Wonderland
Unlike frontman Tim Burgess's ego, the Charlatans UK's  dance-pop seems to have mellowed out over the years. Its seventh  release,Wonderland, shimmers with the perky lightheartedness  the title implies, making for an album of catchy, tightly crafted  tracks that bubble up over electronic beats and the band's signature  Hammond organ. Although the Charlatans still haven't dominated like  their 1990 dance-floor anthem, "The Only One I Know,"Wonderlanddoes have a lot to offer club kids looking for a warm groove. The  album's opener, "You're So Pretty - We're So Pretty" is a  tongue-in-cheek call to the beautiful people that builds on layers of  beats and a couple well-placed jangling guitar rhythms. "Judas" and  "Love Is the Key" showcase both the Lenny Kravitz-like falsetto Burgess  carries through the album and the singer's overflowing heart.Wonderlandshows the band at its best, having matured from the  Manchester brat pack to win over audiences with strong songwriting, an  open heart, and a buoyant recipe for inspired dance-floor rock.--Jennifer Maerz