Ernest Ranglin Modern Answers to Old Problems (Telarc) Ranglin's Afro-meanderings continue, abetted by no less than Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen. 9.5 (RB)

Patricia Barber Nightclub (Blue Note/EMI) Superior singer, superior songs! 9 (LD)

Southern Culture on the Skids Liquored Up And Lacquered Up (TVT/Universal) SCOTS continue to cook up some smooth corn whisky in their ever-bubbling still. 8 (JC)

Cooper Thomson Lamplight on Hutchison (independent) Local, lo-fi, country-tinged, melody-heavy tunes. Token glam song! Lennon-on-valium vocals! If music had hair, this would sport a Morrissey quaff. 7.5 (LC)

Jebidiah Of Someday Shambles (Big Wheel Recreation) The children of Superchunk are all grown up. 7.5 (JC)

Various Thong Songs (Koch) Whoomp, there they are--the safe, mersh side of Miami booty bass. Like Eurodisco in its stupidity and efficacity. Compulsively fascinating. 7 (RB)

The Special Guests First Album (The Song Corporation) More Bends-era Radiohead fare--from Victoria, B.C., no less--with some good songs despite the flat production. Better live. 6 (LC)

Lil Bow Wow Beware of Dog (SoSoDef/Sony) Give this kid a Scooby Snack and bounce him on his way. 5 (SC)

Snow Mind on the Moon (Virgin/EMI) Where'd you go, Snow? We missed you! Are you leaving again anytime soon? 4 (SC)

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