The New And Improved Fashion Board

[Jack Manfred]

First, thanks to whomever suggested that I get Live at Fillmore East. That's a great album.

Those who wonder why Esquivel had to go away when the whole lounge thing died might want to check out Ben Vaughn's Designs in Music.

The latest Cassandra Wilson doesn't sound much like her older work, but it's still worth a listen.

I haven't yet figured out what the best album of 2006 is, but the sexiest album has to be Feist's Open Season. Runner up is Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. You can't cover The Travelling Wilburys and expect to win sexiest album.

No Disassemble by Slow Runner is also worthwhile for those still interested in indie rock.

The Pop Candy podcast on the USA Today website is something you should download. Whitney Matheson usually has songs and interviews each week, but this week is an all-music edition.

I know I'm supposed to like Joanna Newsom, but I've got to file her with Tom Waits in the "artists I respect but don't listen to" pile.

Can anyone explain why there wasn't a second Propellerheads album? Was I the only one who liked the first one?