Seamus Blake & Daniel Thouin Trio Live au Cabaret (Effendi/SRI) The hot, young reedman with Thouin's together trio "live" in the Cabaret de St-Sulpice, back in '99--recommended! 9.5 (LD)

Jane Monheit Never Never Land (N-Coded/Koch) A welcome new voice, great repertoire and just-right backing. 9 (LD)

Various I Am Fearless, Funky & Five (Tummy Touch/Fusion III) Five candles for this fun medium-beat label (Groove Armada, Tim "Love" Lee etc.). Incl. "Nudo," a naughty lil' boardgame for "grown-ups." 8 (RB)

FUG Ready For Us (Nuphonic) Minimalist funk-folk with cinematic swells and sad-but-sweet vocals. 7(SC)

Various Digital Empire: Mix Breed (BML/Song) The Icey-Fresh, Slim-Size Basement Chemical Method of filin' and compilin'. I know, it's only "rock 'n' roll," but I like it. 7 (RB)

Billy Idol Greatest Hits (Chrysalis/EMI) Phase 1: Fun, kinda credible pop-punk. 2: Amusing '80s cheese. 3: Utterly dismal comeback attempts and lame covers. 5 (LC)

Various Glam Goldmine (Big Eye Music) Sad comp with only a few glam goodies (Stooges, NY Dolls etc). Dead or Alive's "Rebel Rebel" is pathetic and hysterical, which places it above the bulk. 4 (LC)

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