road crew, if "The Load Out," a love song to his roadies, is to be believed. Browne is much more blithe here than in his earlier outings. But Empty also represents a fleeting lighthearted moment for the singer-cum-poet whose concerns became more political than personal after its appearance. Beneath its flippant surface, this disc is a look at the lengths Browne and his friends went to avoid facing the demands of the touring life. What with the frequent drug references, misogynistic references to on-the-fly pairings with women, and the sobering line in the title track--"I look around for the friends I used to pull me through / Looking into their eyes, I see them running, too"--one realizes that Browne was much more comfortable on the road than off...  (less)

southern influences, including country, the blues, New Orleans jazz, and even gospel, creating a sound that was distinctly theirs. Decade of Hits is a great catalog of the Allman's at their guitar wielding best. The sweet, infectious harmonies on the instrumental "Jessica" have become a classic reference point in themselves. Next to the tragedies that plagued them--two motorcycle deaths, heroin addiction--the Allman's are probably best known for the heroic "Ramblin' Man." Written and sung by the now legendary Dickey Betts, the song contained everything that made the band great: intricate guitar harmonies, a strong melody, and just enough twang to keep the thing tight. Decade also contains Allman staples "Melissa," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," a...  (less)

tunneled beneath an orchestra of guitar, banjo, keyboards, and strings. More definitive than ever, the rhythm and percussion complement Beam's voice, a lulling, almost eerie tone that occasionally recalls John Lennon's early solo work, especially on delicate tracks like the bluesy "Wolves (Songs of the Shepherd's Dog" and "Carousel," with its veiled references to Iraq. Those raised on the lo-fi routine of Beam's earlier work will find rawness and sanctity in the more upbeat selections: The CSN folk-rock of "House by the Sea" and "Boy with a Coin" and the atmospheric beauty of "Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car" and Shepherd's best song, "Lovesong of the Buzzard." With an organ swirling about and a slide guitar adding gentle flourishes, Beam concede...  (less)

are aligned and calibrated anew, helped by Sony's gorgeous, vibrant sonics. Notice the pinpointed unanimity of phrasing with which the pianist and chamber orchestra imbue the main theme in the D Major concerto's third movement, and follow Perahia's cannily varied articulation of chords both here and in the G Minor concerto's outer movements. A robust and dramatic F Minor concerto features tasty embellishments from the theorbo, and Perahia's energetic, winged trills and whirling passagework galvanize the F Major (transcribed from the G Major Fourth Brandenburg Concerto) into joyful submission. In sum, Perahia and company stand as reference versions for those who desire these works on the concert grand. --Jed Distler  (less)

Includes newly recorded, original songs, and music by Sam Phillips and Grant-Lee Phillips just for the soundtrack, plus opening theme song 'Where You Lead I Will Follow' by Carole King & Louise Goffin. Other artists include Joey Ramone, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Yo La Tengo, XTC and more. Rhino. 2002.  (less)

at one of his concerts, the audiences are immediately engrossed by the King of the South's words. T.I., here delivers his most potent and important LP to date; 'Paper Trail.' The title is a direct reference to T.I.'s return to literally writing down his lyrics- a practice he hasnt engaged in since his debut. By going back to the basics T.I. has evolved into a better MC. The album features guest appearances and production by Lil Wayne. Rihanna, Usher, The Dream, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, B.O.B, John Legend, DJ Toomp, Swizz Beatz, Drumma Boy, & Danja. This is the explicit version.  (less)

is at once listenable and challenging; she takes on every topic, from sex to gender to religion, in an uncompromising manner. Her music appears gentle at first, but this appearance is deceiving, as one quickly learns upon listening to the wrenching "Crucify" or the almost violent "Precious Things." By the time the album gets around to "Me and a Gun," sung hauntingly by Amos without accompaniment from her piano, the juxtaposition of Amos' sweet voice and the emotional complexity of her lyrics is both familiar and shocking. Sandman fans should listen for a reference to author Neil Gaiman in "Tear in Your Hand." --Genevieve Williams  (less)

more than one hit out of the album--although none are as enchanting as their breakthrough single. They continue to gravitate toward Elton John-inspired keys-and-guitar arrangements that are marked by studied rhythms and stellar production. While there's inventiveness to be found in these songs, there’s a sameness to the tracks that makes the album as a whole fall a little flat. While attempting to recapture the grandeur of "Drops of Jupiter" on the opening song, "Calling All Angels," they overreach, and the pop-culture references scattered throughout date almost instantly. My Private Nation is a clean, intelligent disc, but it's also safe and middle of the road. Train’s fans would be richly rewarded if the band took a few more risks. --Beth Massa  (less)