Holiday buying guide
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Theodora, by George Frederic Handel (Erato/Warner Classics, $50.98): This second-to-last Handel oratorio, reputed to be his favorite, is performed by the French early-instrument orchestra "Les Arts Florissants" and an able group of vocalists, led by English soprano Sophie Daneman in the title role. The downbeat storyline (Theodora is an early Christian, martyred for her beliefs) may have contributed to its lack of commercial success in 1750. But modern audiences will find the work to be Handel at the height of his powers, music that is both gorgeous and inspiring. - G.L.
Cash Unearthed, 5 CDs (Lost Highway, $79.98): Johnny Cash died in September, but "Unearthed" is no quickie "best of" compilation. The project was under way long before his passing and actually avoids the well-known songs that made the reputation of "the Man in Black." Instead, it serves up 79 tunes from a wide variety of sources - folk, country, gospel, pop - recorded in the last decade of his life. All but 15 have never before been released. They range from duets with artists like Joe Strummer, Tom Petty, Nick Cave, and Fiona Apple to a full CD of old gospel hymns sung alone by Cash to simple guitar accompaniment. Made mostly at informal sessions in places like a Los Angeles church and Cash's home, the recordings show a mature, vulnerable, and sincere singer. While the ailing Cash is no longer always at the top of his vocal powers, he still puts his unmistakable mark on tunes such as the aching "Gentle on My Mind," Neil Young's "Heart of Gold," the gospel standard "I'll Fly Away," and even a Nine Inch Nails anthem, "Hurt."- G.L.
Concert for George, 2 disc DVD with 30-page commemorative booklet ($29.99): There was a lot of love in this room. The room? The Albert Hall in London sold out for an all-star tribute one year ago to the late "quiet Beatle." And what a joyous celebration it was, with a stage full of George's closest musical friends delivering the performances of their lives, all captured in stunningly clear sound and moving visuals. Best buddy and bandleader Eric Clapton and his crack ensemble bring out the very best in Harrison's songs, playing with both precision and passion. Sitar master Ravi Shankar (with full orchestra), fellow Traveling Wilburys Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, Beatle pal Billy Preston, George's son Dhani, members of Monty Python, and old bandmates Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney are among the inspired performers. Clapton's emotional vocal and McCartney's keening harmony on the stirring "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is alone worth the price of this set. What a night. By John Kehe
ZZ Top - Chrome, Smoke and BBQ (Warner Bros., $79.98): According to the liner notes of this four-disc set, the self-described "lil' ol' band from Texas" once won an MTV award for choreography in the mid '80s, thanks to coaching from Paula Abdul. Oddly, her career is now in better shape than that of the Texan trio, since a ZZ Top revival is now about as likely as the band getting a tour sponsored by Gillette. Truth is, the band's crafty branding - the spinning furry guitars, the cheap sunglasses, the space-shuttle-like hot rod - began to overshadow the music. This retrospective includes the popular hits ("Gimme All Your Lovin,' " "Sleeping Bag"), but it's the first two discs that remind one of why Billy Gibbons's blues playing was once praised by Jimi Hendrix himself. On cuts like "La Grange" and "Just Got Paid," the guitarist's supremely catchy riffs and rhythm section's boogie created an indispensable body of music. Almost as good is the box set's inclusion of a flip book of those windmilling guitars. - S.H.
