This album came out last year, but I haven't worn it out yet. Believe me I've tried. Neil Finn is the former frontman of Crowded House--a pop band from the 80's. He is an exceptional song craftsman. Melodies and harmonies are unique, and he paints some amazing soundscapes. A little bit of dark edge to this album helps it stand apart from both what's currently "hot" and my other selections.

No-brainer here. Everyone's probably heard something off this album. It is certified double platinum and still climbing. Lenny is a modern rock and roll hero, yet somehow parents dig. This album is an evolution from his previous four. New sounds. New technology. Great songs all the way through.

Here's the sleeper of the year for me.Wow! It's the furthest in style from my other four picks. It's "electronic" music. It is the most cohesive listen--start to finish--of any album I've ever heard. Somehow-- without much in the way of vocals--all the elements of song still exist. There is a beginning, middle and end, and the entire album is pure pleasure.

This album has been the most pleasant surprise. Robbie Williams is HUGE in Europe, and the hype is slowly trickling west. A friend let me borrow the album for a week. I HAD to buy it. Libby and I saw Robbie perform at a large club (Avalon) in Boston, and the rest is history.

As a total band performance, this was the most amazing live show I've ever seen. A six-piece band backed him, and each one was an excellent performer and vocalist (minus the drummer, of course :-)). The entire Irish population of Boston was in attendance. They were nuts. From the intro music until the end, the crowd was bouncing except when swooning from the dramatic ballads.

In short, this is great pop music. Robbie writes mostly with a band member, and the songs are perfect pop gems. See them live, and you'll remember what music is all about. F-U-N.

This band is a trio from the Atlanta area. The frontman, Butch Walker, is a friend of a friend and a great guy. I saw them play a dive (Rathskellar) in 1995. Now they're playing Leno and Letterman. As a frontman, Butch wins the award for Best Performer. He embodies performance. He plays the rock and roll hero with wit.

The show is UNBELIEVABLY energetic. All the guitar-hero moves--jumping, windmill arms, leg kicks and crazy faces--are part of a show you can't take your eyes off. See them live.

Oh yes, the album. It's excellent. The best version of popular guitar-rock going in my opinion. In keeping with my theme, melodies and harmony are supersolid without being too familiar. If you're skeptical of any of my choices, take a chance on this one.