Blues Traveler
Though Blues Traveler's 1990 debut gets docked points for having foisted on the world a "jam band" scene whose white funk-boogie reprised some of the worst excesses and stifling professionalism of '70s rock, it's hard to write the album off as simply a bunch of aimless displays of improvisational chops. Yes, there's plenty of wanking and not enough songs here. But when grooves, melodies, and song structures emerge--most notably on "But Anyway"--it's practically unforgettable. And even at its worst, the band's playing--especially John Popper's virtuoso harmonica blowing--is always impeccable and occasionally thrilling. If it's yuppie rock you crave, you could do a lot worse.--Roni Sarig