MUSIC . . .

Three of the four top Billboard albums -- recent releases all -- are based on appearances by bands on "MTV Unplugged": The Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" debuted in first place; Nirvana's "MTV Unplugged in New York" is at No. 2 and "No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded," by the two former Led Zeppelin members, is in fourth place on Billboard's charts. Popularity doesn't guarantee quality, however. warns TIME Music Critic Christopher John Farley: "Only the Nirvana album is worth listening to. The Eagles' new album is full of stupid, gutless music."Farley also obtained a copy of Pearl Jam's new album, "Vitalogy" which will be released on vinyl this Tuesday and in other formats on December 6. Says Farley "It's a fairly satisfying album with a couple of clunkers and a couple of pretty good songs. I hope it'll grow on me."Post your opinion on theSocietybulletin board.