1. Crowded House - Time On Earth
This album is not as easily accessible as some of their previous efforts,
but is just as rewarding.  One thing about Neil Finn - he can write complex
songs that sink into your brain and will stand up and grow under repeated
listenings.  Welcome back.

2.  Justin Currie - What Is Love For
Former Del Amitri front man puts out one of the most sophisticated,
understated, and exquisite albums of the decade.  Easily number one in a
non-Crowed House release year.  A great stretch for Currie and it succeeds
on all levels.

3.  The Click Five - Modern Minds And Pastimes
This is just great power pop songwriting and playing, regardless of how old
they are or if they're teen idols.

4.  Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
I loved Flowers In the Dirt - Costello seemed to reinvigorate McCartney.  To
my ears, a nasty divorce has done the same thing, but the vitriol doesn't
come out in his music.  He just writes those optimistic pop gems that made
him an icon.  Best McCartney disc since the aforementioned Flowers in the
Dirt, IMO.

5.  Traffic & Weather - Fountains of Wayne
For the same reasons everyone else stated.

6.  Steve Bertrand - Pain Is a Megaphone
The former Tories front man just keeps getting better.  His best release,
including all incarnations of his bands.

7.  Mae - Singularity

8.  KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
This girl has got it going.  She's a little hit and miss on the songwriting
side, but when she hits, it is great power pop - rock.

9.  The Red Button - She's About To Cross My Mind

10.  Everyday Sunday - Wake Up! Wake Up!

11.  P. Hux - Kiss The Monster

That's all I got!

Rick