by Tom Osborne in Soul

THIS WEEK’S ELITE:
R.E.M., And I Feel Fine: The Best Of R.E.M. Disc 1 | Disc 2 (Capitol/IRS)
This album could easily be a soundtrack for my teen years. These songs were an escape from reality during that awkward time.

John Mayer, Continuum (Sony, Aware)
Another impressive effort. Soulful “Waiting on the World to Change” sets the bar high for the rest of the album.

WORTH MENTION:
Yo La Tengo, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (Matador)
Everclear, Welcome to Drama Club (Eleven Seven)
Madeleine Peyroux, Half The Perfect World (Rounder, Universal)
Robert Cray, Live From Across the Pond Disc 1 | Disc 2 (Vanguard)

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES (high anticipation, no apparent album stream):
Oh man, where do I begin? There are so many great artists with releases this week. See our Release Calendar for a more comprehensive list.

[AOL Music]

About the author:  Washington, D.C. area web designer by day. Certifiable music freak by night. Husband and father of two by the loving grace of God.