moe. - No Doy (1996)

Like Phish, Blues Traveler and the Dave Matthews Band, Moe are an eclectic jam band, incorporating elements of blues, rock, jazz, funk and country into their style. That also means they tend not to really write songs -- they write sketches which are then fleshed out with their extended jams. Musically, Moe are one of the more accomplished acts of the second wave of jam bands, and their major-label debut, No Doy, frequently has sparks of inspiration. Unfortunately, it's clear that they haven't been able to harness their live power in the studio, making No Doy a fitfully engaging record, but one that shows great promise nonetheless. © Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo