Top 5 - Linda Scott
1) Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Walking Into Clarksdale (Atlantic). 1998 releases mostly leave us looking forward to 1999. A big exception comes from the masters, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Walking Into Clarksdale is a jewel whose tracks sound even better live.
2) R.E.M., Up (Warner). Their first album as a trio (having lost the services of drummer Bill Berry) sees the band experimenting with new sonic vistas. The album is best heard as a unit requiring reflection and quiet listening to the melancholy tracks and R.E.M.-literary lyrics. The first single is "Daysleeper" but the next is a real crap shoot - not an album that lends itself well to singles listening.
3) The Band, Jubilation (River North). The mighty band that produced Music From Big Pink thirty years ago returns with an anniversary celebration of themselves and their music. Three original members, three new members, and thirteen guests (including Clapton and Hiatt) present some wonderful music. Beautiful, sophisticated melodies and timeless lyrics give Jubilation its staying power.
4) Lenny Kravitz, 5 (Virgin). On his fifth album, Lenny Kravitz takes a step away from the retro rock music he usually sends to us and adds some electronica to new styles such as hip hop. Don't worry, Lenny is just testing the waters here with some loops and overdubs, so 5 is vintage Kravitz with new sophistication. "Fly Away" is a popular single on the charts now, and it looks like Kravitz is going gently in a more modern direction.
5) Bill Wyman and The Rhythm Kings, Struttin' Our Stuff (Velvel). Ex-Rolling Stones bassist, Bill Wyman, put together this debut album with such polish and flair that it deserves a listen. Struttin' Our Stuff highlights blues, R&B, and jazz styles dating back to the twenties with enough modern infusion to capture this year's listeners. Covers range from Howlin' Wolf and Willie Mabon to Creedence Clearwater Revival. The Rhythm Kings supply the modern magic along with guests Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Bobby Keys, and many others.
