PHILBERTS:

Various ArtistsVarious ArtistsA Tribute to Curtis Mayfield --Jaco Pastorius (1.5 Philberts) Failure Magnified Failure sounds like a toned down version of Tool with a pop twist. The result is a unique sound that keeps in tune with guitarist/singer Ken Andrews' attitude. The melodic riffs are pleasing on the ear, yet there's still enough to keep you mosh men interested. So if you're sick of the jaded Counting Crow-esque attempt at originality, check out these all-around nice boys from the city of angels. --Mike Tuhy (4 philberts) Possum Dixon Possum Dixon MTV, 'DRE and we have a hit band. Well, have we? Possum Dixon's crafty guitar pop often fizzles out into disjointed riffs. The catchy vocals of the single "Watch The Girl Destroy Me," over-articulated and reminscent of the Violent Femmes, soon irritate. MTV, 'DRE, the dream is over. Time to land. --Andrew Wanliss-Orlebar (2 phils) The Grays Ro Sham Bo The Grays have an ear-candy groove, and lack any diversity in their sound. The songs on Ro Sham Bo blend into one, well, gray aural blur, sort of a combination between Crowded House and Level 42. They blandly intersperse light guitars and keyboards. Ro Sham Bo is the group's first major label effort, though it might also be their last. --Peter High (2 Philberts)