Meredith Brooks' debut album, Blurring the Edges is an example of post-Alanis Morissette marketing by the record industry, although, at her musical core, Brooks is more like Sheryl Crow -- namely, a classic rocker with slightly edgy lyrics. She even works with producer David Ricketts, the former partner of Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club collaborator, David Baerwald. Ricketts gives Blurring the Edges a radio-friendly polish, and on the album's first single, "Bitch," {$Br...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

Yourself or Someone Like You turned out to be the standard-bearer for post-alternative rock because it has a '90s sheen in its production, but, for all the world, its core sounds like classic rock. Lead singer/songwriter Rob Thomas adopted some of Eddie Vedder's vocal mannerisms, but they were smoothed out, lacking the angst and pain that were Vedder's hallmark. Matchbox Twenty functioned much the same way, picking up at Pearl Jam's fascination for album rock, but deciding to stick to the...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

On their second album, Helioself, Papas Fritas displays an increased sense of songcraft and a sharper sense of melody, resulting in a bright, effervescent indie rock record. Where their debut was occasionally brittle, Helioself is rounded and warm, and one of the most infectious pop records in the post-alternative indie rock world of the late '90s. [The CD was reissued in 2000 and includes a bonus track.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

CD $14.23