New (to me) acquisitions on compact disc:

Tommy Womack, Positively Na Na (Checkered Past, 1998). For those of you who've read my screed in The High Hat's #3 issue, you'll already know that I like Tommy's work. This CD is no exception. Of particular note is his paean to The Dead Boys et. al, "Whatever Happened to Cheetah Chrome?" His tale of childhood revenge fantasies, "Skinny & Small," is also a lot of fun. That's what you get with Tommy. Fun. (I'm serious, find yourself a copy of Cheese Chronicles if you like music, and you like a good laugh. This book is a fast read, and it's indispensible if you've ever longed to live the rock 'n roll life.)

Superchunk, Tossing Seeds (Singles 88 - 91) (Merge, 1991). What I know about Superchunk could fill a thimble. Common wisdom says that if you're going to check them out, look to their early stuff. Based on at least 4 listens, I would say that's worthwhile advice. Crunching guitars, intelligent pop lyrics, uptempo bruisers. I can see what the fuss was about.

Joe Ely, Streets of Sin (Rounder, 2003). Venerable rocker in cowboy boots sneaks a release in under the radar, just as The Flatlanders issue their 3rd album (Wheels of Fortune, (New West, 2004)) in 3 decades and change. It's encouraged me to dig out copies of Musta Notta Gotta Lotta and Honky Tonk Masquerade. Joe's style might not be as juke-joint-shakin' as his "Fingernails" era output, but this is worth having if you're a fan. And I'm a fan.

Guided By Voices, Jellyfish Reflector (live recording, 1996). From the Under the Bushes, Under the Stars tour. Gotta say, this one doesn't grab my attention until they run through what they call their "new stuff." Maybe that's because that's about the time Bob would have gotten a decent buzz on. This is so-so quality bootage. It sounds OK, but Bob loses pitch a few too many times for my taste. I do like 'em live, but as the saying goes, "You really had to be there." RIYL GbV, otherwise, it's an easy pass.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Beasts of No Nation/O.D.O.O. (FAK via MCA Recordings, 2001). Two half-hour cuts, zero bullshit.