Dan's Top Ten

1) PJ Harvey - Stores From The City, Stories From The Sea

Polly Jean Harvey takes another brilliant leap forward with an album that is at once both her most accessible to date and her most accomplished. Clearly, this is the work of the artist of the decade.

2) Neko Case & Her Boyfriends - Furnace Room Lullaby

This punk drummer turned rootsy crooner will make you believe that country's not dead. By combining a Patsy Cline inspired twang with a bleak PJ Harvey world view, Neko has crafted a collection of homespun ditties that cuts to the bone.

3) Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl

Emmylou was a pioneer of Americana before they even had a catchy name for this blossoming genre of music. This nearly perfect collection of exquisitely personal songs will convert even the most steadfast detractors of country music.

4) Shelby Lynne - I Am Shelby Lynne

Lynne was once accused of being Nashville's version of Celine Dion: an over-singer in search of decent material. Teamed here with Bill Bottrell, Sheryl Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club producer, Lynne has finally found an outlet for her formidable pipes. A little bit of Bonnie Raitt mixed with a whole lot of Dusty Springfield, Lynne will have you lapping up her tough-talking, no-nonsense Alabama tales.

5) Michael Penn - days since a lost time accident

Just when you thought you'd never hear again from this supreme popmeister, he returns with his best collection of quirky gems. Much too complex and clever to absorb in one sitting, these twisted tales reward repeated listenings.

6) Joan Osborne - Righteous Love

The stunning Osborne finally followed-up her acclaimed Relish this year with an infectious album of bluesy ditties. Many fans thirsted for a carbon copy of her earlier success. Instead, Joan chose to show some growth as an artist. From the big blues funk of Running out Of Time to the middle eastern influences of If I Was Your Man Joan challenged and surprised with this long-awaited collection.

7) Sinead O'Connor - Faith and Courage

Here we have another returning artist who refuses to simply repeat past successes. Sinead continues to entertain and confound the masses. If her fans at times aren't sure what she's thinking, it's probably safe to assume that the woman herself doesn't have a clue either. She seems to simply speak from the heart, and we're all the better for it.

8) Bjork - Selmasongs

Having never been a huge Bjork fan, I was surprised by this powerful soundtrack to the film, Dancer In The Dark. Her blending of big showtunes with industrial sounds fits in perfectly with the context of the film and creates a unique musical genre.

9) Marianne Faithfull - Vagabond Ways

Faithfull's first collection of original material in years is a surprisingly autobiographical tour of her psyche. Much has been written about Faithfull's gorgeously weathered voice. Never has her unusual instrument been put to better use than with this fine chapter in her Vagabond life.

10) Merrie Amsterburg - Little Steps

Much like her previous effort, Amsterburg's latest release mines a territory of surreal and dreamy folk landscapes that are probably too delicate to ever bring her mainstream success. However, for those melancholy moments, nothing compares to her mournful wails and insightful lyrics.

Dana's Top Ten

1) Bjork - Selmasongs

This Icelandic pop princess is one of my favorite all-time artists. Selmasongs starts with an all instumental piece that has a somber overtone, but drives you into an emotional frenzy by the end. The rest of the album is a brilliant combination of songs that superimposes the traditional Bjork sound with showtunes and industrial noise.

2) Sade - Lovers Rock

Damn this girl can sing. Sade takes her smooth sound to a new level with this album. She keeps her technique the same, but refuses to let it go stagnant by adding new twists and turns.

3) Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl

See Dan's paragraph. I could not have said it better myself.

4) Michael Penn - days since a lost time accident

Great album. Listen to it.

5) k.d. lang - invincible summer

This album is fantastic. Unfortunately, it was released too late in the year. This should have been a huge summer blockbuster, but the studio executives have their heads somewhere deep (if you know what I mean).

6) Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor - Appalachian Journey

If you are a fan of Classical Music, Folk music, or Americana then this album is a must-have for your collection. Yo-Yo Ma takes his perfect cello sound and brings these traditional American songs alive with vigor.

7) Jane Siberry - Hush

For some reason I was drawn to another album of traditionals this year. This one is done by Jane Siberry, who has one of the most beautiful voices in the business. She brings these Americana classics subtly to you with grace and poise.

8) Sinead O'Connor - Faith and Courage

See Dan's paragraph.

9) The Chieftains - Water From The Well

The Chieftans are an amazing group of musicians whose sound transcends all traditions and nationalities. This great album finds them returning to a less pop-influenced sound and brings them full circle to their celtic roots.

10) Delerium - Poem

This is one of Delerium's best all time albums. I was introduced to this band by Jonathan, a friend from Boston, and I am forever grateful.

Best New Artist

Emiliana Torrini - Love in the Time of Science

Good freshman album. Her sound reminds me of a crossbreed between Bjork and Mazzy Star.

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