The gift of music: Our critics recommend box-set and greatest-hits

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 19, 2003

GUIDED BY VOICES; "The Best of . . . : Human Amusements at Hourly Rates" (Matador) *** 1/2

While longtime fans of this peculiar guitar-pop act may have some gripes about some of the track selections -- and exceptions (the exclusion of its all-time best song, "Gold Star for Robot Boy," is particularly glaring) -- there's still a lot to enjoy here. As with most hits collections, this one is probably more of interest to newcomers. But there are a couple of rarities (such as "Shocker in Gloomtown") that will appeal to those more familiar with the band's output. -- J.V.

SOPHIE B. HAWKINS; "The Best of . . . " (Columbia/Legacy).* 1/2

This selection covers only two of Hawkins' albums -- six cuts each from "Tongues and Tails" (1992) and "Whaler" (1994), along with a couple of others. And one of the latter, a cover of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," is awful. There's nothing here from Hawkins' most recent CD, "Timbre." A "Best of" collection from two albums by a working artist seems quite odd and should appeal only to her most ardent fans. True, her output has not been great over the past decade, but you might just as well buy those two albums, which can be gotten pretty cheap these days. In fact, you can probably get both for as much as you'd pay for this one. -- C.H.

MICHAEL JACKSON; "Number Ones" (Epic) *** 1/2

Considering why Jackson is back in the news, the timing for this "Number Ones" CD is, well, "Bad." But at one time, Jackson was one talented artist. This album features 18 songs -- all which were No. 1 at one time or another. From his "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" to "One More Chance" to a live version of "Ben," the music does the talking. "Beat It," "Billie Jean," "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," "You Are not Alone," "Man in the Mirror" and "Black or White" are testaments of his musical genius. It's a shame his personal life is in such a shambles. -- S.I.

WYCLEF JEAN; "Greatest Hits" (Sony Urban/Columbia) ***

During the Fugees extended hiatus, the group's rapper/guitarist Jean embarked on a solo outing, which was quickly followed by solo careers by the other Fugees -- Praz and Lauryn Hill. While Hill won the Grammys, Jean seemed content in his multi-cultural, socio- political, hip-hop world rhythms. Still, he is known around the world for his cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." And while that tune can stand alone, there are other notable works such as "Diallo," "Hey Girl," "Ghetto Reunion" and "911," featuring Mary J. Blidge. -- S.I.

JANIS JOPLIN; "The Essential . . . " (Columbia/Legacy) *** 1/2

The term "Princess of Wail" is used affectionately. Janis Joplin sang with her heart and soul, as this two-CD release bears witness. From the early swagger of "Down on Me" to her previously unreleased live reworking of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody" to her old standards "Me and Bobbie McGee" and "Piece of My Heart," Janis never held back. She lived for the music . . . and she died for it. -- S.I.

LONESTAR; "From There to Here: Greatest Hits" (BNA) ** 1/2