Sound Off

Lucinda Williams

Little Honey

(Lost Highway)

If you are a fan of Lucinda Williams' music, then you have likely become used to the artist's darker side, which has been readily on display in the music contained in her past couple of albums, including "West" and "World Without Tears." If the melancholy, brokenhearted Lucinda Williams is the one to which you have become accustomed, then prepare for a load of bluesy sunshine when you listen to her latest, "Little Honey." Apparently things have been looking up in Williams' life, and the good feelings come through in the music, beginning with the barnstorming "Real Love," and continuing with songs such as "Tears of Joy" and "Knowing." "Honey Bee" is particularly good, with Williams giddily singing praise to a new love, "Oh, my little honey bee/I'm so glad you stung me." The songs aren't all gumdrops and rainbows though, mostly because Williams' fans likely wouldn't accept a completely upbeat album. Serious songs such as "Little Rock Star," "If Wishes Were Horses" and "Heaven Blues" plunge the listener back into the heartbreaking stories that have populated past Williams recordings.

Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs sing backup on a few tracks, as does Elvis Costello on the hilarious "Jailhouse Tears." Charlie Louvin and Jim Lauderdale also drop by to lend a hand.

Williams shows she still knows how to have fun, as evidenced on the album's closer, an off the cuff version of AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock and Roll). (A-)

Download These: "Real Love," "Honey Bee," "Jailhouse Tears."

The Clash

Live At Shea Stadium

(Epic/Legacy)

I was too young to be aware of the Clash when that influential British punk band first arrived on these shores in the '70's. Aside from the MTV video for "Rock the Casbah," one of my first musical encounters with the music of the Clash came via another music video, the live version of "Should I Stay or Should I Go." I will never forget hearing the primal scream that kicked off that performance. That track is essentially what sold me on the band as a teenager.

As it turns out, that live performance was from the band's performance at Shea Stadium while opening for The Who's first farewell tour. Now, more than a quarter-century later, someone has seen fit to release the entire Shea Stadium performance.

In light of the deluge of Clash recordings that followed Joe Strummer's untimely passing a few years ago, one could not be blamed for thinking that this live set might be a rush job. However, this could be the best live set of Clash songs yet.

From the feisty introduction to the final notes of "I Fought the Law," the sound on this live recording is exquisite.

Standout moments include "Police on My Back," "The Magnificent Seven," "Clampdown," and yes, especially that great version of "Should I Stay or Should I Go." This is a no-brainer for Clash fans. (A+)

Download These: "Should I Stay or Should I Go," "Clampdown," "Police On My Back."

David Gilmour

Live In Gdansk

(Columbia)

With the recent passing of Pink Floyd member Richard Wright, it seems that the chances of a reunion by the popular classic rock band has been all but ruled out. That's a shame when you consider that Floyd's last true tour, which came through Clemson in 1994, is considered by many (including this writer) to be one of the best live performances ever.

For who that didn't get the chance to see the show, it helps to ease the pain knowing that Floyd guitarist David Gilmour is still recording and touring. Gilmour's latest live release is a special two-CD set, recorded live in the shipyards of Gdansk, Poland in commemoration of the anniversary of the Solidarity Movement.

This incredible live recording, which prominently features Wright's keyboard playing, runs through Gilmour's entire solo release "On an Island," and also revisits a generous amount of Pink Floyd material.

"Speak to Me," "Breathe (In the Air)" and "Time" from the legendary album "The Dark Side of the Moon" start off the show, followed by a performance of the "On an Island" album. Disc 2 kicks off with a stunning version of "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," and one of the best sounding versions of the psychedelic "Astronomy Domine" ever recorded.

Other Floyd songs that are worth noting because of their absence from previous live recordings include "Echoes" and "Fat Old Sun." "A Great Day for Freedom," from the "Division Bell" album, calls to mind the struggle of Solidarity to have a free voice in what was once communist-controlled Poland, while "Comfortably Numb" rounds out the live set nicely.

The deluxe version includes a DVD of the concert. Either way, this is a quality recording from a true artist. (A)

Download These: "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," "Comfortably Numb," "Fat Old Sun."

By Devin Grant, special to The Post and Courier.