Throughout, he manages to dip into old-school doo-wop sounds, grand orchestral ballads and Johnny Cash-inspired country anthems, not at the same time, but almost within their own little worlds.

Elliott brings a seen-it-all authenticity to this repertoire while Joe Henry's sympathetic production (aided by guest appearances by Los Lobos' David Hidalgo and Van Dyke Parks) is pitch perfect.

Employing layered guitars, probing bass lines, and the occasional synthesizer swoon, Interpol creates an homage to their particular vision of the '80s that stands proudly alongside the best of its idols.

The more cohesive undercurrents of "Lost and Safe" might display a formidable sense of growth for the band, but hardcore fans of the band's past work might be a little taken aback by the album's more direct approach. Nevertheless, these guys remain at the bleeding edge of pop innovation, even if it is more hummable than you'd expect.

It's a concept so heady and engrossing that it can obscure the fact that "Sermon" also rocks in a way Jones never has before. [17 Feb 2007]

Nine Lives follows suit with a set whose nine songs display an ensemble sensibility that gives a generous allotment of sonic room to members of Winwood's band.

Hank Williams III has always respected his lineage, but he gives it even more love at the outset of his poignant and pugnacious sixth album.

Although the roster of the newly formed act Tinted Windows is a bit of a head-scratcher--middle Hanson brother Taylor Hanson, Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, former Smashing Pumpkin James Iha and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos--it all seems to make sense after one listen to the supergroup's self-titled debut.

His most diverse and musically adventurous solo set to date.

Stone's soulful, sassy vocals are once again the centerpiece of another well-crafted effort.

By making an album that's utterly listenable without sacrificing its integrity, Luna provides the season's greatest guilty pleasure--without the guilt.

An album whose enviably assured vibe pretty much drips out of the speakers.

Another gripping CD of thunder and grace.

An anything-but-predictable collection of songs.

This first new Dolls album in 32 years is not just a legitimate entry in their catalog, it's a great one.

It may be his poppiest and slickest work to date, but Golden Delicious is more proof that Mike Doughty still knows where to make the melodies twist and turn to find the sweet spot among the ridiculous, the sublime and the sad.

It's the detail and charm listeners have come to expect mixed with these welcome surprises that keep Actor exciting.

There isn't a standout single, but this is Dido's most fully realized and elegantly rendered collection.

Sensual, mysterious, and provocative, Learning From Falling shines brightly.

If there was any justice, songs such as "Let the Serpent Sleep," "Three Seeds," and "The Creature" would be blaring from radios across America.

Despite her co-conspirators, LaVette proves again that she's the star of the show.

Throughout, Berg never loses his appeal.

In the end, it seems that no matter how pained West is, as long as his one true love--himself--is intact, he will prevail in the face of adversity

At first the beats are jarring. But like the Clipse's debut smash, "Grindin'," once it all clicks, it's unstoppable. [2 Dec 2006]

After 2005 concept album "The Forgotten Arm" was poorly received, Aimee Mann is back to writing stand-alone pop songs, and lo and behold, they comprise her most compelling album to date.

There's really no mainstream hip-hop record out there right now that's this diverse (touching on pop, R&B, and dance) and this much focused on producing meaningful, quality music.

Proof draws its energy from dizzyingly tight full-band interaction, indelible melodies and deft arrangements that find fresh inspiration in Ian Parton's favorite sounds

Songs like 'Calm Like You' and 'Black Plant' positively swing, and despite the presence of a 22-piece orchestra, the lyrical bite and brisk pacing mean things never topple into cheesy pastiche. Moonlighting hasn't been this much fun since Bruce Willis had hair.