Abdullah Ibrahim Ekapa Lodumo (Enja/Fusion III) A keeper from the man from Capetown, enhanced by the NDR Big Band. 9.5 (LD)

Bill Frisell With Dave Holland and Elvin Jones (Nonesuch/Warner) Frisell paired up with Jones and Holland?! Yes, it's that good. 9 (JC)

Three 4 Tens Change Is on Its Way (File 13) Philly quartet debuts with a clean, solid psych-pop-rocker in the spirit of Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd. 8 (LC)

S.I. Futures The Mission Statement (Novamute/Fusion III) Post-everything digiphonic fun. I have seen the future and it is silly. 7.5 (RB)

Dexter Romweber Chased by Martians (Manifesto) Former Flat Duo Jets frontman keeps the joint a-rockin' with rockabilly-surf-garage covers and originals (half and half). 7.5 (LC)

Hayseed Dixie A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC (Razor & Tie/Outside) Bluegrass version of "Big Balls"? Big balls, indeed. 7 (JC)

Billy Bob Thornton Private Radio (Lost Highway/Universal) Sling Blade's Southern-fried circuit board, in a crystal case for all to see. Really gives you the creeps. 5 (RB)

Full length reviews...