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		Rising Down Long one of the most creative forces in hip-hop, this 2008 release ranks among the best The Roots have produced. Dark, entrancing songs compliment the rapping of Black Thought, as well as several strong guest MC appearances. The social commentary on this album is biting and insightful. Worth a serious listen by anyone who enjoys rap and hip-hop. Recommended by Chy The Roots CD M ROO138

		7 worlds collide [electronic resource] : Neil Finn & friends live at the St. James. For my money, Neil Finn (formerly of Crowded House) is THE great under-appreciated songwriter of the last twenty years or so. Between albums, he decided to gather a group of musical friends to perform each others' songs and have some fun, and this concert is the result, featuring members of Radiohead, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam and Johnny Marr, former guitarist for The Smiths. (Track down the DVD for the full concert.) Recommended by David. Finn, Neil, 1958- prf eAUDIO

		Lester Young [sound recording] : Ken Burns jazz. Lester Young, known as "Prez" (and for his distinctive pork pie hat), is considered one of the greatest sax players in jazz. His cool relaxed approach influenced Stan Getz among others, and this complilation offers a great selection. Suggested by David Young, Lester, 1909-1959. CD R YOU82

		The best of Joy Division [sound recording]. With 2 recent films about Joy Division (and their troubled singer Ian Curtis), I thought I should explore more of their music beyond their hit "Love Will Tear Us Apart". I heard bits of the Cure and even U2, and I swear that in Ian Curtis' tortured robotic delivery, I heard echoes of Jim Morrison and even Frank Sinatra. (When I later read the liner notes, I found it wasn't just me!) Recommended by David Joy Division (Musical group) CD M JOY236

		Head hunters [sound recording] The first track "Chameleon" is aptly named, because for me, Herbie Hancock's talent lies in his ability to adapt to his surroundings, whether it's the Sly Stone style funk of this CD, or his work with such greats as Miles Davis and Joni Mitchell. Recommended by David Hancock, Herbie, 1940- CD R HAN123

		Speak no evil [sound recording] What I like most about Wayne Shorter's music is the feeling that you are overhearing a conversation between musicians. Shorter's melodies aren't so much statements as they are questions, and in pieces like "Infant Eyes", there's a sense of stillness as the soloists take time to think about their responses. Recommended by David Shorter, Wayne. cmp prf CD R SHO127

		Tabula rasa [sound recording] Estonian composer Arvo Part writes classical music pared down to drones, scales and "tintinnabulation" (the sound of bells). The result is some of the most introspective and spiritually significant instrumental music of the 20th century. "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" was used in the soundtrack for Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11", and this CD offers a good sampling of Part's styles. Recommended by David Part, Arvo. CD B PAR275

		Jesus of cool [sound recording] In Bizarro World, performers like Nick Lowe and Marshall Crenshaw are kazillion-selling artists, because they are both masters of the 3 minute pop song. However, here on Earth, Nick Lowe's "Jesus of Cool" (issued in the colonies as "Pure Pop for Now People") flew under the radar of most listeners. Nick didn't exactly invent punk or new wave, but his fingerprints are everywhere, and this album, reissued with lots of bonus tracks, shows his range. Recommended by David Lowe, Nick. prf CD M LOW620

		Lust lust lust [sound recording] If you can't be original, at least you can throw your influences into a blender and come up with an interesting mix, and that's just what the Raveonettes have accomplished. Think goth-surf, with some My Bloody Valentine guitar noise-fuzz on top. Suggested by David Raveonettes (Musical group) CD M RAV2

		People gonna talk [sound recording] First time I heard this, I liked it, but the second time, I REALLY liked it. Hunter's in the blues/soul tradition of Sam Cooke and Ben E. King, the band cooks (and has fun 'quoting' other songs) -- perfect for your next barbeque, if your friends are as cool as you are. Suggested by David Hunter, James, guitarist. CD M HUN872