François Bourassa Trio + André Leroux Live (Effendi/SRI) Marvellous music by this longstanding trio plus an excellent reedman. Try the Monk medley. 9.5 (LD)

His Name Is Alive Someday My Blues Will Cover the Earth (4AD/Beggars Group) Surprise! Album six is all about classy, low-key R&B spun around vocals of soul-stress Lovetta Pippen. 7 (LC)

Various Reggae Rocks: The Tide Is High (Bongo Boy) The Heptones do the Stones and, better yet, Ken Boothe tackles Tears for Fears. Fun! 7 (RB)

Tommy Malone Soul Heavy (Louisiana Red Hot/Fusion III) Acoustic groove. Weird but good. 7 (JC)

Rubber Snake Ten Shepherds Lost (Rubber Records) Decent sophomore disc by T.O. trio with one foot in the '90s (alterna-guitar rock + sensitive side), one in the '80s (big anthems + hair vocals). 6.5 (LC)

Various Punk Chartbusters Vol. 4 (Wolverine/Fusion III) Two CDs with over 50 ditties guaranteed to irritate your mom. Cheap, too! 6 (JC)

The Waifs Sink or Swim (independent) Simple, corny folk-pop by Aussie trio (two gals, guy) with hints of country, world beat, blues, even punk. Cheque please! 4 (LC)

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