Some gems nestled among the superstar albums

Most eyes and ears will focus on superstar album releases hitting stores today from Eric Clapton, Neil Young and Seal. But here's hoping other worthies don't get buried in the onslaught.

TOP OF THE CROP: What happens when a smart and seasoned American piano man (Ben Folds) puts his keening voice and crafty tunes to the lyrics of a noted British novelist/screenwriter (Nick Hornsby) obsessed with pop culture?

Great things, a wondrous ride down the paths of "Lonely Avenue" (Nonesuch, A). There's a nourishing story in each nugget - insightful, poignant, funny, often all at once. And while there's a recurring music industry theme (a Hornsby trademark), the set has wider appeal. The homage to "Doc Pomus," author of the song that gives the album its title, defines a crippled songwriter who channeled infirmities into great music.

The show-closing smash "Belinda," one of several accented with a glowing Paul Buckmaster string arrangement, is all about a hit song that pains the jerky narrator to perform. The wildly rockin' celebration of poet "Saskia Hamilton" is sure to get you Googling.

HIS NEXT PLATEAU: On this side of the pond, Mark Ronson is best known as producer/orchestrator of spunky neo-soul hits for Amy Winehouse ("Rehab") and Lily Allen. And while it's good stuff, I'm not sure Mark's third album as a front man, "Record Collection" (RCA, B+), is going to bring him into more celebrity focus. This is the first to feature his own light vocals on a couple of tracks, including the glamorous-life-spoofing title track.

The set also marks his change in thrust from horn-scorched soul to flashy synth pop. But it's hard to keep our gaze on the guy when he's sharing the spotlight with D'Angelo, Boy George and the combination of rapper Q-Tip and female-fronted MNDR (on the disco/hip-hop-flavored "Bang Bang Bang").

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER: While Entertainment Weekly faulted "Clapton" (Warner Bros., B+) for its cerebral, laid-back nature, that's just what I find charming about this crafty, understated project, Eric's first studio set in five years.

The guy's feeling his age, putting the emphasis on his worldly-wise voice with ambling, mellow, sleepy-time-down-south curios like Hoagy Carmichael's "Rocking Chair," J.J Cale's "River Runs Deep" (featuring the composer), and "When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful," infused with the swaggering New Orleans' horns of Wynton Marsalis and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews.

Phil Collins is "Going Back" (Atlantic, C) to the music of his childhood, especially Motown hits. Arrangements simply clone the originals, though, and Collins' vocals are so oddly buffed it's hard to spot the man we knew.

Carlos Santana throws trademark Latino flair into "Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Classics of All Time" (Arista, B), spicing his solos on T. Rex's "Bang a Gong" (vocal by Gavin Rossdale) and the Rolling Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" (sung by Scott Weiland). Only "Back in Black," with its harsh rap by Nas, jumps out in this retread set.

Speaking of the Stones, co-lead guitarist Ronnie Wood makes a rare solo appearance on "I Feel Like Playing" (Eagle Records, B). The vet writes and growls a lot like Bob Dylan in his plucky prime and surrounds himself with Stones' staples Bernard Fowler (vocals), Ian McLagan (keys) and Darryl Jones (bass), plus Ivan Neville on keyboards, Slash and Billy Gibbons on guitar, and Bobby Womack on backing vocals. Try on "Fancy Pants."

Listening to the grand and glorious pop arias on Seal's "Commitment" (Reprise, A-), it's easy to understand his superstar status in Europe. Lushly orchestrated songs connect to Euro classical traditions, while Seal's dulcet tones could play at La Scala.

Neil Young's "Le Noise" (Reprise, B) is the starkest thing the guy has done in aeons. Just the man with his electric (or acoustic) guitar, atmospherically processed/overdubbed by Daniel Lanois to freak-up blunt observations on a world gone wrong and enduring love. Not really worth all the media fuss it's getting.

GOOD-TIME MUSIC: "Kids Corner" faves Trout Fishing in America serve big kids for a change on "Lookin' At Lucky" (Trout Records, B+), with novelty tunes that connect the giddiness of youth and old(er) age.

Joey + Rory cut really cute nu-bluegrass - sometimes focused on their so-called big career - on "Album #2" (Sugar Hill/Vanguard, B). Kindred spirits the Zac Brown Band make an appearance.

Two good-time blues sessions are just hitting stores. Joe Louis Walker's Blues Conspiracy "Live on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise" (Stony Plain, B+) finds the man storming the high seas with buds like Johnny Winter, Kenny Neal and ace keyboard man Mike Finnigan. "Jug Band Extravaganza" (Folk Era, B) reunites old-timey ragtime revivalists Jim Kweskin, David Grisman, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur and her ex, Geoff.