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Bob Dylan
Love and Theft
Columbia/Sony Music
I suppose it's hard to understand if you're not a child of the '60s why Bob Dylan is regarded so highly in the very fickle universe that is pop music. The answer for today's children is Dylan's 43rd album, produced by the master himself under the pseudonym of Jack Frost. A slap-happy ride from beginning to end, Love and Theft includes the swing-danceable standout "Summer Days," the bittersweet "Bye and Bye" and some of his patented finely-tuned barbed comments on "Mississippi" and "Honest With Me."		 Billy Bob Thornton
Private Radio
Lost Highway
Billy Bob Thornton has the perfect alt-country voice and persona to pull off a recording career and is off to a fine start in his debut. The opening track "Dark and Mad" opens the door to all kinds of strange goings on in Mr. Thornton's head, and the monologue in track 2, "Forever," seals the deal. It'll probably make you laugh and possibly a bit nervous, just like he does in his movies. Other key cuts include "Angelina" and "Starlight Lounge," a deep and moody duet with songwriter Holly Lamar, who was nominated for a Grammy for Faith Hill's song "Breathe."
Sloan
Pretty Together
Murder/BMG Records
Sloan's own original version of power pop is evident again on their latest release in songs such as the first single "If It Feels Good Do It" and "Pick It Up and Dial It," but so is their maturing as a musical force. Treats like "The Other Man," "Dreaming of You" and "It's In Your Eyes" show the band is writing better than ever.		 Alicia Keys
Songs In A Minor
J Records
Infectious vocals and rhythms take center stage on this major league offering. Beginning with the cool, smoky barroom sounds of "Piano" into the hip-hoppy "Girlfriend" and the '80s throwback "How Come You Don't Call Me," by the time she belts out her hit "Fallin" it's hard not to fall under Alicia's spell.
Tori Amos
Strange Little Girls
Atlantic/Warner Music
The brilliant jacket design with a different Tori Amos photo persona marking each song instead of lyrics and credits tips you off that here is an "artist at work." Musical docudrama highlights such as "97 Bonnie and Clyde," co-written by Eminem, announce loud and clearly that Tori Amos is one major talent in interpretation, and can make anybody else's song her own. Other key cuts are the title track, 10cc's "I'm Not In Love," and Neil Young's "Heart of Gold."		 Merlin
Merlin's Milkbar Stereo
Universal
Montreal writer/
artist/producer Merlin combines samples with his own funky tunes that turn into catchy musical shots of life, such as "Rock-Star Skinny" and "Ultrasensitive," which are hard to shake. Recorded at his home studio along with members of his tour band and impromptu guest from the street, the 12 tracks illustrate a maturing artist whose best days are ahead of him.

- Gerry Young