HOT TRACKS LISA ROBINSON

Where do I go from here /And is it Jar?

—Kevin Ayers, "Where Do I Go from Here?"

While everyone debates the Next Big Thing, Eminem arrives with The Eminem Show, the new CD with music from his startlingly compelling acting debut in the forthcoming Curtis Hanson film, 8 Mile. The song ''Cleaning Out My Closet" features lyrics worthy of Lenny Bruce on the verses, and singing like early Mick Jagger on the catchy choruses. Something old, something new: On Heathen,David Bowie has made a real David Bowie album—his first collaboration in 20 years with producer Tony Visconti, and by far his best work in ages. DJ Shadow'sThe Private Press, with a little mood here, some funk there, and all the irony, attitude, and whatnot we've come to expect from him, does not disappoint. Lauryn Hill releases a two-CD set, Lauryn Hill MTV Unplugged, complete with all the soul-searching, spiritual, socially conscious songs from the TV show aired last March. Paul Westerberg is just the kind of sensitive, self-destructive artiste who would put the best song ("Let the Bad Times Roll") 11th on his new CD, Stereo—his strongest record since the Replacements broke up. Fans of 90s indie rock will be charmed by the return of Kim and Kelley Deal and the Breeders, who sound as alternative as ever on the amusingly named Title TK. Wydef Jean delivers spiritual, socially conscious (but never preachy), groove-laden songs on Masquerade. Trey Anastasio obviously wanted to try something a bit more upbeat than the jam-band confines of Phish on his first, self-titled, solo CD. Singer-storyteller Steve Earle releases the fantastic Sidetracks, a collection of songs he describes as previously "unreleased or underexposed." Ralph Stanley's haunting, eponymous CD is the first release from DMZ Records, the new label run by the Coen brothers and Grammy winner T Bone Burnett. On Halos and Horns,Dolly Parton does a spiritual cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."

Something borrowed: In addition to the cheerfully admitted theft of other people's music, sampled female voices, and atmospheric bits and pieces taken from God only knows where, Moby's friendship with David Bowie has served him well—several songs on his dreamy new 18 sound like he's channeling the Thin White Duke. On Heathen Chemistry,Oasis has, once again, come up with an excellent Beatles album circa the Rubber Soul-Revolver period. On Verve Remixed, classic tracks from the great jazz label's vault (Ella, Dinah, Carmen, Billie) have been revamped by contemporary D.J.'s to sound like a night in the Buddha Bar.

Something blue:Robert Plant reworks songs by his early influences (Bukka White, Arthur Crudup, John Lee Hooker) on the delightful Dreamland. For those who know her only from that Jaguar commercial ("At Last"), check out Etta James's live CD Burnin Down the House.The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion rocks out Jerry Lee Lewis-style on Plastic Fang. Pete Seeger's goddaughter Toshi Reagon's powerful voice shines on the folk-blues Toshi.

Also out:Tift Merritt's impressive debut, Bramble Rose; rootsy harmonies from Highway 9 on What in Samhill?; U.K. sensation Gomez's hard rock on In Our Gun;Rosey's seductive Dirty Child; pop punk on Free All Angels, from Irish rockers Ash; and strong R&B from Kelly Price and Musiq. If precious British pop is your cup of tea, new ones from Badly Drawn Boy and Pet Shop Boys are for you. Records from the late Laura Nyro, the late Dave Van Ronk, and live Simon & Garfunkel will all be released. Noteworthy CDs are out from newcomers Loudermilk and Marc Copely, as well as CDs from Bryan Ferry, Silverchair, Roland Gift, Jarvis Church, Beth Orton, and Uncle Kracker.

The best news: not a boy band in sight.