JOY DIVISION; "New Dawn Fades: The Best of Joy Division" (London/Rhino) *** 1/2

Like Jesus & Mary Chain, Joy Divison brought that disenfranchised Euro-angst to the states. With only two official studio albums, the band — featuring lead singer Ian Curtis, guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris — made an impact on the burgeoning alternative scene. Neither album hit the U.S. charts, but the clubs picked up a the synth-highlighted tune called "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Unfortunately, the group would not get the breakthrough live introduction in the United States. Just a night before the band's first U.S. tour, Curtis committed suicide. This CD, featuring "She Lost Control" and Transmition," is a tribute to him and comes in time for Anton Corbin's documentary of the band "Control" to hit the DVD racks. —S.I.

DAVE KOZ; "Greatest Hits" (Capitol) ***

Smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz rang in the 1990s with his self-titled debut CD in '91. He continued wooing crowds throughout the decade and is now in his 18th year as a recording artist. On this single CD, Koz's best-known tunes, "Castle of Dreams," "Emily," "You Make Me Smile" and "Faces of the Heart" from "General Hospital," are stirred with new tracks "And Then I Knew," "Bada Bing" and "Life in the Fast Lane," not to be confused with the Eagles song of the same name, and "I Can," with vocals by Cece Winans are prefect fits with older Koz works "Honey Dipped" and duets "Can't Let You Go (The Sha La Song)" and "Love Changes Everything," sung by Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight, respectively. Good new tunes, favorite old tunes work well here. — S.I.

PATTI LaBELLE; "The Essential Patti LaBelle" (Philadelphia International/Legacy) ***

The sass, strut and attitude of Patti LaBelle endeared her to her fans. "The Essential Patti LaBelle" hit the stores this year, in time for Patti's group LaBelle to reunite. So, to celebrate, let's all sing "Lady Marmalade" and "What Can I Do for You." But at the same time, let's not forget LaBelle's roots in The Blue Belles — "Down the Aisle (the Wedding Song)" and "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman." And we can't forget LaBelle's solo works "On My Own" and "Love Has Finally Come at Last." They're all here and more. — S.I.

LITTLE RICHARD; "The Very Best of Little Richard" (Specialty Records) ****