album reviews: Spin Cycle is a biweekly roundup of the latest music releases selected by Citysearch editors.

Melissa Etheridge [ tickets ]
"Skin" (Island)

On her catchy 1993 hit "Come to My Window," Melissa Etheridge twisted the corny American love song into a fiery anthem of forbidden love. Now, on her seventh album, the world's most famous lesbian mom grapples with her newly-single status after the breakup of a 12-year relationship. But anyone hoping Etheridge has channeled her recent ups and downs into anything resembling vital rock and roll will be disappointed. Instead, she's sticking closer to the middle of the road than ever before. The arrangements, though capably played, are arena rock at its blandest and most remote, with the occasional drum loop thrown in for post-millennial credibility. Her giant sob of a voice only draws attention to her endless supply of clichés: She's walking on water, down to one and learning to crawl before she runs. Etheridge may be on to something when she worries during the opening track, "It's the same old tune I have sung before."
--Justin Hartung, citysearch.com

Tha Liks
"X.O. Experience" (Loud)

Tha Alkaholiks pared their name to the more palatable Tha Liks, but on their latest album, "X.O. Experience," the West Coast rappers don't short-change their fans. The group--E-Swift, Tash, and J-Ro--once again wraps tales of excessive alcohol use (hence the former name) and womanizing around old-school rap beats and adds a twist of electronica. The addictive "The Bubble," featuring King T, percolates to a toe-tapping beat. Bits of humor, such as referencing Mrs. Garrett--the ever-chipper housekeeper from "Facts of Life"--keep the one-dimensional subject of partying from getting old. "X.O. Experience" is more commercial and polished than the group's previous three efforts. Rockwilder lends vocals on "Run Wild," the first single, and on "Sickness." Busta Rhymes stops by on "Bully Foot," while Xzhibit, Tha Liks' protege who went on to a successful solo career, makes a guest appearance on "Bar Code." Old habits die hard, and with Tha Liks, that's a good thing.
--Christina Fuoco, liveDaily contributing writer

Perry Farrell [ tickets ]
"Song Yet to Be Sung" (Virgin)

In recent years, singer Perry Farrell--best known for fronting Jane's Addiction and post-Jane's outfit Porno for Pyros--has become infatuated with electronic music, and has even logged time as a club DJ. On his first full-fledged solo album, Farrell tries to meld the electronic world with his ethereal songwriting style and signature vocals. The disappointing result is mostly a collection of thin-sounding electronic drum beats and trippy effects that, were it not for Farrell's vocal accompaniment, would be altogether forgettable. Farrell's Jane's Addiction bandmates Dave Navarro (guitar) and Stephen Perkins (drums), and Porno for Pyros bassist Martyn LeNoble, make brief guest appearances, but the singer would be better off ditching his electronic equipment altogether in favor of the trio--which, fortunately, he is doing on a forthcoming Jane’s Addiction reunion tour. The outing is sure to feature music more memorable than that produced by Farrell and his machines.
--Jon Zahlaway, liveDaily staff writer

Ray Wylie Hubbard [ tickets ]
"Eternal and Lowdown" (Philo/Rounder)

Texas troubadour Ray Wylie Hubbard's tenth album, "Eternal and Lowdown" is so swampy that, after a good listen, you'll need to scrape the moss off your boots. With wry humor, Hubbard shares tales of guilty pleasures over a stew of lazy grooves and greasy guitar licks. The record exudes a relaxed vibe, the result of Hubbard's good chemistry with producer-guitarist Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen). The two trade riffs on their vintage, mojo-possessed guitars with soul and skill, and their vocal harmonies produce an ideal blend. Calling this music Americana is too easy. Musically, "Eternal and Lowdown" hops between folk, hillbilly and both dusty Texas and swampy delta blues, and lyrically, it is pure blues. Like a beautiful piece of driftwood, Hubbard's voice has been shaped by the years that have washed over him. "Eternal and Lowdown" is instilled with Hubbard's experience, as well as a timeless energy.
--Don Harvey, austin.citysearch.com

Craig David [ tickets ]
"Born to Do It" (Wildstar/Atlantic)

There's no denying that British R&B sensation Craig David is one prodigiously talented young man. It's not every singer, after all, who can deliver a line like "The booty man's really got it goin' on," and make it sound as sensual as a bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries. But while there are many such high points on "Born to Do It," the disc cuts its skittery beats (a fusion of American R&B and two-step garage) with a gauzy production sheen that threatens to turn the pillow talk of "7 Days" into a cure for insomnia. Songs like "Fill Me In" and "Walking Away" are certainly pleasant to listen to, even if they threaten to neuter the sexual potency of soul music with a sound safe enough to fit next to Barenaked Ladies and Celine Dion on lite-rock radio playlists. But "Born to Do It" is worth owning, if only for the raw promise of great things to come that lies embedded in almost every track.
--Kevin Forest Moreau, neworleans.citysearch.com

Previous Spin Cycles:

June 28: Sisqo, Gorillaz, Built to Spill, Miles Davis, The White Stripes

June 14: Blink-182, Mandy Moore, Travis, Rufus Wainwright, The Webb Brothers

May 31: Tool, Radiohead, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ron Sexsmith, Mark Eitzel

May 10: Destiny's Child, The Black Crowes, Depeche Mode, Robert Cray Band, Mark Lanegan

Have a comment or question? Send a message to the Spin Cycle editor: Don Harvey.