A nice selection of albums from pop classics played live to a soundtrack filled with current hip hop.
1) Billy Joel - 12 Gardens Live
If you thought Billy Joel's talents had faded with age, you need to listen to this 2-disc collection of live performances from Joel's recent set of 12 sold-out Madison Square Garden dates. He is truly one of pop's elder statesmen.
2) Frankie J - Un Nuevo Dia
He landed on the pop charts last year with a flourish giving us the sweet soulful sounds of "Obsession" <Listen>. Now listen to Frankie J in his native Spanish. Slide this one in next to your copy of Shakira's Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1.
3) Three Days Grace - One X
The lyrics may be a downer, but the music of new alt-metal gods Three Days Grace will pick you back up.
4) Busta Rhymes - The Big Bang
5) The Replacements - Don't You Know Who I Think I Was? Best of the Replacements
The Replacements are one of the seminal 80's alt-rock groups. This is easily the best introductory collection yet of their work.
6) Soundtrack - Waist Deep
This soundtrack is full of tracks from many of today's hot hip hop luminaries.
7) Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped
These legendary punk and alternative music pioneers continue demonstrate their creative energies have waned little in recent years.
8) Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Sinner
It has been 25 years since Joan Jett brought rock front and center on the pop charts with "I Love Rock and Roll" <Listen>. She still rocks just as hard.
9) Widespread Panic - Earth to America
For some, the band indulges in aimless noodling. For others, they are a jam band extraordinaire.
10) The Futureheads - News and Tributes
The second album from the UK's Futureheads aims to expand beyond their first album and distinguish them from similar bands like the Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.
