Flying Cowboys by Rickie Lee Jones (CD, Sep-1989, Geffen Records USA)

one thing i love about rickie lee jones' catalogue that also drives PIRATES era fans up the wall is the stylistic diversity. Here, Rickie Lee Jones creates the most musical rich and rewarding release of her career, tackling reggae, Laura Nyro, gospel, with the Steely Dan sheen of producer Walter Becker. Yet PIRATES era fans attack this because it's not the druggy/alky/boho Rickie Lee Jones they know and love and want. Thank God. Following the PIRATES formula would've led to a dead end literally and figuratively. Here, rickie Lee is clean, has a child, is happy, and looks great. And She's making the best release in a career span of more than a few great releases.