Choice Cuts: April 2003

Highlight Tracks: "Last Cinema" and "Prussian Blue"

For More Info: Visit http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/label/blue...

Artist: THE DIXIELAND RAMBLERS

Album: Live and Lighting It Up in New Orleans

The Scoop: Probably one of the happiest records you'll hear this year, and a counterpart, in some ways, to the Marsalis Family CD reviewed last month. While Live and Lighting It Up may be lacking in the Marsalis celebrity cameo and original composition departments, the Ramblers' gleeful celebration of good ol' intoxicatin' New Orleans surely shares the same spirit. While clarinetist Michael Bennett and trumpeter Kevin Clark shine brightest and most consistently, all six Ramblers make playful use of their time alone in the spotlight. Encouraged by an enthusiastic crowd, the sextet relies more on spontaneity and sheer energy than by-the-book renditions of the standards. Spontaneity is sometimes a buzz word for bands that are enthusiastic but technically lacking, but the Dixieland Ramblers are-true to their name-time-tested pros and keepers of the 'Nawlins sound.

Highlight Tracks: "Hindustan" and "Clarinet Marmalade"

For More Info: Visit http://www.summitrecords.com

Artist: LINDA DRAPER

Album: Patchwork

The Scoop: Already her third album at just the age of 25, Patchwork is an arresting collection of 11 songs from "anti-folk" singer/songwriter Linda Draper. If you don't know the difference between "folk" and "anti-folk," don't worry: I don't really get it either. There isn't anything too overtly punk or political about Draper, just all the ingredients of a first-class folkstress (smart lyrics, sparse guitar accompaniment, inviting vocals). Draper is capable of floating her voice up into the highest of registers, infusing with a shivering dreaminess. The sparseness doesn't translate to a sacrifice of hooks, as almost all of the 11 songs have subtly infectious melodies, especially in the choruses. Patchwork was produced by Kramer, whose past credits include Mike Doughty's solo album Skittish and Urge Overkill's 90's mix-tape staple "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" (from Pulp Fiction).

Highlight Tracks: "My Boomerang Baby" and "Seven Black Crows"

For More Info: Head over to http://www.lindadraper.net

Artist: HELLO DEFECTIVE

Album: Kill Us Now

The Scoop: Having not been exposed to Hello Defective's Plastic Hearts EP, this one came out of nowhere for me. As a courtesy to us newcomers, the full-length includes all the songs from the EP; a wise move on the part of the band, as they are some of the album's strongest cuts. Hello Defective plays a tripped-out variety of indie-pop, at times shaded by

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