Becoming X Virgin Records Performance Quality = 8.5 Sound Quality = 7.5 I admit it. I bought their Import single based simply on the fact their name is so cool... The Sneaker Pimps. The domestic album is quite good. It is a sophisticated cross between techno, rock and pop. The Sneaker Pimps show influences from Bjork at times while at other times they sound more like The Meat Beat Manifesto.

DCC Compact Disc 24 Karat Re-release | Performance 9 | Sound 9 | If you only own one Frank Sinatra record DCC's 24 Karat version of Duets should be the one. As Frank has moved into the post recording and touring stage of his career Duets serves as an excellent summary of a superstar's work. By bringing in some of the greatest names of his era as well as some of today's brightest talents Frank has once again immortalized his work in addition to reaching out to yet another generation of fans. I recall discussing with my 87 year old grandmother the days of her baby-sitting Frank in Hoboken, New Jersey while cooking sauce and playing one of my many Sinatra records on a recent trip home to Philadelphia.

Trip Tease' Asphodel Records Performance 5.5 Sound 5.5 "Tripsy" is a hybrid of a hip hop vibe and the all too chic 50 lounge music that has been reissued in the past year or so. The record has a definite groove to it. From start to finish it keeps you jamming with way out 50 retro effects and a mellow and non over powering hip hop groove.

Eight Arms to Hold You Dreamworks Records | Performance 6.5 | Sound 7 | This band rocks in a time where a good new rock song is becoming very rare. Eight Arms to Hold You has aggressive female vocals with attitude but thankfully no (Alanis-esque) angst. The guitars on this record are really loud and very well recorded. Over all there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm on this effort. It really feels like its movin'.

Spice Girls, Virgin Records | Performance 6 | Sound 6.5 | The Spice Girls are a new pop sensation from England that are the most exciting `chick' group since Bananarama! Their first single "Wannabe" is a pure radio hit despite the white girl rap sections. The entire record is very well produced. The songs don't drop off after the hit single. "Say you'll be there" with its 70 retro sample bassline has hit potential along with the Madonna-esque ballad "2 become 1", "Love Thing" and "Who do you think you are".