In Brief

** 1/2 Sheryl Crow and Friends, “Live from Central Park,” A&M.; Recorded at the multi-platinum rocker’s free September concert in New York’s Central Park, this album is loaded with pop firepower: Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Chrissie Hynde, Dixie Chicks, Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan. Still, the highlights are some of Crow’s own hits rather than the all-star jams and renditions of classic-rock favorites. The live energy is palpable, but did every song really need a sprawling guitar jam and a grandiose ending?

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two (fair), three (good) and four (excellent). The albums are already released unless noted.

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Hear the Music

Excerpts from the “Next Friday” soundtrack and other releases are available on the World Wide Web. Point your browser to: http://pyxis.nohib.com./soundclips