In Ribbons Pale Saints 4AD This isn't too bad, although it may take more than one listen to really sink in, the effort should be rewarding. I don't think they're,"the most interesting group of the '90s," at least not yet. Time may tell. ' Til then, just another English band heading down the 'pike. (SC)   Paleface Paleface Polydor As a child he listened to the Monkees, Ohio Players and Rolling Stones. How he ended up in N.Y.C. hanging with the beatnik crowd with his guitar and harmonica is beyond reckoning. If Dylan and Lou Reed made a record 25 years ago it would sound a lot like this. (SC)   Vanessa Paradis Vanessa Paradis Polydor This is her debut English-language recording, even though she's been a big hit in France since the tender age of 14. Lenny Kravitz was enlisted as producer/mentor and it shows. He wrote nine of the ten songs and played various instruments. His 60s' Motown-style production makes it work. Excellent.(SC)   Wicked World Rick Parker Geffen Debut album full of good-time rock'n'roll from a former member of the short lived band, "Lions and Ghosts." Nothing earth shattering, no messages, just music for music's sake. The warmth of his influences smoothly shines through. Consequently, it's no surprise that he pulls it off with such ease and honesty. (SC)   Ten Pearl Jam Epic The other Seattle band who will be around long after the word, "Nirvana" again triggers the mental picture of a plump, festooned Maharishi. You'll notice who Weird Al chose to parody in his latest video. It wasn't this bunch for good reasons. For starters, try more essence, conviction and talent . (SC)   Petite Blonde Petite Blonde Lipstick Recorded live in Germany this past summer during Bill Evans' latest European tour. The musicians, drummer Dennis Chambers, bassist Victor Bailey, guitarist Chuck Loeb and Keyboardist Mitchel Forman, were assembled from the nucleus of,"Bill Evans' Super Band." Seven lengthy cuts of hard edged jazz, funk and blues that really cook. (BB)   Let The Stoned Kid Drive Planet Be We Baked It Productions Debut disc from a five member, New England based outfit, who were formerly known as Plan Be. The eleven songs here mix psychedelic rock and blues with funky grooves that often gyrate into spontaneous jams. Check them out the next time they hit town and don't forget your dancing shoes. (BB)   Pardon Me Poorboys Hollywood An outfit of four guys playing two guitars, bass and drums. The extent of their influences range from 60s' Motown / R&B to 70s' hard rock / pop with some of the rougher edges of late 70s' punk rock thrown in for good measure. Basic no-frills rock and roll. Not bad. (SC)   Power Of Dreams Immigrants, Emigrants And Me Polydor Teenage Irish angst coupled with a glorious mess of frantically bashed guitars provide a solid foundation for this young band of Dubliners. Lyrics of lust and love result in a wholly satisfying concoction. Lively romanticism and a worldly sense of relationships combine with a contagious Kinks-like glee. Nice. (SC)   Praise Praise Giant Shut out the lights, jump start a couple candles, spread a quilt on the floor and get ready to drift off into the musical world created by Praise. Haunting vocals float above an instrumental bed that's equally good for snuggling or tripping the light fantastic. Enya meets the dance floor. (BB)   Lawdy! Lloyd Price Specialty He's best known for the late '50s hit,"Stagger Lee." Although none of the more familiar works are here,this collection showcases a talent that was generally ignored during his prime. Filled with lesser "hits," B-sides and unreleased alternate takes it's a fitting tribute to an early R&B pioneer. (SC)   Pride And Glory Pride And Glory Geffen Here's the deal. Guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde used to play for Ozzy Osborne. During his days off he'd jam with the rhythm section of Ozzy's band. Guess what. They didn't play Sabbath material. Instead, they leaned toward southern rock. Imagine Black Sabbath and the Allman Brothers having a keg party. Sounds fun to me. (CS)   Screamadelica Primal Scream Sire From Soul / Funk to vintage psychedelia and back again without batting an eyelash. The American debut album from this Scottish band gives proof that there is life after U2 in the British Isles. If you're curious, call your local college radio station. If you're daring, pick it up sight unseen.(SC)   Greed Pure Reprise In a brilliant marketing move, their song, "Greedy," was included on the,"Cool World," soundtrack album, but it never made the flick. Looks like the record company is hot on these guys to say the least. This EP is their first major release. Look for a full album later this year. (BB)   Melting Point Marc Puricelli Musicmasters Over the last twenty-five years he's played keyboards with the likes of John Blake, Kevin Eubanks, Omar Hakim and Chet Baker. Along the way he's become a master of acoustic/ electronic keyboards and an excellent composer. Twelve original tunes (nearly an hour's worth) that should have you reaching for the repeat button. (SC)   (SC) Stephen Curtis (BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland (CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney Index © 2000 Dr. Rock'n'Roll All Rights Reserved