Also this issue: Home Records A roundup of CDs by people who go to the same dentist as you. -Paul Burress, M.J. Fine, P.R, Patrick Rapa and John Vettese More CD reviews -Debra Auspitz, Peter Burwasser, Andrew Milner and Patrick Rapa Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra -Peter Burwasser Choral Arts Society -Peter Burwasser Def Jam Vendetta Tour The Creatures of the Golden Dawn -Brian Howard Prism Quartet -Peter Burwasser A.F.I. -John Vettese

May 14-20, 2003

musicpicks

Daniel Lanois

Given that he's best known as a producer -- of The Joshua Tree, Time Out of Mind and So to name just a few -- it's not surprising that Daniel Lanois' infrequent recordings as a solo artist often have atmosphere to spare, sometimes so thick you can choke on it. Thankfully Shine (Anti), only Lanois' third studio album in 14 years, reins in the falsetto excess of its predecessor, 1993's For the Beauty of Wynona, leaving behind a heartfelt core of songs that thrive on the blend of organic and electronic elements that's served Lanois so well behind the mixing board. Shine has its cringeworthy moments -- I feel the burning ember of every tear being the most egregious example -- but the album floats more than it sinks. Lanois' famous friends won't be along to back him up (the album opens with prominent backing assists by Emmylou Harris and Bono), but look for singer/songwriter and sometime Dirty Triplet Nancy Falkow to fill in the gaps: She's scheduled to join Lanois on a half-dozen songs.

Mon., May 19, 8 p.m., $25, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

—Sam Adams