Entertainment

Matt Mays + El Torpedo

(2:59, 2006)

As a term, "classic rock" has become an insult. But as a sound, it's still got plenty of life left, judging from the U.S. debut of Canada's Matt Mays. His influences are obvious – "On the Hood of an Old Car" is the best song Tom Petty never recorded, and other tunes owe a debt to Springsteen. But there's nothing derivative about such snarling gems as "Cocaine Cowgirl" and "Time of Your Life ('Til You're Dead)."

Thor Christensen

Stronger

(Carter Girl Music, 2006)

Miss Carlene's first CD of original material in a whopping 11 years finds her refreshed and still full of crackling fire. Her voice is a bit deeper now, richer in spots, and she's obviously done with her troubled past, which she puts to rest on the prophetic title cut. But for the edgy country-rocker you once knew, home in on "The Bitter End," "I'm So Cool" (dig that electric guitar!) and the sprightly "Break My Little Heart." The disc's available at www.carlenecarter fanclub.com.

Mario Tarradell

Nashville

(Shout! Factory, 2006)

Often overshadowed by the likes of Ray Charles, the great Burke is still alive, kicking and concocting fiendish blends of R&B and country. His version of "Ain't Got You" from last year's Nashville is a barn-burning classic, bursting with fiddle madness and a raucous studio vibe reminiscent of Muddy Waters' revamped version of "Mannish Boy."

Chris Vognar

This Is Who I Am

(EcclectiSounds Records/

Zomba Gospel, 2006)

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Kelly Price started out singing background for big names such as Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight, but a galvanizing alto like hers was destined for the spotlight. After three successful R&B CDs, Who I Am is a heartfelt return to her gospel roots. Recorded live and boasting duets with Donnie McClurkin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Richard Smallwood, Ms. Price wrote or co-wrote a majority of the songs and offers up fiery testimonials ("I Can't Turn Back"), poignant praise ("What a Friend") and even reproach for the judgmental in "The Warning."

Lorrie Irby Jackson

Rose Hill Drive

(Megaforce, 2006)

If any current American band epitomizes the '70s let-rock-fly spirit of Free, Mountain and Grand Funk Railroad, this Boulder, Colo., trio is it. Organic, frenetic and harmonious, Rose Hill Drive is retro rock's overlooked debut gem in 2006, and though the disc is haggard in places, it's full of thunderous, riff-fueled, big-bore propulsion in others ("Cold Enough," "Brain Novocaine"). The kicker: Onstage, these guys throttle just about any young act playing rock of any sort. Just ask the Who, which has it opening a number of dates on its historic ongoing U.S. tour.

Mike Daniel