Adamski, Goat, Loose Nuts, Swirl 360 - Bob Gajarsky / Franklin Johnson

MINI REVIEWS: Adamski, Goat, Loose Nuts, Swirl 360

In 1990, Adamski hit the top of the British charts - featuring Seal on vocals - with "Killer". Eight years later, he has returned (with New York house singer Gerideau taking the mic) for a new disc, Adamski's Thing (Universal / ZTT). The groove-heavy feel of "Memories of the Future", the techno-spy instrumental "Sparklin'" , and the Stevie Wonder-like vocals on "Antibody" are the perfect fix for anyone missing the sounds of Stereo MCs - or Adamski himself - and looking to move their feet. - Franklin Johnson

The Beck meets funk sound of the radio hit "Great Life" first appeared in the movie thrilled I Know What You Did Last Summer. And when the man known as Goat (formerly Goatboy, until Jim Breuer's hideously un-funny Saturday Night Live routine gained national prominence) released his debut album Goat (Ruffhouse/Columbia), he kept the same type of free-wheeling approach to the music.

The well-known Butcher Brothers produced this lesson in musical diversity. Whether on the Dylan-esque rap of "Free", his cover of Brian Eno's "Baby's On Fire" or the INXS-meets-techno driving beats of "I Will Fly", it is clear that Goat refuses to be contained within typical musical walls.

While the ska-volution may be slowing down, those looking for a new group may want to turn to the East Coast. After opening up for bands such as Reel Big Fish, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Goldfinger, New York City's Loose Nuts have taken their own place in the punk/ska circle. On the debut Oh God Help Our Fans (Gotham), this seven person group (with the obligatory trumpet and trombone included among their instruments), the Nuts pay homage to the Bosstones with a sound which - just like their Boston compadres - forces slam-dancing, and a good time. Check out "Wishen" and "Roots" for further inspiration - or for more information, go to the label's website at http://www.gothamrecords.com

Swirl 360 may have gotten their foot in the door from being signed by the same person who signed Hanson, but their claim to fame is a power-pop sound that echoes traces of Savage Garden and Jellyfish rather than the Kansas pre-pubescent trio.

The Scott brothers who comprise Swirl 360 - Denny and Kenny - write their own material, but also bring in some outside assistance. Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Youth, writer for "That Thing You Do") and Ken Stringfellow (Posies) are two of the contributors who bring a modern element to the world of classic power pop on the Swirl 360 debut, Ask Anybody (Mercury).

"Hey Now Now" was the first single - eminently hummable, and just like any good power-pop song, with a chorus that grabs ahold of the listener and won't let go. Eager to show they're not a one-trick pony, the electronica edge to "Candy In The Sun" is destined to bring in listeners who weren't around when Cheap Trick and Badfinger were the rage, Smashing Pumpkins ("1979") feel of "Rewind", sugary-sweet ballad "There" and the straight-ahead, rock 'n' pop sound of "Stick Around" are sure to bring in anyone who loves power pop and wants to get some of the best that's out there. It's just too bad that until a pure pop sound is deemed 'en vogue', Swirl 360 may only be heard out of your discman, rather than the radio. - Bob Gajarsky