When It Comes To Misery, Jones Sure Sounds Good

George Jones “I Lived To Tell It All” (MCA)

Country’s No. 1 living legend is still in fine voice, and this set is a breathtaking run through some great country songs. If you haven’t had your heartstrings tugged in a while, check out “Tied To A Stone” or “Hundred Proof Memories.” With the single “Honky Tonk Song,” Jones finally addresses his famous DUI arrest by police when he was riding his lawn mower down the highway in search of a bar after then wife Tammy Wynette had hidden all his bottles and car keys. Abject misery has never sounded so good. Thank God for George Jones.

David McMurray “The Dave McMurray Show” (Warner Bros.)

Intrepid reedman David McMurray was an integral part of the funky, off-the-wall sound of Was (Not Was). This wailing R&B/cont hints at McMurray’s role as a Junior Walker for the millennium. Guest wizards of Was include such dexterous sidemen as Luis Resto, Randy Jacobs and Rayse Biggs, and further Was influence pops up in McMurray’s odd vocal loops and acid funk interludes. McMurray’s restless, acrobatic solos invigorate the infectious dance funk rhythms of “Around The World In 8 Measures” and “Old School”; the urban world music of “The Beginning”; the P-Funk intimations of “The Jam”; and “Spill It (All Out),” a rap number with a welcome sample of Eric Burdon & War’s “Spill The Wine.”

Paul Anka “Amigos” (Globo/Sony)

A pop icon from late ‘50/early ‘60s who still enjoys a large following in Latin America, Paul Anka marks his initial foray into the Spanish-language market with a likable package of bilingual covers of some of his greatest hits recorded as duets with a stellar cast of singers from the Latino music world (Julio Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Juan Gabriel), as well as from the non-Latino arena (Celine Dion, Tom Jones, Barry Gibb). “Mi Pueblo,” the album’s peppy leadoff single with Gabriel, is an instant hit, along with “Pon Tu Cabeza En Mi Hombro,” with Myriam Hernandez; “Mejor Decir Adios,” with Dion; and “Yo Te Amo,” with Anka’s daughter Anthea, Gibb, and Kenny G.

Storyville “A Piece Of Your Soul” (Code Blue/Atlantic)

Bluesy rock band from Austin, Texas, debuts on a major label after a highly acclaimed indie release. The credentials of the various members - past associations include Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, the Mavericks and Carlene Carter - are evident on such tunes as focus track “Good Day For The Blues,” the Robert Cray-reminiscent “Blind Side” and the rocking “Bitter Rain.” Although the group lacks a defining sound, its ardent fan base and a market receptive to roots-oriented rock bode well for continued success.

Various Artists “Honor - A Benefit For The Honor The Earth Campaign” (Daemon)

From the Indigo Girls’ Daemon label comes a compilation with a worthy cause and an impressive cast that includes the Indigos, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Bonnie Raitt and David Grisman, Jane Siberry, Rusted Root, Victoria Williams, the Latin Playboys, Matthew Sweet, Soul Asylum, and native American artists John Trudell, Ulali, Indigenous and Keith Secola & Wild Band Of Indians. Some of the tunes are newly recorded; others are from the artists’ archives of live and studio material. Project benefits the Honor the Earth Campaign, which protects indigenous communities from exploitation.

In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall “Les Miserables” (Relativity/Tristar)

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Les Miserables,” cast members from worldwide productions assembled in London’s Albert Hall last fall to present the work in concert. The piece - which could not have been created without the influence of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, or, perhaps, Kurt Weill - displays its power once more on disc. The music is all here on two discs, and the assemblage, naturally, gives all it has given in the various stage productions.