1. Dido "No Angel"
When I first heard this disc, I instantly knew this would be an all-time favorite.  With help from her brother Rollo of the UK trip hop collective Faithless, Dido has made a masterpiece that is both lyrically and musically blissful.  Enough said.

2. Ani Difranco "To the Teeth"
So Ani’s been a bit prolific in 1999, releasing two solo albums, touring with soul legend Maceo Parker, and putting out a collaboration with Utah Phillips.  This, however, proves that like a certain former Miss America, she saves the best for last.  Folk, funk (it guests “The Artist” on one track), electronica (check out the brilliance of “The Arrivals Gate”) and other genres collide in a beautiful cacophony that truly makes music that's fun to listen to.  Cheers!

3. +Live+ "The Distance to Here"
After a mediocre effort with “Secret Samadhi,” the pride of York, Pennsylvania releases a disc of churning emotion and groove that picks up where “Throwing Copper” left off.  It just goes to prove that the chain may not always be unbroken.  Welcome back, guys.

4. Lo Fidelity All-Stars “On the Floor of the Boutique”
Norman Cook created a phenomenon with his seaside UK club The Beat Boutique.  The first volume of tunes mixed by Mr. Slim himself made quite a stir in 1998 and this second volume is no exception.  A great mix of artists and genres from Blackstreet to The Jungle Brothers to the LFAS themselves make this a booty-shakin’ affair from start to finish.  Oh, yeah – the All-Stars’s debut CD, “How to Operate With a Blown Mind,” is nothing to sneeze at, either.

5. Jonatha Brooke “Live”
A great artist goes out on her own label and releases a great collection of her best songs recorded live.  A simple concept, but one not easily grasped by many artists.  Jonatha clearly got it right.

6. Diane Ward "Move"
The second solo effort from the Miami music veteran.  Great songwriting abounds and is backed up by solid musicianship by the likes of her right-hand man and guitarist Jack Shawde.  Like Jonatha, Ward is doing things on her own terms, and doing quite well, thank you.  With heartfelt songs such as “Honestly Pam” and the explosive subject matter or “Bang,” “Move” is certainly a release well worth checking out.  For ordering information, check out http://www.slipstreampresents.com.  Plug over.

7. Kid Rock "Devil Without a Cause"
Yeah, so many think Kid is vulgar, sexist, and crude.  This, however, is music that is real.  It was perhaps a gimmick this year, but after witnessing Kid Rock’s live show, it became clear that this is no overnight sensation, but rather one who had honed his craft in the Detroit suburbs for some time whose time has finally come.

8. Mike Ness “Cheating At Solitaire”
Don’t worry, Social Distortion has not broken up.  Ness just needed to step outside for some fresh air for a while…and what a breath of fresh air it is!  The same hard luck stories abound, but presented with a more intimate feel to which Ness seems no stranger.  Another sign of extreme proficiency this year, Ness also released a covers album later in the year, but “Solitaire” truly shows Ness is his own and best element.

9. The Roots "Things Fall Apart"
Easily my pick for hip hop album of the year, this record has finally given The Roots the critical respect they’ve so deserved on previous efforts.  Their live disc, also released in 1999 does much to capture their live shows.  It’s rap for the thinking person without being too preachy.  Guests such as Erykah Badu only add to this memorable experience.

10. Limp Bizkit "Significant Other"
Like him or hate him, Fred Durst writes songs that show the side of love that often makes our stomachs cringe.  Be it conditional love (“you make believe nothing is wrong until you’re crying…crying on me”) or sexual blackmail (“he did it all for the nookie”), Limp Bizkit could be written off as a flavor-of-the-month flash in the pan with no staying power.  However, there’s something here that suggests otherwise.  It may not be palpable, but maybe that’s the whole beauty in this release.  Wu appearance of the year is also awarded here for Method Man’s guest rapping on “N 2 Gether.”

11. PopCanon "D'Art"
Formerly known as The Semantics, this Gainesville-based band combines two distinct elements in an overly unique way.  Take the most intricate instrumental work of Frank Zappa and combine the witty humor of Barenaked Ladies and you’re beginning to get the idea.  Hilarious forays such as “Arthole” only begin to give you a picture of the great presentations that make up the band’s infectiously fun live shows.  Go see ‘em and you’ll be hooked, too!

12. Beth Orton "Central Reservation"
Yes, the woman who worked with William Orbit before Madonna made it cool to do so returns with her second effort.  No sophomore slump here, but great tunes performed with more conviction than on her debut, “Trailer Park.”  Orton’s an artist with a future.  Stay tuned.

13. Godsmack "Godsmack"
Boston-area rock far removed from Aerosmith and the band named after the city.  Godsmack lay down heavy yet solid rock tunes that deserve respect.  A great driving disc.  Check it out if you haven’t done so.

14. Busta Rhymes “Extinction Level Event”
Perhaps no one but Puff Daddy or Will Smith cashed in on the Y2K angle moreso than Rhymes, but Busta accomplishes it with his usual wit and humor.  “Give Me Some More” only hints at the great head-bobbing beats to be found on this disc.

15. Primus "Anti-pop"
The Bay Area quirksters return with their best effort in years.  You could perhaps contribute this great release to Les Claypool’s collaborations with the likes of Metallica’s James Hetfield and Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, but this is the album Primus always knew it could make.  Les’s bass is the centerpiece, and it’s great that the band finally figured that out once again.

16. Public Enemy “There’s a Poison Goin’ On”
This, a great big middle finger to the powers that be of their former label Def Jam, proves that evolution, while necessary, may not always prove to be the path most fruitious.  While not as urgent or hard-hitting as 1998’s “He Got Game” soundtrack, Chuck and Flav still show the new guys how it’s done.

17. Jessica Weiser “Transition”
An aptly-named disc from a rising young singer-songwriter.  Moving from Indiana to the New York-New Jersey area, Weiser showed that she is committed to following her dream.  This EP is only a taste of what is surely to come from someone with a very promising future.  Jessica Weiser?  Wiser indeed!

18. Freestylers “We Rock Hard”
A collective that is accurately named puts together a debut disc of percolating dance music.  Once you get past the syrupy pop of “Here We Go,” “We Rock Hard” had a lot to offer, showing its brilliance on almost every track.  A great party disc.

19. .Nine Inch Nails "The Fragile"
Trent Reznor again proves his proficiency with this long-overdue two disc opus.  While not destined to be his most popular work, the writing and songs prove this to be an essential release.

20.  Sarah McLachlan “Mirrorball”
Somewhat of a disappointment, the Canadian’s second live effort could use a remixing job.  Live albums are meant to be enjoyed as a seamless performance and the fades at the beginning and end of each track is simply quite annoying.  Great emotional performances such as “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” and the brilliant live rendition of “Fear” almost make up for this shortcoming, but not quite.  Check out her first live disc if you can actually get your hands on a copy.  The live version of “Black” is certainly a musical experience you will not soon forget.