artist: R.E.M. function popUp(URL,NAME) { amznwin=window.open(URL,NAME,'location=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,width=380,height=450,screenX=10,screenY=10,top=10,left=10'); amznwin.focus();} document.open(); document.write(""); document.close(); album: In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003 format: DVD-Audio label: Warner Bros. release year: 2003 performance: 8 sound 8 reviewed by: Brian Kahn This DVD-Audio disc from R.E.M. is a definite must for any R.E.M. fan, providing high-resolution versions of many of the band’s hits from the time they first made it big to the present day. The disc’s features go beyond the 18 hit tracks to include photographs, a behind-the-scenes video of recording “Bad Day” and that track’s finished video. The journey begins even before the disc is played. Upon opening the jewel box, the R.E.M. fan will find interesting and entertaining liner notes prepared by Peter Buck.

artist: Ryan Adams function popUp(URL,NAME) { amznwin=window.open(URL,NAME,'location=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,width=380,height=450,screenX=10,screenY=10,top=10,left=10'); amznwin.focus();} document.open(); document.write(""); document.close(); album: Gold format: DVD-Audio label: Lost Highway release year: 2003 performance: 2 sound 6 reviewed by: Joe Hageman “Wait a minute – this isn’t the same guy who sang “Summer of ’69.” No, unfortunately, it’s not. That’s Bryan Adams with a B. This is Ryan, and as I hear it, he hates being called Bryan Adams as one fan at a concert who shouted out his request to hear Bryan Adams’ ode to yesteryear quickly realized. As widely reported on the Internet, Ryan ordered the lights turned up, pulled out $28 (he obviously didn’t factor in Ticket Master’s “convenience fee”) to refund the guy his money and ordered him to leave, saying he wouldn’t play another note until the audience member vacated the premises.

artist: Medeski Martin and Wood album: Uninvisible format: DVD-Audio label: Capitol Records/DTS Entertainment release year: 2003 performance: 8 sound 8.5 reviewed by: Tim Hart The jam scene that exists today envelops probably the largest diversity of musical styles gathered under one description. Jazz and fusion, funk, the blues, bluegrass, rock, progressive, and more form the influences. The Grateful Dead was the Miles Davis of jam in their day, experimenting with sound and improvisation in a live environment that at that time was largely unheard of but are the roots of the jam scene today. Many bands have followed the same musical quest for improvisation, extended musical excursions that can lose you and leave wondering where it started, and an intimate intricate interplay of musicians accomplished enough to understand where the feel needs to lead and the ability to get there together, sometimes at the expense of losing the audience.

artist: Everclear album: So Much For The Afterglow format: DVD-Audio label: DTS Entertainment release year: 2003 performance: 8 sound 8 reviewed by: Tim Hart Everclear is one of those bands that have managed to blend high-energy rock and pop with catchy real-life lyrics in a very enjoyable way. There is no denying their hard-hitting 500 mph musical onslaught. The big thing going for them is the lyrical and vocal content of their music. Art Alexakis has lived enough life to give his lyrics a personal perspective that has meaning at a lot of different levels. The draw is that the writing is about dealing with the twists and not so favorable turns we find ourselves in at times. It is something we can associate with our own experiences and Alexakis’ voice is well suited to the musical style, blending seamlessly with the lyrics and the music.

artist: AIX All Stars - Juber, Cox, Sklar, Forman, Ferraro - 96/24/5.1 This title is currently unavailable at Amazon.com. album: Surrounded by Christmas format: DVD-Audio label: AIX Records release year: 2003 performance: 8 sound 9.5 reviewed by: Tim Hart The holidays just aren’t complete without some form of Christmas music to usher in the good cheer. Let’s be honest, Perry Como has wore out his welcome. I think I have found a replacement, though. This replacement is sporting the latest recording technology, to boot. Enter AIX Records. I had the good fortune to review an AIX production two months ago in Laurence Guber’s Guitar Noir. Well, Mark Waldrep, the founder of AIX Records, has recruited Guber and a host of other L.A. musicians to create Surrounded By Christmas.