Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Pop Editor, Rickey Wright FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: Pop music in 1999 was much more than cute-guy singing groups and teenage divas, although those certainly offered their entertaining moments. Dance-music rulers continued their winning ways, while old-school song stylists hung in once again with reissues and new recordings. Finally, Latin-tinged pop might not have led a full-fledged revolution, but it sure did make for some fun--and will surely continue to do so. 1. "Temperamental" Everything but the Girl http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001QENY/entertainmentsit Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn again followed the electronic- based muse that fueled the hit "Missing" and the album "Walking Wounded." "Temperamental" is another deeply affecting fusion of club beats, pop sensibility, and highly personal lyrics--a warming current for the cold winter nights ahead. 2. "Sinatra '57: In Concert" Frank Sinatra http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IGRG/entertainmentsit This celebrated Seattle show finally receives official release, and illuminates Sinatra at an artistic height. Arranger Nelson Riddle was along for this one and helps support the surefooted star on moving versions of everything from "Just One of Those Things" and "I Won't Dance" to "Glad to Be Unhappy." 3. "Central Reservation" Beth Orton http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I73X/entertainmentsit The British singer continued melding pop, folk, and the textures of up-to-date electronic sounds on her second album. Less beat oriented than Orton's debut, "Trailer Park," the slightly shifted emphasis gives her wistful yet emotionally resolute tone even more free rein. Fans of Sarah McLachlan and Madonna's less upbeat moments may find themselves loving "Central Reservation." 4. "Tony Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool" Tony Bennett http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001R3HF/entertainmentsit Bennett's predictability has become one of the most welcome comforters in pop. This time he joins the 100th-anniversary- tribute parade, singing his old friend's songs as robustly and sensitively as the Duke would have wanted. "Azure," the least celebrated tune here, is a highlight, thanks to Bennett's artful tangy-and-sweet touch. 5. "I've Got News for You" Hadda Brooks http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I7JJ/entertainmentsit Bluesy singer-pianist Brooks, now in her early 80s, once again insinuated herself into listeners' lives with this two-CD collection of recordings made between the 1940s and 1998. Her tart vocals on "That's My Desire" and "You Won't Let Me Go" are complemented by a full disc of boogie-woogie instrumentals. Good news, for sure. 6. "Utopia Parkway" Fountains of Wayne http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IFW1/entertainmentsit These oft-praised pop-rockers returned with their second album, which proved something like a "Pet Sounds" for the '90s. Wiseacre enough to name one ballad "Prom Theme," FOW also lay claim to a bittersweet aura that perfectly matched their tunefulness. Months after its release, its conceptual flow gave way to an even more touching attention to lyrical detail. 7. "Nightlife" Pet Shop Boys http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000021XT8/entertainmentsit The Pet Shop Boys' first full-length release since 1996's "Bilingual" finds them continuing to refine their trademark sound while making sidetracks into retro disco (the anthemic "New York City Boy") and "Total Eclipse of the Heart"-style balladry ("Footsteps"). Neil Tennant's delivery remains sublimely deadpan, but never hides the deep feeling in his lyrics. 8. "Astro Lounge" Smash Mouth http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J7S9/entertainmentsit Smash Mouth's "All Star," a perfect summer diversion on the radio, was just the tip of the iceberg on this fine album. "Astro Lounge," tongue firmly in cheek, lived up to its Jetsons-style title with a highly playable meld of lounge, reggae, and surf influences. One-hit wonders no more, this band made their mark deeper in 1999. 9. "Millennium" Backstreet Boys http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IOOE/entertainmentsit Adults like 'em, too! The first single from the Boys' sophomore effort, "I Want It That Way," had the power to stop you in your tracks--it was that catchy, that devotedly delivered. The rest of "Millennium," from a Daft Punk sample to a dedication to Brian Littrell's Mom, backed it up with heart and fine vocals. 10. "Ricky Martin" Ricky Martin http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IX6H/entertainmentsit At his best when belting fast dance tunes such as the summer anthem "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "Shake Your Bon Bon," the former Menudo member was not only all grown up, but ready to grab the English-speaking pop market by its tail. He did it with this stylish concoction. ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Pop Music section at Pop ******
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