Top 5 - Scott Slonaker
1) Pearl Jam, Yield (Epic). 1998, much like 1997, seemed more like a year of memorable singles than memorable albums, with the additional lack of an OK Computer-style opus that could capture hearts and minds. But I can't classify 1998 as a bad year, either, because a lot of good, solid records came out. Yield is one of those, a refreshing return to form for a band that had seemingly lost its way with the aimless, mediocre mud of No Code. While the album doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of Vs., it comes close with the anthemics of "Given to Fly" and "In Hiding", and the gentle sway of "Low Light" and "Wishlist". Welcome back to the light, boys.
2) Grant Lee Buffalo, Jubilee (Slash-Warner Bros.). Losing bassist and producer Paul Kimble not only did not stop Grant Lee Buffalo, but somehow inspired the best album of the group's career. Singer Grant Lee Phillips' Diamond-like croon and gorgeous Wilsonesque falsetto has never sounded better than on "Truly, Truly", "Change Your Tune", and "Testimony". A variety of guests such as Robyn Hitchcock, Jon Brion, and E, along with new producer Paul Fox, keep Jubilee both varied (a problem with past albums) and consistent. No other band on this planet is capable of sounding so simultaneously ethereal and rustic as Grant Lee Buffalo. Phenomenal.
3) Firewater, The Ponzi Scheme (Jetset; rereleased on Cherry/Universal). Like the Pogues, Firewater are a rowdy "bunch of alcoholics with a music problem" (singer Tod A.) that mix rough-hewn rock with ethnic flavor. And, like the Pogues' If I Should Fall From Grace With God, The Ponzi Scheme is chock-full. "Green Light", "I Still Love You, Judas" and "So Long, Superman" *will* leave a mark.
4) Semisonic, Feeling Strangely Fine (MCA). Since 1996's Great Divide was so criminally overlooked, Semisonic figured it wouldn't be necessary to change much on their next effort. The result, predictably enough - another tuneful gem. "Singing in My Sleep" is perhaps the best song Dan Wilson has ever written, and the hit "Closing Time" managed to make it without compromising the band's vintage '70s Raspberries/Badfinger ethic.
5) New Radicals, Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too (MCA). First introducted to my ears through the luxurious, breathtaking single "You Get What You Give", this debut album doesn't sound like one. The New Radicals' main man, Gregg Alexander, can sound like a lot like Tim Booth or a little like Axl Rose, but his thoughtful, intricate, piano-heavy lamentations are almost always stirring. Here's to more of from this highly promising act.
