Acid Test
Drop
Sire

For their major label debut, this Canadian quintet concocted an album with just the right blend of rock, funk, techno-pop, grunge and the occasional sample. The hit "Mr. Skin" and the title cut "Trip On This" from their recent Top 5 Canadian EP are also included. Makes a great party album. (BB)

Adeva!
Love Or Lust
Capitol

The beginning of the first cut sounds like an Anita Baker ballad. Until she stops the proceedings mid-tune proclaiming,"This is not the way I wanna sing this song!" From then on she kicks in the funk, nonstop. Instantly danceable without sacrificing substance. Boogie 'til your dancin' shoes ignite. (SC)

Aerosmith
Livin' On The Edge (CD Maxi - Single)
Geffen

The bad boys from Boston are at it again. Releasing a great new album and along with it, this kick-ass EP. Almost 25 minutes long, it includes three versions of the title cut (Lp, Acoustic and Demo) plus two previously unreleased tracks, "Don't Stop" and "Can't Stop Messin'." Crank it. (SC)

Gerald Albright
Smooth
Atlantic

Saxaphonist Albright has many illustrious albums under his belt and this one is no different. Writing or co-writing eight of the ten tracks here he's proved himself to be more than just another sax player. Turn the lights down low, settle in with your favorite member of the opposite sex and have at it. (BB.)

The Allman Brothers Band
Where It All Begins
Epic

What can you say? This ain't, Live At The Fillmore, but then again, it couldn't be. Duane has long since passed away. I will say this though, it beats the hell out of Seven Turns which featured Johnny Neal jamming his fingers between the keys of his piano. They're Baaack. (SC)

American Cafe Orchestra
Egyptian Dominoes
Northeastern

Sixteen traditional instrumental fiddle tunes from around the world brought to life by the virtuosity of these five fine musicians. This reminds me a lot of the early music of David Grisman. Y'know, laid back, foot tapping, jazzed-up acoustic folk/bluegrass music that's substantial, yet a joy to listen to. (BB)

Tori Amos
Little Earthquakes
Atlantic

Jeez, she sounds a lot like Kate Bush. But that's where the similarity ends. Wonderful stuff, this. Introspective, soul deep lyrics mesh with gorgeous melodies and an innocent, childlike sense of self. Betcha a nickle you won't hear this on the social blemish we know as radio. Cherish this one.(SC)

Tori Amos
Under The Pink
Atlantic

Like her debut disc, Little Earthquakes, this one's an intense and often raw journey into the realm of her most secret, personal world. Her lyrics, which leave little to the imagination, are wrapped around captivating piano and vocal arrangements that will leave you with warm, naked, slightly uneasy, feelings. Recommended. (SC)

Kerri Anderson
Labyrinth
Impact

Another talented Canadian has crossed the border to make a mark on the American music scene and with any luck she'll do just that. Her voice may remind you of Pat Benatar at times. But don't let that deter you, 'cause there's lots of substance beneath the surface. Scratch it. (SC)

The Andrews Sisters
Capitol Collectors Series
Capitol

During the Second World War they were the original "girls next door." Nowadays they may seem passe` to everyone except your parents. To hear these familiar juke box favorites remastered from original full track mono masters almost qualifies as a thrill... This is one to rattle the windows with. (SC)

Angelfish
Angelfish
Radioactive

A four-piece rock outfit from Scotland fronted by Shirley Manson, a mysterious green-eyed waif who voices the band's maelstrom of unrequited lust and fury. Produced by Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz, this debut is a dim journey through her world. A place where hearts and flowers fear to tread. Yummy. (CS)

Aphex Twin
Selected Ambient Works Volume II
Sire/Warner Bros
.
Written and performed by Richard James, a.k.a. Aphex Twin, this two and a half hour / two disc set is an aural journey through the canyons of your mind, a` la Eno/Kraftwerk/Curly. Never been there? You should try it sometime. I can't think of a better place to start. (SC)

Apostles
Apostles
Victory

Produced by Eddy Offord, this debut will take you on a journey through some of the most refreshing "power pop" to rattle the windows since Carter invented liver pills. A totally unpretentious, relevant message prevails. Wake up and use some common sense for once. The signal comes through loud and clear. (SC)

Michael Atherton
Windshift
Natural Symphonies

Inspired by his travels in the South Pacific, the fourteen songs contained in this self-produced album establish him as one of Austalia's foremost multi-instrumentalists and composers. He has mastered such unusual instruments as the Polynesian bilbil, bamboo zither, the Au'porare flute from the Solomon Islands and the didjeridu. Hauntingly unique. (BB)
 
(SC) Stephen Curtis
(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland
(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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