(FORTUNE Magazine) – Steely Dan, Two Against Nature (Giant) After spending the past two decades in the "Where Are They Now?" bin, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker reel in the years for a sleek encore of funky Zen Pretzel Logic.

The Smashing Pumpkins, MACHINA/the machines of God (Virgin) No one wants to forget the band's snoozy last disk more than Billy Corgan. At least that's the vibe you get from all the buzzsaw guitars and feedback.

Oasis, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (Epic) More aping of the Fab Four? Actually, aside from a George Harrison-ish sitar solo, the shimmering psychedelic rock and fat-beat dance loops couldn't be more original.

Bill Frisell, Ghost Town (Nonesuch) Hate your boss? Stuck in traffic? Let the spaced-out twang of this jazz guitarist be your over-the-counter key to inner peace. It's easier to swallow than Prozac.

Joni Mitchell, Both Sides Now (Reprise) The former folk-patchouli goddess tackles a bunch of Billie and Ella torch-song standards; you can hear her jilted heart ripping apart in each song.

Papas Fritas, Buildings and Grounds (Minty Fresh) The best band you've never heard of--and with any luck, this giddy collection of pop gems will right that wrong. Hummable after the first spin, the CD is the musical equivalent of Shaker furniture--elegant, simple, and flawless.

--CHRIS NASHAWATY