Top 5 - Scott Hudson
1. Chris Cornell, Euphoria Morning (A&M). Chris Cornell has proven that whatever musical situation he is thrust into, he always shines. With his debut solo effort Euphoria Morning, Cornell has reached Supernova proportions. A departure from the Soundgarden grunge, Euphoria Morning offers insight into Cornell's more introspective side combining 60's psychedelic melodies with intelligent, often emotive lyrics. Euphoria Morning is highlighted of course, by Cornell's astonishing vocal range. Not only a great debut record, but a great record, period.
2. Jason Falkner, Can You Still Feel? (Elektra). There is no one in music that writes such fluidly structured, hook-laden pop tunes as Jason Falkner. Can You Still Feel has a late 60's/early 70's pop vibe that is amazingly modern, vibrant and uplifting. Can You Still Feel? should be part of everyone's collection; especially those who have a ravenous appetite for sensible, carefully-crafted pop.
3. Taxiride, Imaginate (Sire). Taxiride may be the most underrated band of 1999. The Melbourne based quartet scored big with "Get Set" and then dropped off the charts. If the truth be told, Imaginate is a fantastic record. The record is full of strong pop/rock tunes layered in thick, seamless harmonies that are reminicent of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Beatles and Everly Brothers.
4. Stone Temple Pilots, No. 4 (Atlantic). After a three year hiatus, STP stormed back with their finest work to date. No. 4 is a hybrid of the white-knuckled grunge tones found on Core and the psychedelic/pop sounds that grace Purple and Tiny Music... Songs like "Glide", "Church On Tuesday", "Sour Girl" and "Sex and Violence" evidence a more mature approach to their music, without abandoning out their grunge roots. One of only a handful of true rock albums released this year and possibly the only one worth adding to your collection.
5. Zen Mafia, California (RCA). Victor Murgatroyd and Chris Johnson's first outing is a direct hit. California combines elements of hip-hop/dance and rock grooves behind Murgatroyd's Lou Reed vocal narration. The album is laced with hooky choruses and great harmonies. If ever there were a sleeper record in 1999, California would be it.
