Mike Doughty

Doughty's second proper solo release is good for much of the same reasons that made Haughty Melodic so solid -- a surly world view, cutting lyrical wit and a belief that its OK for a rock song to actually groove. His irony can be heavy handed (an "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine" refrain relentlessly hammers out the coda to "Fort Hood") and the funk strut can go too far (avoid the funk-ay toss off "More Bacon Than The Pan Can Handle") -- but with his big risks come some big rewards in cool, distinct rockers like "27 Jennifers" and "Like a Luminous Girl."