John Hicks Impressions of Mary Lou (HighNote/Fusion III) The pianist aces another one with this salute to Ms. Williams. 9.5 (LD)

Blur The Best of (Parlophone/EMI) Strangely light on early material but still a good package with an ace new track. 8.5 (LC)

Samiam Astray (Hopeless/Outside) These pop punkers can do no wrong. 8 (JC)

Charles Feelgood Can You Feel It? (Moonshine/Koch) One more mix CD of funky, filtery hard house featuring, among others, DJ Dan's "Zipper Track." Good, but so 1999. 7.5 (KE)

The Cult Best of Rare Cult (Beggars Banquet) Rare for a reason. Only for the meticulous cock-rock collector. 6 (LC)

Disengage Obsessions Become Phobias (Man's Ruin) Unfortunately, the radio-friendly vocals take away from the bludgeoning that we deserve. 6.5 (JC)

Various Rap Essentials 2000 (Beatfactory/BMG) Nice liner notes this time, few standout tracks, all legitimized by the inclusion of American tracks. 6 (SC)

Moneen Smaller Chairs for the Early 1900s (Smallman) A head-banging slacker of an E.P., like the last six years never happened. 5.5 (LC)

Tonex Pronounced Toe-Nay (Jive/BMG) Smooth, but no cigar. Go see Omar and D'Angelo and try again. 5 (SC)

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