Recording of the Month

JOHN WESLEY HARDING: Why We Fight

Sire 45032-2 (CD only). Steve Berlin, prod.; Paul DuGre, Danny McGough, engs. AAD. TT: 53:38

BEETHOVEN Piano Concertos 1 & 4

Lang Lang, piano; Christoph Eschenbach, Orchestre de Paris

Deutsche Grammophon B0008725-02 (CD). 2007. Arend Prohmann, prod.; Jrgen Bulgrin, eng. DDD. TT: 74:30

Performance ****

Sonics ****

Nirvana: Nevermind

Geffen/Sub Pop DGCD-24425 (CD only). Butch Vig, Nirvana, prods. AAD. TT: 59:22

WILCO: Sky Blue Sky

Nonesuch 131388 (CD). 2007. Wilco, prods.; TJ Doherty, eng.; Jim Scott, mix; Bob Ludwig, mastering. AAD? TT: 51:18

Performance *****

Sonics ****

Michael Brecker Pilgrimage

Michael Brecker, tenor sax, EWI; Pat Metheny, guitars; Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, keyboards; John Patitucci, bass; Jack DeJohnette, drums

Heads Up International HUCD 3095 (CD). 2007. Michael Brecker, Gil Goldstein, Steve Rodby, Pat Metheny, prods.; Darryl Pitt, exec. prod.; Joe Ferla, eng. DDD. TT: 77:57

Performance ****½

Sonics ****½

KINGS OF LEON: Because of the Times

RCA (CD). 2007. Ethan Johns, prod., eng.; Lowell Reynolds, asst. eng. AAD? TT: 51:41

Performance ****½

Sonics ****

THE SHINS: Wincing the Night Away

Sub Pop SP 705 (CD). 2007. James Mercer, Joe Chiccarelli, prods.; Phil Ek, Sean Flora, Hiro Ninagawa, Brian Deck, Lars Fox, engs. AAD? TT: 41:52

Performance ****

Sonics ****