NOIZE YOU NEED:
BUMBLEFOOT "Uncool"

       A mind-boggling CD from a brilliant-on-any-planet artist, Uncool is fan-freakin'-tastic guitar-based madness performed with a sly sense of humor and tongue planted firmly in cheek.

       Guitarist-for-hire (Jessica Simpson, Leanne Rimes, Cher) Ron Thal is equal parts Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Kramer, Eddie Van Halen, ELP, Esquivel, King Crimson, Weather Report, Wagner, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Handsome Rick Manitoba, Parliament/Funkadelic, Primus, Public Enemy, Uriah Heep, Beck, Bowie, Bad Brains, Beasties, Bacharach, Tom Jones (an update of "What's New Pussycat?" is a highlight), Focus, Jesus Christ Superstar, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ("Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" gets a punk facelift) and comedian Bill Murray as a cynically-jaded lounge crooner. (Hermit Inc., PO Box 10948, New Brunswick, NJ 08906; or www.bumblefoot.com) - Al Muzer, July 24-31, 2002