Editors' Choice for December 2008

Album cover for Avant

Avant

Capitol
R&B

2008 self-titled album finds the R&B singer easing into an accessible and eclectic set of tunes.

— Eric Schneider

Album cover for Remixes

Remixes

Polyvinyl

Just enough sonic trickery makes Remixes an enjoyable addition to Headlights' catalog and an attractive listen for fans of first-rate indie pop with electronics.

— Rovi Staff

Album cover for Gin and Orange

Gin and Orange

Dusty Groove

McDuff not only had a knack for picking the right tunes to cover but for writing them as well.

— Mark Keresman

Album cover for A Different Me

A Different Me

Geffen
R&B

Cole adopts a self-consciously dramatic, melismatic style of delivery that evokes the vocal virtuosity of divas.

— James Steiner

Album cover for OnMyRadio

OnMyRadio

Atlantic
R&B

Musiq’s performances here possess the stylish assurance that distinguished ‘70s soul producers like Gamble & Huff and Van McCoy.

— James Steiner

Album cover for At the BBC

At the BBC

Island / Yep Roc

On this four-disc set of highlights from 1992-2008 BBC sessions and concerts, Weller and company sound big and bold, finding new meaning in familiar tunes.

— Rovi Staff

Album cover for Vasco

Vasco

Perlon

The two-part 12" Vasco (six sides of vinyl in total) is transferred to CD, including the astonishing "Minimoonstar," stretched to over 31 minutes here.

— Rovi Staff

Album cover for Emeritus

Emeritus

Rap-A-Lot / Rap-A-Lot/Asylum
Rap

At the top of his game, the legendary Houston O.G. calls it quits with another classic under his belt.

— Matt Rinaldi

Album cover for The Conversation

The Conversation

EMI Music Distribution / Virgin / EMD Int'l

Brimming with the kind of delicately melodic folk-pop that defines his solo craft.

— Paula Carino

Album cover for In Bocca al Lupo

In Bocca al Lupo

Type

On this ambitious, abstract, and difficult work, Xela uses harsh yet strangely lulling electronics to draw listeners into a realm of enveloping dread and fear.

— Rovi Staff