The following highly subjective selections, which were released over the past year, reflect the preferences of a pianist who loves orchestras, welcomes new ideas about classics and always hunts for something offbeat. If you've never listened to classical music, any of these titles might draw you in -- there's no secret handshake. Go nuts.

Zev Borrow reviews De La Soul's fourth album "Stakes is High".

Sharps and Flats is a daily music review.

Zen country singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore's music is "therapy for the world."

Sam Hurwitt reviews Lyle Lovett's album "The Road to Ensenada".

The Charlie Hunter Quartet, "Ready...Set...Shango!" (Blue Note)

James Marcus reviews Bill Frisell's career in this edition of Sharps and Flats.

Milo Miles reviews The Fugees for Sharps and Flats.

David Fenton reviews Beck's album "Odelay".

Lori Leibovich reviews Ani DiFranco's album "Dilate"

Charles Taylor reviews Noise Addict's album "Meet The Real You".

Sharps and Flats is a daily music review.

Michael E. Ross reviews George Michael's album "Older".

He writes the songs they ought to sing.

Charles Taylor reviews The Cranberries third release "To the Faithful Departed".

Elvis and his idols: he writes the songs they ought to sing

This time not even sex can save Tori

Milo Miles reviews the music of Eric Dolphy.

Stephanie Zacharek reviews Paul Westerberg's album "Eventually".

Lori Leibovich reviews Gillian Welch's album "Revival".

Sharps and Flats is a daily music review.

Martin Scorsese's romance with pop music