Uncle Tupelo ’89/’93: An Anthology (Legacy/Sony) They pretty much invented alt-country and this collection proves they have yet to be surpassed. 10 (JC)

Charles Gayle Jazz Solo Piano (Knitting Factory/Fusion III) The saxophonist moves to the piano for a beauty of a solo recital. 9 (LD)

Le Nombre Rock and Roll (Blow the Fuse/Fusion III) These locals have big cojones giving their debut such a ballsy title, but live up to it. 8 (JC)

Meat Beat Manifesto/Jack Dangers Pro.File Vol. 1 (Brooklyn Music/Navarre) Mixed results as the likes of NIN, Bowie, the Shamen and Banco de Gaia get their big, meaty, ground-up groove back. 7.5 (LC)

Fertile Ground Remixes No. 2 (Counterpoint) This Baltimore crew gets the West London treatment from Kaidi Tatham. Also includes a Waiwan re-work. 7 (SC)

Peach gb Giving Birth to a Stone (Volcano) Bassist Justin Chancellor’s band, preTool. Twisted and disturbing, but not in that wholesome Tool kinda way. 4 (LM)