Get this. . .The 10 of the best albums of the 1996-97 school year

1. Veruca Salt

Eight Arms To Hold You (Geffen)

While I may have just said this list is in no particular order, Veruca Salt's latest is intentionally in the number one spot. With their second album, Nina Gordon and Louise Post reveal themselves to be songwriters of the highest caliber, delivering what was only hinted at by their first release. Blending fantastic harmonies and rock-goddess guitar powers with a love for the glam rock of the '70s with gratuitous references to the Beatles and Bowie, "Eight Arms To Hold You" is the most fun music can provide. If "Shutterbug" and "Loneliness Is Worse" don't become classics, there's something wrong with the world.

2. Blind Melon

Nico (Capitol)

Blind Melon was destined for greatness. A lot of people don't believe it, and unfortunately we'll never find out, but they really did have something going. Their music was unique, lively, inspiring and progressive. Shannon Hoon was one of the great vocal talents of our generation. "Nico" is both a tribute to Shannon, who died before his time, and a closing statement for the band. Made up of unreleased studio tracks and various demos and recordings, it provides an excellent overall view of a group that not only could have been, but was great.

3. Super Furry Animals

Fuzzy Logic (Epic)

If there's going to be a Welsh invasion, these guys will be at the head of it. "Fuzzy Logic" is a pop masterpiece laced with a wonderful retro feel that remaining refreshingly modern. The Furries sport playfully with psychedelia, using trippy vocal and guitar effects,without losing sing-a-long potential. There's a song about a talking hamster, a ballad called "If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You" and one of the catchiest tunes ever, "Something 4 The Weekend." This is good times in a jewelbox case.

4. Lamb

Lamb (Mercury)

What with electronic music being the "new alternative" and all, some of it was bound to fall into this list. Sarcasm aside, Lamb really is one of the best new groups to pop up this year, as well as the first male/female electronic duo to cross the line from trip-hop to drum and bass. Their debut features some really cool junglist tracks, as well as some slower string and synth-driven songs, all presided over by the siren-like melodies of singer Louise Rhodes. This one's out on May 13, so look for it to make some waves.

5. Kula Shaker

K (Columbia)

The success of Oasis opened up the door for the armies of Brit-rock, and at the top of the heap this year was Kula Shaker. Spinning an Eastern edge into retro-rock, Hinduism convert Crispian Mills and company brought us such enlightened hits as "Tattva" and "Govinda" with their debut, as well as straight-out rockers like current single "Hey Dude." Serious musicianship, top production values and solid songwriting make this an easy pick - "Samadhi" is just a bonus.

6. Tricky

Pre-Millenium Tension (Island)

A lot of people worried when Tricky declared his break with the "trip-hop" he was credited with creating. No one knew what to expect next, though last summer's release of the essential "Nearly God" album provided a tantalizing hint. Now, the wondering is over, but the worries have only just begun. "Pre-Millenium Tension" is dark, brooding and delightfully frightening. It's a construction of loops, samples, and the haunting vocals of both Tricky himself and partner-in-crime Martina. It captures in music what the title expresses. Sure hope you can handle it.

7. DJ Shadow

Endtroducing (Mo Wax)

When someone single-handedly changes the face of music, it would be very wrong not to give credit where it's due. With his debut album "Endtroducing," DJ Shadow has changed the face of music, and he's luckily getting all that he deserves. If you haven't already heard the songs that Shadow constructs using one hundred percent samples and nothing else, prepare to have your hip-hop horizons expanded beyond belief. And maybe "songs" isn't a strong enough word. Try "masterpieces" instead.

8. Ocean Colour Scene

Mosley Shoals (MCA)

Ocean Colour Scene is the other great British rock band to release an album during the year. Strong supporters of the group include some of the British rock elite like Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, and with good reason too. Although their earlier work is kind of sketchy, "Mosley Shoals" more than makes up for it. Their blues-drenched guitar rock is reminiscent of both the Beatles and the Stones, perfect for drinking or dancing or whatever the hell you feel like doing - as long as it ain't boring.

9. Luscious Jackson

Fever In Fever Out (Capitol)

Luscious Jackson was always cool before, but never this cool. Moving to Cajun country to record and work with a new producer, the band has finally found their true voice. There's a jazzy elegance to this record that can cut right through the smoke that's bound to be swirling around awhile. "Fever In Fever Out" is a lesson in how to chill out and how to groove at the same time. It's an old-school dance hall trip, man, and you don't want to miss it.

10. Brendan Benson

One Mississippi (Virgin)

Brendan Benson is a singer/songwriter from Detroit who's writing some of the best rock-driven pop music around, despite that he isn't from England. While he may not be getting the press he deserves, he's gaining the respect of everyone who hears this first album. The songs on "One Mississippi" are short and sweet, and there are some great lyrics which will make you all the more likely to join in the fun.

Some other albums that deserve honorable mention are Moloko's "Do You Like My Tight Sweater," The Cardigans' "First Band On The Moon," Daft Punk's "Homework," Mazzy Star's "Among My Swan," Blur's self-titled release, the Chemical Brothers "Dig Your Own Hole" and Cibo Matto's "Super Relax" EP, which didn't make the list because it's not a full album. And if you're wondering why the Spice Girls didn't make it, please, get help.

And don't forget, watch out this summer for new releases from Faith No More, the Charlatans UK, Kenickie (who you'll adore), and John Squire's new band the Seahorses. And that new Oasis CD will have to come out sooner or later. Anyway, it should be a great summer either way, especially if you manage to pick up all these albums. Trust me, you'll thank me in the fall.