The Geraldine Fibbers "Butch" Virgin Records "Carla, Carla, where for art thou Carla? Curled up in a ball, escaping from it all, ready to fall?" No, not in these days, not any more. Her butch-like ways seem to soar in this second gut-driven enterprise to feed the mind and the soul and to wake up a few sleepers and dreamers from pretty empty surfaces. Definitely not for the quiet at heart but for the heart that burns and churns with the waves in the midst of a hurricane. "Old palm trees sway in the breeze. Lick my lips. I'll be alone forever. You will never get my heart." What more can a girl ask for? Country punk. A band that knows how to work the madness. One of the best bands that never gets heard. A pity, a shame, and again, just to confirm, radio sucks. Invite them to your next big event and catch my drift. --J.G.

Rickie Lee Jones "Ghostyhead" Elektra Records A far cry from Chuck-E, Ghostyhead embellishes contemporary electronica with a combination of surreal vocal statements. Jazzy, bluesy, and thought-inducing, Rickie Lee captures your attention and sends you out seeking vast frequencies. Float on a pinhead or fly through a whirlwind. Quiet, poetic, priceless. The live rendition of these tracks is even better. A stage decorated with living room pieces, candles, and incense that enhance the senses and make the experience mesmerizing. Rickie has still got it goin' on progressing to that rare level many artists never reach. Her voice is picture perfect, bending and swaying up and down against the wall of sound created by her band. This is art at its best. --J.G.

Jaimie Blake "Self-Titled" A&M Records Surfer girl, Jaimie Blake, is new on the scene, but her songs possess old-school attitude. Her dynamic smile spills over to slightly rock, slightly pop compositions. Catchy melodies and cool harmonies enhance her very likable voice. Radio should be all over this, but as radio goes these days, one never knows. Outdoor girl meets city slicker. It's all in there like a blackberry banana smoothy on a sunny day. --J.G.