10 CDs we listened to while writing this edition. A link takes you to Kat's review and we really have nothing to say other than what Kat has already said.
1) David Rovics' Halliburton Boardroom Massacre.
2) Jefferson Airplane's Crown of Creation. "Lather" is amazing, "Triad" is amazing. The extended, remastered CD features for bonus tracks ("Share a Little Joke" is provided in mono).
One of our favorites of Jefferson Airplanes, alongside Volunteers and Surrealistic Pillow.
3) Ben Harper's Both Sides of the Gun.
4) Anita Baker's Rapture. Still Baker's finest CD. Our three favorite tracks are "Same Ole Love," "No One in the World," and "Mystery." B-b-but, "Sweet Love"! B-b-but, "Caught up in the Rapture"! Yeah, they're on there and they're incredible. But if you don't know those three tracks, you don't know how amazing Rapture really is.
5) Holly Near's Show Up.
6) Carly Simon's Playing Possum. We thought we had something on this. But Dona wants to save comments on this because she thinks we can do a musical roundtable where we all mention an album and this is the one she wants to bring to that roundtable. It's scheduled for no later than Labor Day weekend. We all enjoy this CD tremendously but this has become Dona's favorite.
7) Michael Franti & Spearhead's Yell Fire.
8) Ani DiFranco's Dilate. Ani's seminal "Napoleon" debuts on this disc. This version is heavy on the bottom mix. In addition you get the wonderful "Joyful Girl" and "Untouchable Face." "Shameless" is the hard rocker you should know but may not if you come in late to the DiFranco canon.
9) Ari Hest's The Break-In. Mike, Elaine, Wally, Fly Boy and Rebecca got to see Hest in concert this summer. The rest of us make do with the CD. We recommend this CD strongly but realize, if he's a new name to you, you may balk at the cost of purchasing or downloading an entire CD. If that is the case, get the CD single The Green Room Sessions. You'll have five tracks and can judge for yourself whether Hest is someone you'll enjoy without spending a great deal.
10) Rickie Lee Jones' The Sermon on Exposition Boulevard.