The Jesus and Mary Chain 21 Singles 1984–1998 (Warner) The Gallaghers may crush them in a fight, but the Reid brothers are armed with 14 years of top tunes. Down, lads. 9 (LC)

Knut Challenger (Hydra Head) Remember Treponem Pal? Knut certainly do. Total damage with technical prowess that is just plain scary. 9 (JC)

Tito Puente Live at the Playboy Jazz Festival (Concord/Koch) Tito, Mongo Santamaria, Dave Valentin, Hilton Ruiz… a 1994 Latin jazz feast! 9 (LD)

Movement “The Brazilian Job” 12” (V Recordings) I don’t care what they say, Marky and Patife got me open once again. Check for the LP. 8 (SC)

Brian Wilson Pet Sounds Live (BriMel/EMI) His voice may be shot, but Brian’s revival of his masterwork in London last January came with a crack band and a whole lotta love. 8 (RB)