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Best Jam and Groove Albums of 2001 (So Far)
By an Amazon.com customer
ReceiverReceiver by The New Deal
Buy used from: $0.01
This is, perhaps, the best live dance music I've ever heard. The New Deal has improved tremendously over their first three LPs... can't wait for their upcoming full-length LP. "Receiver" is sexy.
The WordThe Word by The Word
Buy used from: $7.00
It seems everything Medeski touches is gold. But, this disc is all about Robert Randolph and this disc will make him a household name in blues, jazz, and groove circles. Your collection needs this.
We Love 'Em Tonight (Live at Tipitina's)We Love 'Em Tonight (Live at Tipitina's) by Galactic
Buy used from: $4.82
Galactic, like all good bands, is constantly expanding its palette. This live ditty shows their progression well and moves them out of just being a funk band that can jam. Best Galactic CD to date.
Great Sky RiverGreat Sky River by Jazz Is Dead
Buy new: $10.98 / Used from: $6.48
Tight, clean instrumental GD romps. The more I listen to Jimmy Herring, the more I like.
Outside InsideOutside Inside by String Cheese Incident
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $2.90
String Cheese Incident's extremely palatable gumbo has garnished them the quickest growing audience in the scene. However, this CD is too watered down. I might recommend it for the more curious fan.
String Cheese Remix ProjectString Cheese Remix Project by DJ Harry
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $2.84
Dance tracks with a tinge of SCI. DJ Harry does a good job here but if you're not into house or drums and bass music then just pick up some straight Cheese instead.
They Missed the PerfumeThey Missed the Perfume by Disco Biscuits
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $6.49
Best disc by the Biscuits, no doubt. Even people who loathe the Biscuits should like this. Be warned: this is not the band jamming but more an exploration into the nether world of electronic bliss.
DitherDither by moe.
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $1.61
moe. should be commended for making such a daring disc. moe. trades in their guitar horsepower for tight radio-friendly tunes. Great cover of the 80's hit, "In A Big Country."
The AnomalyThe Anomaly by DJ Logic
Buy used from: $0.01
Love DJ Logic. I wanted to love this disc. But, the mayhem, dance party atmosphere DJ Logic creates in the clubs just doesn't translate for me on this disc. Too dungeony and muddy for my tastes.
Don't Tell the Band [Digipak]Don't Tell the Band [Digipak] by Widespread Panic
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $0.40
Don't tell the band this album really doesn't do it for me. Sorry. At least there was a live disc tucked in here to salvage the whole deal. :).
Live Phish Vol. 1: 12/14/95, Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New YorkLive Phish Vol. 1: 12/14/95, Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York by Phish
Buy used from: $8.23
Phish's 'Live Phish' series is just what the doctor ordered. This Dec., '95 pick might be the best offering of the bunch. The band was on fire this month as they could have picked any of 10 shows.
Live at Ho-Down 2000Live at Ho-Down 2000 by Schleigho
Buy used from: $3.95
Incendiary jams from these tight cats. These guys are about jazz fusion, playing lots of notes, and improvising to no end. Sit back with a cold one and let this one envelop you.