VARIOUS ARTISTS
Ono: Yes, I’m a Witch
(Toshiba EMI)

Tribute compilations are often of dubious value, but this one has the advantage of being musically interesting even for those who don’t feel inspired to delve into the much-vilified Ono’s extensive catalog. Appropriately, the talents of a slew of top indie women, ranging from electro grrrls Peaches and Le Tigre to the uber hip Cat Power are called upon. The psychedelic ’60s are also recalled and rejoiced in free spirited rave-ups including Polyphonic Spree’s “You and I” and Spiritualized’s “Walking on Thin Ice.” But more than anything, this album is a reminder of the impact of Ono’s starkly simple, idealistic songwriting on John Lennon’s post-Beatles output. DG

KAISER CHIEFS
Yours Truly, Angry Mob
(B-Unique / Polydor)

Despite being more British than tea at The Ritz, Kaiser Chiefs won themselves international acclaim with their 2004 debut Employment—an increasingly rare feat for British rock bands. For this follow-up, the formula stays the same: more lively tracks are the band’s staple, with songs like “Ruby” and “Thank You Very Much” echoing the zest of smash hit “I Predict a Riot.” They also prove themselves to be no one-trick-pony and offer up one or two slower surprises which work just as well, all the time keeping tongues firmly in cheeks. It’s this that sets Kaiser Chiefs apart—they don’t take themselves too seriously, mixing a cheeky wit with a catchy set of tunes that finally puts the fun back into rock music. Mark Butterworth

The 50 Kaitenz
1•2•3•4!!
(Warner Music Japan)

A three-piece band of “rock-o-medians” from Osaka, The 50 Kaitenz (Go Jyu Kaitenzu) are to punk legends The Ramones what Spinal Tap were to ’70s heavy metal bands. Dressed in matching suits topped off with bowl haircuts, Danny (G/Vo), Dory (B/Vo) and Bogie (Dr/Vo) bash out one-minute wonders like “1976” that parody—but at the same time pay adoring tribute to—the simplistic naiveté that characterized The Ramones’ songs. Unfortunately, as with Spinal Tap, the entire visual spectacle is needed to understand the humor. Audiences at last month’s North American Japan Nite tour, in which The 50 Kaitenz participated, may have gotten way more laughs out of their shtick than listeners will of this album. DG

HILARY DUFF
Dignity
(Avex)

The come-hither eyes and lustrous glow of the album cover would suggest Duff is all grown-up. So, is Dignity just a well-planned next step in her multifaceted career, where singing still plays a handy promotional second-fiddle to her acting ambitions? Don’t be deceived. While Duff crows virtuously “You gotta know yourself to be yourself” on “No Work, All Play,” Dignity is as exuberant as a Disney soundtrack, with the perkiness of The Beach Boys at their most “Fun Fun Fun.” Lead single “With Love” follows Justin Timberlake’s penchant for electro—with less cool and more fluff—while “Never Stop” utilizes big ’80s beats to agreeable effect. If the pleasantness could be mixed with a tad more catchiness, Duff might be onto a winning formula. Robert Poole


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