SUMMER
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TOP-SELLING ALBUM OF THE YEAR: SANTANA'S "SUPERNATURAL
New Latin pop artists such as Ricky Martin and Jennifer
Lopez dominated the charts this year, but they were not able
to match our customers' fervor for old- timer Carlos
Santana's "Supernatural." While this rock legend's music has
been loved and respected by the baby boomer generation for
decades, Santana won new fans by collaborating with
of-the-moment artists such as Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, and
Everlast.
REVIEW/ORDER
Our editors' picks of the 100 best CDs of 1999 include these top-selling titles:
"Central Reservation"
Beth Orton
REVIEW/ORDER
There's no way to offer a shortcut description of what Beth
Orton sounds like. There are so many musical styles pulsing
through "Central Reservation"--jazz, folk, pop, rock, and
dance--that the album could easily have ended up an empty
exercise in genre-hopping. Instead, it's a bracing example
of mongrel music at its best as Orton carves out a new
musical vocabulary with deep roots in familiar sounds.
"Mountain"
Steve Earle and Del McCoury
REVIEW/ORDER
When country-rock icon Steve Earle teamed with blazing
bluegrass act the Del McCoury Band, the result was more
invigoratingly intense than even die-hard fans could have
imagined. These energetic songs somehow sound innovative and
timeless at the same time, merging the finest,
first-person-narrated politico tunes of Springsteen or Dylan
with the plaintive, hard-driving mountain wails of the
Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe. Whew.
"Play"
Moby
REVIEW/ORDER
Those who've followed Moby's career are familiar by now with
his deep convictions and spiritual connection. On his 1999
release, "Play," he celebrates his faith in a masterful,
unobtrusive way, channeling gospel and other inspirational
samples through beats so earthy they could grow grass on a
cement dance floor. It's impossible to separate the joy of
the message from the joy of the grooves.
"Temperamental"
Everything but the Girl
REVIEW/ORDER
Cool but not at all chilly, Everything but the Girl's
"Temperamental" is the sound of the sweetest melancholy.
Tracey Thorn's lyrics and vocals here are among her most
affecting, tracing patterns of loss, loneliness, and a
slightly unsettled happiness. This electronic pop makes for
the perfect winter listening experience; it's as warm and
bracing as a sip of cognac.
"On How Life Is"
Macy Gray
REVIEW/ORDER
Gray starts from a solid foundation of retro funk and soul
and builds on that by adding hip-hop signifiers and modern
studio techniques. The result is one of the better debuts of
the year, thanks to Gray's blunt proclamations ("I've
committed murder... and I don't feel bad about it") and
inimitable vocal phrasing. "On How Life Is" offers the sass
of a '20s blueswoman and the don't-mess-with-me strength of
a 21st-century R&B icon-in-the-making.
"Mule Variations"
Tom Waits
REVIEW/ORDER
After Tom Waits's six-year stint indulging in other artistic
endeavors, hearing his familiar growl is like revving up a
beloved old motorcycle after driving around in an SUV. The
hard-earned wisdom and arcane sensibilities of this set make
it one of strongest releases of his eclectic catalog.
"When the Pawn Hits..."
Fiona Apple
REVIEW/ORDER
"When the Pawn Hits..." fulfills the promise of Fiona
Apple's debut, "Tidal," a strong statement given that her
first outing was one of 1996's most exciting collections.
Dark and emotionally dense, Apple's sophomore effort is
awash in alluring and witty undercurrents that betray its
creator's youth.
"The Fragile"
Nine Inch Nails
REVIEW/ORDER
Trent Reznor took five years to record this monstrous
double-CD set, wielding a perfectionist's touch in the
production and the subtlety of a chainsaw in the
musicianship. The result is uncompromising, full of
hysterical noise, and yet utterly accessible. Somehow,
someway, this is one of the best pop records of the year.
"Fanmail"
TLC
REVIEW/ORDER
Rumors of TLC's impending breakup were especially worrying
in light of this excellent disc, which is even more
consistent than 1994's "CrazySexyCool." Great singing and
the usual huge hooks--not to mention the smarts of songs
such as "Unpretty" and "I'm Good at Being Bad"--made
"Fanmail" one of the most striking R&B releases of the year.
"Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer"
Ibrahim Ferrer, Ry Cooder, et al.
REVIEW/ORDER
Picking up where "Buena Vista Social Club" left off, "BVSC
Presents Ibrahim Ferrer" soothes with the hushed romanticism
of Cuba's yesteryear while boasting the talents of one of
its greatest singers, Ibrahim Ferrer. Again there's an
all-star lineup of musicians, led by pianist Ruben Gonzalez
and singer Omara Portuondo, creating music at the renowned
Egrem studios, whose live room brings the slow lucidity and
intense vigor of the Cuban classics to life.
It's been a year of exploding trends. Harmonizing teeny-bopper bands sync-stepped their way into the hearts of hysterical young fans. Rock-hip-hop hybrids blistered our ear drums. And a wave of Latin artists showed us how to live la vida loca. Comparing our editors' choices of the 100 best CDs of the year to our customers' choices, we found 10 outstanding albums that both camps agree on.
1. "Central Reservation"
Beth Orton
REVIEW/ORDER
There's no way to offer a shortcut description of what Beth
Orton sounds like. There are so many musical styles pulsing
through "Central Reservation"--jazz, folk, pop, rock, and
dance--that the album could easily have ended up an empty
exercise in genre hopping. Instead, it's a bracing example
of mongrel music at its best as Orton carves out a new
musical vocabulary with deep roots in familiar sounds.
2. "The Mountain"
Steve Earle and Del McCoury
REVIEW/ORDER
When country-rock icon Steve Earle teamed with blazing
bluegrass act the Del McCoury Band, the result was more
invigoratingly intense than even die-hard fans could have
imagined. These energetic songs somehow sound innovative and
timeless at the same time, merging the finest, first-person-
narrated politico tunes of Springsteen or Dylan with the
plaintive, hard-driving mountain wails of the Stanley
Brothers and Bill Monroe. Whew.
3. "Play"
Moby
REVIEW/ORDER
Those who've followed Moby's career are familiar by now with
his deep convictions and spiritual connection. On his 1999
release, "Play," he celebrates his faith in a masterful,
unobtrusive way, channeling gospel and other inspirational
samples through beats so earthy they could grow grass on a
cement dance floor. It's impossible to separate the joy of
the message from the joy of the grooves.
4. "Temperamental"
Everything but the Girl
REVIEW/ORDER
Cool but not at all chilly, Everything but the Girl's
"Temperamental" is the sound of the sweetest melancholy.
Tracey Thorn's lyrics and vocals here are among her most
affecting, tracing patterns of loss, loneliness, and a
slightly unsettled happiness. This electronic pop makes for
the perfect winter listening experience, as warm and bracing
as a sip of cognac.
5. "On How Life Is"
Macy Gray
REVIEW/ORDER
Gray starts from a solid foundation of retro funk and soul
and builds on that by adding hip-hop signifiers and modern
studio techniques. The result is one of the better debuts of
the year, thanks to Gray's blunt proclamations ("I've
committed murder... and I don't feel bad about it") and
inimitable vocal phrasing. "On How Life Is" offers the sass
of a '20s blueswoman and the don't-mess-with-me strength of
a 21st-century R&B icon-in-the-making.
6. "Mule Variations"
Tom Waits
REVIEW/ORDER
After Tom Waits's six-year stint indulging in other artistic
endeavors, hearing his familiar growl is like revving up a
beloved old motorcycle after driving around an SUV. The
hard-earned wisdom and arcane sensibilities of this set make
it one of strongest releases of his eclectic catalog.
7. "When the Pawn Hits..."
Fiona Apple
REVIEW/ORDER
"When the Pawn Hits..." fulfills the promise of Fiona
Apple's debut, "Tidal," a strong statement given that her
first outing was one of 1996's most exciting collections.
Dark and emotionally dense, Apple's sophomore effort is
awash in alluring and witty undercurrents that betray its
creator's youth.
8. "The Fragile"
Nine Inch Nails
REVIEW/ORDER
Trent Reznor took five years to record this monstrous
double-CD set, wielding a perfectionist's touch in the
production and the subtlety of a chainsaw in the
musicianship. The result is uncompromising, full of
hysterical noise, and yet utterly accessible. Somehow,
someway, this is one of the best pop records of the year.
9. "Fanmail"
TLC
REVIEW/ORDER
Rumors of TLC's impending breakup were especially worrying
in light of this excellent disc, which was even more
consistent than 1994's "CrazySexyCool." Great singing and
the usual huge hooks--not to mention the smarts of songs
such as "Unpretty" and "I'm Good at Being Bad"--made
"Fanmail" one of the most striking R&B releases of the year.
10. "Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer"
Ibrahim Ferrer, Ry Cooder, et al.
REVIEW/ORDER
Picking up where "Buena Vista Social Club" left off, "BVSC
Presents Ibrahim Ferrer" soothes with the hushed romanticism
of Cuba's yesteryear while boasting the talents of one of
its greatest singers, Ibrahim Ferrer. Again there's an
all-star lineup of musicians led by pianist Ruben Gonzalez
and singer Omara Portuondo creating music at the renowned
Egrem studios, whose live room brings the slow lucidity and
intense vigor of the Cuban classics to life.
Late Reviews
1. "Temperamental"
Everything but the Girl
REVIEW/ORDER
Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn again followed the electronic-
based muse that fueled the hit "Missing" and the album
"Walking Wounded." "Temperamental" is another deeply
affecting fusion of club beats, pop sensibility, and highly
personal lyrics--a warming current for the cold winter
nights ahead.
2. "Sinatra '57: In Concert"
Frank Sinatra
REVIEW/ORDER
This celebrated Seattle show finally receives official
release, and illuminates Sinatra at an artistic height.
Arranger Nelson Riddle was along for this one and helps
support the surefooted star on moving versions of everything
from "Just One of Those Things" and "I Won't Dance" to "Glad
to Be Unhappy."
3. "Central Reservation"
Beth Orton
REVIEW/ORDER
The British singer continued melding pop, folk, and the
textures of up-to-date electronic sounds on her second
album. Less beat oriented than Orton's debut, "Trailer
Park," the slightly shifted emphasis gives her wistful yet
emotionally resolute tone even more free rein. Fans of Sarah
McLachlan and Madonna's less upbeat moments may find
themselves loving "Central Reservation."
4. "Tony Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool"
Tony Bennett
REVIEW/ORDER
Bennett's predictability has become one of the most welcome
comforters in pop. This time he joins the 100th-anniversary-
tribute parade, singing his old friend's songs as robustly
and sensitively as the Duke would have wanted. "Azure," the
least celebrated tune here, is a highlight, thanks to
Bennett's artful tangy-and-sweet touch.
5. "I've Got News for You"
Hadda Brooks
REVIEW/ORDER
Bluesy singer-pianist Brooks, now in her early 80s, once
again insinuated herself into listeners' lives with this
two-CD collection of recordings made between the 1940s and
1998. Her tart vocals on "That's My Desire" and "You Won't
Let Me Go" are complemented by a full disc of boogie-woogie
instrumentals. Good news, for sure.
6. "Utopia Parkway"
Fountains of Wayne
REVIEW/ORDER
These oft-praised pop-rockers returned with their second
album, which proved something like a "Pet Sounds" for the
'90s. Wiseacre enough to name one ballad "Prom Theme," FOW
also lay claim to a bittersweet aura that perfectly matched
their tunefulness. Months after its release, its conceptual
flow gave way to an even more touching attention to lyrical
detail.
7. "Nightlife"
Pet Shop Boys
REVIEW/ORDER
The Pet Shop Boys' first full-length release since 1996's
"Bilingual" finds them continuing to refine their trademark
sound while making sidetracks into retro disco (the anthemic
"New York City Boy") and "Total Eclipse of the Heart"-style
balladry ("Footsteps"). Neil Tennant's delivery remains
sublimely deadpan, but never hides the deep feeling in his
lyrics.
8. "Astro Lounge"
Smash Mouth
REVIEW/ORDER
Smash Mouth's "All Star," a perfect summer diversion on the
radio, was just the tip of the iceberg on this fine album.
"Astro Lounge," tongue firmly in cheek, lived up to its
Jetsons-style title with a highly playable meld of lounge,
reggae, and surf influences. One-hit wonders no more, this
band made their mark deeper in 1999.
9. "Millennium"
Backstreet Boys
REVIEW/ORDER
Adults like 'em, too! The first single from the Boys'
sophomore effort, "I Want It That Way," had the power to
stop you in your tracks--it was that catchy, that devotedly
delivered. The rest of "Millennium," from a Daft Punk sample
to a dedication to Brian Littrell's Mom, backed it up with
heart and fine vocals.
10. "Ricky Martin"
Ricky Martin
REVIEW/ORDER
At his best when belting fast dance tunes such as the summer
anthem "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "Shake Your Bon Bon," the
former Menudo member was not only all grown up, but ready to
grab the English-speaking pop market by its tail. He did it
with this stylish concoction.
"Nightlife"
Pet Shop Boys
REVIEW/ORDER
"Nightlife" is quite possibly the Pet Shop Boys' best album
so far. Lyrically direct, lush, and, of course, wildly
danceable, these songs are written for and about all aspects
of the album's title: what happens when the boys hit the
nightclubs, and when they go home afterwards.
"There Is Nothing Left to Lose"
Foo Fighers
REVIEW/ORDER
Keeping the postgrunge torch burning strong,
Nirvana-drummer-turned-lead-vocalist Dave Grohl and his Foo
Fighters temper their aggro-punk sound with subtle musical
nuances and a greater sense of melody. And the fact that the
album still totally rocks out makes "There Is Nothing Left
to Loose" the band's most well-developed release so far.
"This Desert Life"
Counting Crows
REVIEW/ORDER
The Counting Crows disguise their melancholic introspection
on "This Desert Life" with an upbeat collection of tunes
that strike a balance between folk, rock, and alt-country.
It's a great change of pace for the group, and a welcome
addition to the growing number of alternative acts looking
toward American roots music for inspiration.
"The Science of Things"
Bush
REVIEW/ORDER
With "The Science of Things" Bush uphold the sage advice
"Don't fix it if it isn't broken." No surprises here, as
expectedly Gavin Rossdale plunges his forlorn lyrics with
Brit-grunge fervor. A touch of electronic industrial music
gives the album a slick surface that fans of the band will
dig.
"Looking Forward"
Crosby, Still, Nash, and Young
REVIEW/ORDER
"Looking Forward" started off as a CSN album. But an
encounter with Neil Young led to the recording of only the
third studio album by CSNY in three decades. With their
fanciful fourth member aboard, the quartet recapture some of
the magic that made them America's first great supergroup.
"Midnite Vultures"
Beck
REVIEW/ORDER
The groundbreaking oddball who made the blues-funk-rock
crossover commonplace comes at us again with an album that
will certainly be as imitated as his others.
"When the Pawn..."
Fiona Apple
REVIEW/ORDER
The title of Fiona Apple's new album is actually 90 words
long, but the throaty, bold, and sexy songs on her new
release aren't nearly as long-winded.
"Sacred Arias"
Andrea Bocelli
REVIEW/ORDER
tenor Andrea Bocelli offers 16 sacred songs in time for the
holidays.
"Live: Tuesdays Thursdays Saturdays"
Jimmy Buffett
REVIEW/ORDER
Jimmy Buffett's new live album is a beach-party pick-me-up
any day of the week.
"Affirmation"
Savage Garden
REVIEW/ORDER
accolade of their insuppressibly catchy single "I Want You,"
and they hope to sustain it with "Affirmation."
"The Sounds of Science"
Beastie Boys
REVIEW/ORDER
Fans won't want to miss this 42-track anthology of hits,
rarities, and unreleased material.
From Linda Ronstadt's hometown...
Recorded in TUCSON, ARIZONA (Nashville Southwest)
Emmylous Harris and Linda
the duo's new "Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions" at
REVIEW/ORDER
"A Love Like Ours"
Barbra Streisand
REVIEW/ORDER
Streisand celebrates her relationship with husband James
Brolin on "A Love Like Ours," her third studio album of the
decade. From the cover--which reprises the shore scene of
her 1987 "People," this time with Brolin beside her--to the
first single, "I've Dreamed of You," and renditions of
classics such as "Isn't It a Pity?" and "The Music That
Makes Me Dance," it's sure to appeal to any Streisand fan.
"A Little Bit of Mambo"
Lou Bega
REVIEW/ORDER
Pleasantly cheesy, Lou Bega is riding the wave of fame with
his international chart topper "Mambo No. 5," which cobbles
together everything from Perez Prado's tune to Bega's own
high-spirited toast.
"To Venus and Back"
Tori Amos
REVIEW/ORDER
Conceived as a stopgap B-sides and oddities release, Tori
Amos's new collection quickly took on a life of its own.
Indeed, the ambitious, outrageous songsmith followed her
muse and ended up with a dozen self-produced and self-penned
numbers, plus a second full CD of live recordings. Amos
advocates will be in ecstasy.
"Burn to Shine"
Ben Harper
REVIEW/ORDER
Angry rants, bruising rockers, Caribbean grooves, Southern
boogie, country soul, delicate folk play... Ben Harper's
wildly eclectic and creative fourth release finds the
genre-bending Californian turning inward. In the process, he
makes his most universally appealing statement yet.
"Live"
Pete Townshend
REVIEW/ORDER
This isn't just another quick-buck flogging of history for
Who fanatics. Thoughtful, daring, and full of energy,
Townshend burns his way through a varied set before
stretching out with Eddie Vedder on "Magic Bus" and "Heart
to Hang Onto." This is one rocker who's aging gracefully--
and with verve.
"Breakdown"
Melissa Etheridge
REVIEW/ORDER
Melissa Etheridge emerges from the studio with a newfound
confessional maturity that is at once vulnerable and
searingly direct.
"Hours..."
David Bowie
REVIEW/ORDER
The godfather of glam's latest release strikes a balance
between his experimental past and his trend-influenced
recent work.
"The Distance to Here"
Live
REVIEW/ORDER
The distance to hear Live's stark and impassioned new
release is a short click away.
"Run Devil Run"
Paul McCartney
REVIEW/ORDER
His first album since his wife Linda's death, "Run Devil
Run" chronicles some of the couple's favorite songs.
"American Beauty"
Various artists
REVIEW/ORDER
A fittingly eerie selection of classic and alt-rock for a
gritty, left-of-center flick.
"This Time"
Los Lobos
REVIEW/ORDER
Los Lobos's new album, "This Time," is rife with an
adventurous spirit that belies the band's lengthy recording
history. From fractured roots rock to soul to south-of-the-
border cumbias, they manage to sound both strikingly modern
and utterly timeless.
"Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons"
Various artists
REVIEW/ORDER
The concept of an alternative country movement ("country-rock"
in the '70s; "alt-country" in the current vernacular) didn't
spring from one man--not quite. But Gram Parsons really did
create a unique aesthetic (a love for the traditional
combined with a restless, edgy spirit) that faded after his
death in the early '70s, only to resurface in the '80s (as
cowpunk) and the '90s (as alt-country). This lovingly
assembled tribute, which old partner Emmylou Harris oversaw
as executive producer, features Parsons progeny ranging from
Beck to Wilco to Lucinda Williams.
"Eyes Wide Shut"
Various artists
REVIEW/ORDER
The soundtracks to Stanley Kubrick's films are always
fascinating and "Eyes Wide Shut" is no different. Gyorgy
Ligeti, the Oscar Peterson Trio, score composer Jocelyn
Pook, and even Chris Isaak make a seamless blend of bleak
and probing mood music for the director's swan song.
"Tigermilk"
Belle and Sebastian
REVIEW/ORDER
The 1996 vinyl release of Belle and Sebastian's debut,
"Tigermilk," sold only 1,000 copies and has been extremely
difficult to find--until now. Fans of the Scottish
collective's more recent albums, "If You're Feeling
Sinister" and "The Boy with the Arab Strap," have been
clamoring for a reissue, and here it is--10 seminal cuts of
gorgeous, graceful jangle rock.
"Running with Scissors"
Weird Al Yankovic
REVIEW/ORDER
Weird Al Yankovic is up to his old tricks again on "Running
with Scissors," a hilarious collection of parodies and
original songs. From setting the story to the "Star Wars"
prequel to the tune of "American Pie" to giving Silicon
Valleyites and Eddie Vedder a ribbing, this one is a
sure-fire winner for Weird Al acolytes and anyone else who
likes to poke fun at pop culture.
WE GOT NEXT:
"Forget About It"
Alison Krauss
REVIEW/ORDER
"Do the Collapse"
Guided by Voices
REVIEW/ORDER
"Mary"
Mary J. Blige
REVIEW/ORDER
"Where We Belong"
Boyzone
REVIEW/ORDER
"Juxtapose"
Tricky
PREVIEW/ORDER