Psycohum The Falling Joys Nettwerk This is the second album from these Australian,"critics darlings." Their sound is similar to many of the European bands that feature a strong pop consciousness, a sense of humor and a female lead vocalist. They manage to pull it all off with an identity strong enough to make the difference.(BB)   Moon In Scorpio The Family Stand Eastwest This is great stuff. Perhaps Sly Stone and Prince got together under an alias. (Nah, that would be too much to ask.) Regardless, this is one to place carefully in whatever reproduction device you may own and wind the volume to "10" and nail it there. You won't be disappointed. (SC)   Internal Exile Fish Polydor This sounds like early Genesis or better yet, Marillion. There's a good reason for that. Fish, is the former lead singer of the latter, who released four respectable records in the '80s. This, his second solo effort, could be considered a concept album and is a refreshing change from the norm. (SC)   I Learned Shut Up Five - Eight Sky A new three piece unit from Athens, Georgia with a great sense of humor and "chops," to match. This kind of group used to be called a,"power trio." These guys live up to that, no problem. They sound like raw, electric, Neil Young combined with Lou Reed's deadpan wit. (CS)   Hit To Death In The Future Head The Flaming Lips Warner Brothers And you probably thought the punk spirit of the Sex Pistols died in 1980. Well, it sorta did. Until now, that is. If you're into the unusual and slightly bizzare, this band's for you. Every song is different. If nothing else, the parental warning sticker should give you a clue. (BB)   The Satellite Heart The Flaming Lips Warner Brothers Their second major label album doesn't carry a parental warning sticker like last years Warners debut. Guess the words aren't as offensive this time. The music however, hasn't really changed. Imagine pop music with the energy and volume of punk and you'll get the idea. A wonderful and cacophonous extravaganza. (BB)   Purplemetalflakemusic The Fluid Hollywood I dunno why, but listening to this brought back memories of Blue Cheer. These guys don't come across with quite as much grunge as BC, but the spirit is certainly there. Maybe it was the album cover that caught my attention? Hmm... All I know is that I like this a lot. (SC)   The American Way Steve Forbert Geffen Y'know, it's hard to find fault with this guy 'cause he writes such neat tunes. Every one is a gem. He's usually a cult item and this probably won't do much to change that stereotypical status but, if you're willing to take a chance, your effort will be well rewarded. (SC)   Fourplay Fourplay Warner Smooth music from some of the best in the business. No matter how homogenized it may sound. Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason and Nathan East, can still pack a punch. You may hear excerpts on the Weather Channel, but no matter, it's still worthwhile. Enjoyable without seeking greatness. (SC)   The Freewheelers The Freewheelers DGC A step or two above the J.Geils Band. The sound is similar but there's lots more soul to be found here. Imagine if you can J. Geils without the ever obnoxious Peter Wolf and you'll have this band captured in a nutshell. Worth at least a listen if not more. (SC)   Marvin The Album Frente! Mammoth/Atlantic A new Australian quartet with a fresh sound that will often defy description. (Although pop with acoustic jazz sensibilities comes to mind.) If you're tired of the same old radio fodder, try this on for size. If nothing else, it'll be different than what you may be accustomed to hearing these days. (BB)   Live Glenn Frey MCA Recorded during the July 8th show in Dublin last year, this fourteen song set coverseverything from the early Eagles hits to the title cut of his latest solo album, Strange Weather. His firecracker band ignites the music while he fans the flame. Turn this up and have some fun. (BB)   Strange Weather Glenn Frey MCA The fourth solo album from the only other former "original" Eagle enjoying a successful solo career. He defined his style years ago and hasn't strayed too far from it. This is smooth, very listenable and the production is sounding more like Don Henley's than ever before. A, "California Sound," for the 90s'. (BB)   Humungous Fungo Mungo Island Great stuff. "Funky Metal," is one way to describe it. Call it what you will, it doesn't matter. Just don't pass it up. Yeah, you won't hear them on the radio, but who cares? Buy it and disturb the neighbors by setting the volume on "10" and nailing it there. (SC)   Sweetness Funland Arista Debut EP from one of the few pop bands to ever come out of Texas. Seven tunes which attempt to embody the spirit and substance of 70s' power pop without utilizing the clever lyrics or catchy melodies that are usually associated with it. By the way, it just doesn't work. (BB)   (SC) Stephen Curtis (BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland (CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney Index © 2000 Dr. Rock'n'Roll All Rights Reserved