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Real Records [2]
The California label that issued Hole's first single lives through its first decade.
— Mark Jordan, MEMPHIS FLYER
 
Identifying The Impulse [3]
Blue Note Records wasn't just a method of delivery of uncompromising music; they were an active partner in the creative process.
— Jeff McCord, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 
A Cultural Imperative [4]
With a catalog spanning five decades and hundreds of albums, Chicago independent label Delmark Records is a beacon for blues and jazz.
— Harvey Pekar, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 

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The Burt's Back Racket [5]
Oddly enough, Burt Bacharach's career is in full swing again.
— Dave McElfresh, TUCSON WEEKLY
 
Theology Lite [6]
The soul legend's church is a big draw, but Green should go back to what he does best.
— Phil Campbell, MEMPHIS FLYER
 
Richer By the Day [7]
Sixpence None the Richer gets a break.
— Doug Brumley and Michael McCall, NASHVILLE SCENE
 

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Stay Tuned [10]
Critics agree: Lucinda Williams turned in one of the year's best.
— Michael McCall, NASHVILLE SCENE
 
Reissues [12]
Clyde McPhatter, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Gang of Four, Eric B and Rakim, Long Ryders, Metallica, Marianne Faithfull, Bob Dylan, Bruce Hancock, Taj Mahal, and more!
— AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 

Now What? [13]
If you go gaga over the sultry smoothness of a symphonic glissando, just wait till you experience our transitions to cool and useful music links on the Web.
— WEEKLY WIRE
 

trio of label fables survey the people who scatter the platters that matter. In "Real Records," Memphis Flyer's Mark Jordan recounts how California's Sympathy for the Record Industry label has released discs from the likes of Hole, El Vez and Rocket From the Crypt in its first decade of service. Jazz and blues riffs round out the package as Austin Chronicle's Jeff McCord and Harvey Pekar profile Blue Note Records and the Delmark label, respectively.

Al Green's Tennessee ministry draws faithful locals and gawking tourists by the score. But in "Theology Lite," Memphis Flyer's Phil Campbell argues that the buttery-voiced soul great should give up the pulpit and return to the concert hall. Other artist profiles include swingin' Burt Bacharach and Nashville's Sixpence None the Richer.

In last-minute holiday shopping mode? Take a deep breath and check out Nashville Scene scribe Michael McCall's survey of the year's best new releases in "Stay Tuned." Or sample the blasts from the past offered up in Austin Chronicle's guide to "Reissues"--including the complete Bob Marley, 40 songs from Gang of Four, the live and agitated Bob Dylan, plus righteous collections of gospel, blues and disco hits.

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Turn Up That Noise! [9]

• Lyle Lovett
• Bill Nelson
• Peter Wolf

Rhythm and Views [11]

• Dr. John
• Like Minds
• Mudhoney

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