August 4, 2002

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 Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction

"Been Caught Stealin'" got most of the radio and MTV play, but for my money the back half of this alternative rock album—especially "Three Days," "Then She Did," and "Classic Girl"—is even better. Perry Farrell, the lead singer and coincidently the founder of Lollipolooza, is an exceptional lyricist and a fascinating front man. Philosophically we're miles apart, but with music this good, I hardly care.

 Much Afraid by Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay are probably the best Christian rock band going, which is actually saying a whole lot more than it would've five to 10 years ago. Musically, So Afraid is catchy rock which happens to come with spiritually interesting lyrics. This is a very good album, and should you decide to check it out on Amazon.com, I would warn you not to judge it by the quality of the reviews posted there. Most are highly favorable, but lack a certain intellectual gravitas, if you take my meaning.