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JEWEL: 0304 (Atlantic) Like a phoenix rising, Jewel not only re- imagines her sound, but also literally reinvents her musical universe befitting bubble-headed pop weenies like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. The conceptual conceit might be lost on casual fans who like this kind of kitschy pop. But that's only half the story. The former alternative-folk eccentric sheds her sensitive, moody spin for a neon-lit renovation by pumping up the groove with sufficient idiosyncratic nuances to keep her firmly rooted as an oddball of sorts. Whether it's the muted trumpet that treads the upbeat Leave The Lights On or the accordion that laces the pulsating Intuition, Jewel ingeniously brings sharp lyrical sensibilities to the thrillingly melodramatic set. She questions the absurdity of a nation that embraces shallow pop-culture icons in America, and then takes an about-turn looking at life from the viewpoint of a stalker on the spine-chilling Haunted. All through, it sounds as though Jewel is emboldened by the dance-pop thrust. Despite the album's commercial sheen, she doesn't slip-up even as she stretches outside her musical comfort zones. The imaginative twists and turns, and the way it's stringed together makes 0304 not just Jewel's most accessible album to date, but a nugget on other fronts as well.
PRETENDERS: Loose Screw (Eagle) Even after a brief hiatus, it sounds like the Pretenders have not been away. Their biggest hits may be behind them, but listening to Loose Screw makes a strong case for believing that the group hasn't quit making great records. More specifically, Chrissie Hynde is much more than a dramatic rock crooner. Songs like the soul-influenced Clean Up Woman and the reggae-inflected Complex Person barely hint of the kaleidoscopic musical environment...