Shel Silverstein on CD

Twistable Turnable Man

(Sugarhill)

While he was alive, Shel Silverstein wrote some truly magical poetry (what teenager in the '80s didn't own his book, "Where the Sidewalk Ends?") as well as some memorable hit songs. Johnny Cash's hit "A Boy Named Sue"? That was Shel's. Dr. Hook's "The Cover of the Rolling Stone"? That was written by Silverstein as well. Now an impressive collection of artists have gathered to record some of Silverstein's best songs. My Morning Jacket contributes two tracks, including the album opener, "Lullabys, Legends, and Lies." A partial list of the artists who gave their time to make this recording possible includes John Prine, Kris Kristoffersen, Lucinda Williams and Nanci Griffith. The songs are hit-or-miss, which can be expected with a compilation that features such an eclectic lineup of artists. If you are a fan of Silverstein's poetry, then by all means dive right in. If you are new to his work, grab a copy of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" before you go any further.

Key tracks: "The Unicorn," "The Cover of the Rolling Stone," "A Boy Named Sue"

We Walk This Road

(Warner Bros.)

When you see the names Rick Rubin or T Bone Burnett in the producing slot on an album, then 9 times out of 10, you are assured an interesting musical ride. Burnett produced "We Walk This Road," the latest effort from Robert Randolph and the Family Band. The resulting CD just might be Randolph's best yet. The album is sprinkled with recordings of old-time blues artists and contains creative covers of songs by Prince ("Walk Don't Walk"), Bob Dylan ("Shot of Love") and John Lennon ("I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier Mama"). Guests include Ben Harper, Leon Russell and Jim Keltner. Randolph still gets plenty of opportunities to show off his skills on guitar and pedal steel, and the Family Band is as tight as ever. Burnett's production skills simply make an already great album even more special. If you missed this act at the First Flush Festival a few weeks back, then grab a copy of "We Walk This Road" and prepare to be impressed.

Key tracks: "Back to the Wall," "If I Had My Way," "Walk Don't Walk"

Mojo

(Reprise)

Listening to "Mojo," the latest album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, it is easy to hear that the band's whole approach to recording music has changed. It isn't difficult to trace the reasons for that shift. Petty reformed his old band, Mudcrutch, and also waded through the band's archives while putting together last year's four-CD "Live Anthology." Maybe during that time, Petty and his guys rediscovered how much fun creating music can be. Whatever the case, the music on "Mojo" marks a major sound shift for the Heartbreakers. Employing styles of blues, country and Americana, this is one of the most decidedly un-rock-'n'-roll Petty albums ever. That doesn't mean that "Mojo" doesn't rock though. From the bluesy opener, "Jefferson Jericho Blues," which is about Thomas Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings, the album is a portrait of a band jelling with itself. There is no real prevalent single. Instead, this is an album meant to be listened to the old fashioned way; beginning to end. Set aside some time to do so and be rewarded.

Key Tracks: "Jefferson Jericho Blues," "I Should Have Known It," "Don't Pull Me Over"

Treats

(Mom + Pop)

Bands such as the White Stripes have made it trendy to give a rock record a raw, sometimes overmodulated sound. While this method works for Jack and Meg White, it was only a matter of time before someone took the concept too far. New York's Sleigh Bells have done just that; tossing out an album that sounds half-mixed and that is, sound-wise, all over the place. Sure, I realize that this band is the darling of the indie scene right now, but that fact makes the widespread appeal of songs such as "Riot Rhythm," "Rill Rill" and "Crown on the Ground" all the more mystifying. There are some occasional bright spots, most notably the opening track, "Tell 'Em," but for the most part, this is one time that it would be better to ignore the hype.

Key Tracks: "Tell 'Em," "Kids," "Infinity Guitars"