight this superb set. Sure she still ruminates about love, spirituality and her personal demons but it never sounded so good. This release will be on many critics best of lists this year, I know it will make mine.

The Who - Whoís Next [Deluxe Edition] (MCA)

In the dictionary under "Album-Oriented Rock," youíll find a picture of this album. And now itís been remastered from the original tapes and re-released as a two disc set with bonus tracks and an unreleased live concert. Okay, so this is the third time Iíve had to buy this one on compact disc, but I can overlook the expense because itís worth it in this case. Besides, a boot of the live show alone would set you back the cost of this set, so it sort of evens itself out in the end. Now letís see action and letís see "The Kids Are Alright" on DVD!!

Lou Reed - The Raven (Sire)

Reed's musical adaptation of his kindred spirit Edgar Allan Poe work is an ambitious project. Reed always is an artist looking for a challenge for himself and his audience. Unfortunately this album misses the mark more than it hits. Reed often sounds like he is trying too hard to make an "artistic" statement. A fascinating mess of a cd whose concepts probably sounded better in development than the delivered project.

June Carter Cash - Press On (Dualtone)
Daughter of a country music pioneer and wife to one of itís legends, June Carter had enough talent to be a star on her own, but chose the life of a supporting player instead. It was a choice she was happy with, but after listening to her first solo album in over 25 years, one gets the feeling we may have been the ones shortchanged by her decision. This is a remarkable piece of work that plays like an evening jam session on a front porch in Tennessee. And with pickers like Norman Blake and Marty Stuart adding support and the Man in Black himself pulling up a chair for a duet, itís obvious Mrs. Cash still liked to share the spotlight even when it was her turn to take center stage. Fortunately, this country music blue blood recorded one more album before her untimely passing and we wonít have to wait another 25 years for the next jam session. The Thorns - The Thorns (Columbia)
A semi super group if there ever was one comprised of Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge & Shawn Mullins. The Thorns self titled debut is an ode to three-part-harmony California pop ala CSN without any of the creative tension that made that group a classic. The Thorns debut sounds great- the harmonies are gorgeous, but at times overproduced (who added that string section?) and ultimately it is a record of very little substance. A nice summer diversion ñ sort of like cotton candy. In the end itís all too beautiful.

Led Zeppelin - How The West Was Won (Atlantic)

Finally, a legitimate release that does justice to this bandís live act. Okay, so the drum solo is still painfully long, but thatís why they invented the skip button on your CD player. For visual as well as audio pleasure, pick up the amazing DVD set. Worth the price of admission just to see Jimmy Page in his snazzy sweater vest. Van Morrison - What's Wrong with this Picture Van is back with a swinging album that focuses on the pain of being famous. Van complains his way through some of the most bland jumpin jazz in recent years. There's little worthy here aside from the comfortable familiarity of his voice and the odd track.Webmaster

John Zacherley - Monster Mash (Parkway)

I got this record at the Open Pantry in Niles when Mom went there to buy some bread that was on sale. Itís really funny but I donít like the song about Popeye because itís about a gravedigger and not Popeye the Sailor Man. The rest of it is good. --íLil Shroomer Ryan Adams- Love is Hell Part 1, Part 2 & Rock N Roll Won't you join me as I get off the band wagon of Mr. Adams career. He has now officially crossed into the land of the great artist who doesn't know his own crap from a significant song. These have to be some of the most self indulgent releases topped only by Prince's Rainbow Children and NEWS. Another artist squandering his talent. - Webmaster

Various Artists - The Harder They Come [Deluxe Edition] (Island/Hip-O)

If you want to start up an instant reggae collection, you need to buy two compilations: Bob Marleyís "Legend" and this soundtrack featuring the music of Jimmy Cliff and other essential reggae artists of the late sixties and early seventies. This remastered two-disc set not only has the twelve songs from the original release, but also adds another disc of eighteen "crucial" cuts including "Israelites" by Desmond Dekker, "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash and Cliffís "Viet Nam." These artists may not be in the same league as Marley, but as a summertime mix tape, this collection is hard to beat.

Mindy Smith - One Moment More (Vanguard)

Smith has a voice suggestive of Shawn Colvin and a sound that is rootsy with just enough pop to appeal to adult alternative radio. This is a cd of a singer worth watching develop and a writer of promise but who is not quite up to her potential on this debut. Give her time. Rate it: 3 stars out of 5.
-- The Webmaster

Warren Zevon - The Wind (Artemis Records) A good guy gets a proper way to say good-bye. The guest list for this send-off is an impressive one, but everyone came to see the host and he does not disappoint. Thanks for inviting us, Warren. Hope to see you in Denver someday. James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards - Live in Aught-Three (Compadre)
Once on a the fast track to Mellencamp blessed fame we now find McMurtry settled into smaller "cult artist" status. This raw and rowdy live set hits all the hi-lights from his career but adds a grit to the performances often lacking in the studio. Rate it: 4 out of 5.
-- The Webmaster

Bob Dylan Limited Edition Box Set (Columbia) 15 classic Dylan albums given the SACD remaster treatment and squeezed tightly together in one cardboard cube. Remember when you though it was neat they could put all of "Blonde On Blonde" on one CD? The new two disc digi-pack version is way cooler! These CDs look good and sound great and the set is solid proof that Dylan's music and Dylan himself have aged very well.

Grandpaboy - Dead Man Shake (Fat Possum) The first Grandpaboy album revived the ghosts of Replacements past. This one sounds like is was recorded by the bastard son of Keith Richards. Twisted country and blues music played free and loose - Put this CD in your player and the beers will jump out of the fridge and wobble to the couch all by themselves. Warning: Do not operate heavy machinery while listening to this disc.

Sondre Lerche - Two Way Monologue (Astralwerks)

Reviews of this CD drop names like Nick Drake, Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Rufus Wainwright, Burt Bacharach and Donovan. Yes, those influences are evident when you listen to this album, but Lerche avoids outright mimicry and creates his own unique blend of wistful pop music. And heís from Norway. --The Mayor

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (Warner Bros.)

Throw away your old copies of Fleetwood Macís three pivotal 70ís albums and cough up the bucks for the new upgrades. The bonus tracks are just that, a bonus, but its the remastered sound thatís the selling point. Hear "Rumours" like youíve never heard it before and remember what it was like when a big megahit album could fill the airwaves and not make you turn the radio dial. A band at the top of their game and a perfect album made even more perfect.
--The Mayor

The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads (Sire/Warner Bros./Rhino)

Finally! This long out-of-print double live album is now available on compact disc for the very first time - and itís got more stuff on it! Cross another one off your wish list and then get ready to buy the whole Talking Heads catalog all over again. (To be remastered and reissued for your listening and purchasing pleasure.)

LEE
Our Little Corner Of The World - Music from Gilmore girls (Rhino) No, I don't watch the show, but maybe I should - or, at least just listen to it. The soundtrack contains tracks from new acts like Black Box Recorder, The Shins, and Slumber Party; stalwarts like XTC, Yo La Tengo and PJ Harvey; classic artists Big Star, both John & Yoko and Carole King; cool kitsch from The Free Design and Claudine Longet and groovy instrumental bumpers from Sam Phillips. Not only the best TV soundtrack I've heard, but one of the most listenable compilations ever released.
Louden Swain - Overachiever (3 Car reckords) This 5 track slab of power pop may be small, but it slugs you repeatedly in the guts with its riffs while it hits you in the jaw with hook after hook. The only thing better is seeing 'em live - but, if you can't, pick up the release on-line (it's cheap!) at www.loudenswain.com. It's a great way to give your air-guitar skills a thorough workout.
Strawbs - The Best Of Strawbs: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection (A&M) Are they folk? Are they prog? Are they a trainwreck? One thing they are - brilliant! A great place to start for one of those bands whose covers you used to see on those A&M inner sleeves all the time in the 70's. Banjos and mellotrons, simplicity and bombast, fan and tastic.
Steely Dan - Everything Must Go (Reprise) So - they ain't prolific, but they're consistent. This is the record for the summer. Full of catchy grooves, impressive playing, clever lyrics and impeccable production. Plus, a lead vocal from Walter Becker! In a climate of less is more (especially in the talent & songwriting department), this album proves a good band doesn't need a gimmick - they need chops. If you're not a fan of the Dan, this one's not gonna change anything. If you are (which you should be), roll down the windows and take a drive. You'll be glad you did.
Terence Trent D'Arby (Sananda Maitreya) - Wildcard! [Joker's Edition] (Compendia Media) TTD has never made a bad album. (He hasn't.) And now, the album that has been available for some time in varying forms sees its official release in the U.S. More soul, grooves and great songs than most records could ever deliver - in the words of Papa Nez: the hits just keep on comin'. An amazingly consistent release from a true artist. Never worth counting out - this album proves that TTD always makes a record you can count on.
Brendan Benson & The Wellfed Boys - Metarie (Star Time) A fantastic new EP featuring the Album Version of "Metarie" from his excellent Lapalco release and more groovy tracks. Brendan introduces his new band on an alternate (UK Version) of the title track, a great Power Pop original, a new demo and a stellar cover of Macca's "Let Me Roll It." It's the best way to spend $6 that I can think of. (And pick up Lapalco at the same time if you haven't yet...) -LEE
True Believer Records, LLC, Vari-Tone Records and The Oglio Entertainment Group are proud to announce the release of the debut album by The George W Bush Singers. *Songs In The Key Of W* - available everywhere fine music is sold. Hear song samples at .

Larry K

New Pornographers - Electric Version (Matador)

I like that new New Pornographers CD...but oddly, I don't like Neko Case's solo album. Just thought you'd like to know. -- Larry K.

LARRY K'S DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK
It's a ten thousand song / iPod in your pocket / one click universe. How do you navigate your way through all that friggin' music? Each week, Larry Karaszewski will guide you to some undiscovered sonic gem.

HIKKY-BURR, PT. 1 (SINGLE) by Bill Cosby (available at iTunes Music
Store)

People forget Bill Cosby the jazz improv scat guy. This is the Quincy Jones track that was the title theme from the first Cosby sitcom. It's a "Sanford and Son" type track with lyrics like "Have you ever had some Rozzen Mizzen??" Inspired nonsense that brought back a lot of memories of watching WGN reruns deep in the night. I was reminded of this tune when I stumbled onto a Cosby jazz recording on a CD collection entitled "Mondo Porno." Does he know he's on a collection entitled "Mondo Porno?" "Whoa Lord!"

FOLK MUSIC FROM WISCONSIN The Library of Congress Archive of Folk Culture

Download anything or everything from this amazing sampler. Similar to Harry Smith's folk collections, but less bluesy. It's a cornucopia of weird old white people from Wisconsin singing acapella. A found art piece - like that song poem record that came out a few years ago. I love amateur recordings... the stumbling singing, the forgotten words, the hiss. It's all so real - something that's missing from most of today's music.

THESE ARE THE DAYS by Paul Kelly (Available at iTunes Music Store)

Kelly is an underrated wonder. He's been putting out good record after good record for years. A Bob Dylan like hero in his native Australia, he never caught a break in the States. This is the most memorable track on his last album "Ways and Means." It's a beautiful song with a sad melody and lyrics that reflect a dreamy nostalgic look back at day as it's happening. If you've ever had a moment that you knew was a perfect memory while you live it.