THE A LIST

Albums to which our critics gave A's come from such diverse sources as angry young women (Babes in Toyland) and the Great White Way. *MOTORHEAD March or Die (WTG/Epic) Hooks and humor that go way beyond ordinary metal.

*SONIC YOUTH Dirty (DGC) A sharp and expressive effort from alternative vets.

*GUYS AND DOLLS Broadway Cast (RCA Victor) This brassy new version cooks from start to finish.

*THE MOST HAPPY FELLA Broadway Cast (RCA Victor) More intimate and heartfelt than the original.

*MORRISSEY Your Arsenal (Sire/Reprise) Delicious dolorousness from former Smith front man.

*BRIAN MCKNIGHT Brian McKnight (Mercury) R&B suitable for framing.

*THE ZAWINUL SYNDICATE Lost Tribes (Columbia) Former Weather Reporter kicks out jazz-soul-world grooves with a human feel.

*ROZALLA Everybody's Free (Epic) Great tunes and singing from one of clubland's hottest stars.

*SOUNDTRACK Singles (Epic Sound-trax) An impressive sampler, including the Seattle scene's best bands howling at their respective moons.

*EPHRAIM LEWIS Skin (Elektra) Neo-soul singer with a flair for memorable melodies.

*BABES IN TOYLAND Fontanelle (Reprise) A furious document from women who make ripsnorting rock & roll as angry as it is sexy.

*MOBY Moby (Instinct) This British DJ shows how intoxicating techno can be.