They don't live in America, but don't worry, they're not sorry.

That is what the Sounds want you to know on their first single and title track from their debut album, Living In America.

Further shining light on the long-ignored Swedish music scene, the Sounds' music beckons a time in pop-rock music when "Kids Incorporated" was the Disney Channel's flagship program and Don Johnson still had a career.

Synthesizers are used liberally in every song as sole female and lead singer Maja Ivarsson delivers her vocals with Deborah Harry-like exuberance over groovy, swinging, bass driven melodies. Guitars are used here more as a layer of sound than a driving force.

"I bet you would like to undress me," the foxy Ivarsson sings on "Rock 'N' Roll." Well, if she's offering ·

Back to the music, however, and as far as retro-rocking goes, the Sounds sound ironically fresh. Maybe because few bands have tried to tried to make poppy-synth-rock you can dance to as convincing as this in a long time. The Sounds succeed, though.

Hopefully someone around here will book these guys 'n' gal to play: It would be interesting to see how a crowd reacts to these electro-ditties. Expected would be much booty-shaking and hopefully some weird blonde swan-like haircuts.

Maybe Dave Grohl is hipper than previously reported: he wore a Sounds t-shirt in the KFMA-demographic-driven video for "Times Like These."

Conversely, however, he also wrote and sang "All My Life."

Sounds like: 80s synth-rock

See also: Flock Of Seagulls, Bands With A Key-tar

÷ Kevin Smith

Oh yeah. This is what I'm talking about.

So Primus might not be for everybody, but you should at least check it out. For those of you who are unfamiliar with any of his previous works, both with Primus and solo, Les Claypool is one of the most innovative and exciting bassists of our generation.

And the new album showcases Claypool's astounding low-end work that listening to in my home, am extremely disappointed that it isn't live, and right in front of me. It's that

electrifying.

But then again, the album does come with a feature-length DVD with more than two hours of live performances and documentaries. A must-buy for any serious Primus fan and a first-hand look into the unique stage presence of Claypool.

However, playing it at full volume in my home, I begin to get more of a feel. With Claypool's bass kicking through the subwoofer in dizzying riffs and Larry Lalonde's deep chord progressions, I can actually hear why Primus has survived for so long in a musical climate that is often unwelcoming to verily artistic bands.

Songs like "The Carpenter" and "The Dainty Bride" feature Claypool's trademark thumping bass played with the skill of a rhythm guitarist ripping away in some master solo. Pilcher's Squad and Mary the Ice Cube have some competent guitar riffs and themes by Lalonde that solidify the overall hard-rock visage of Primus. And let's not forget Tim Alexander, whose drumming punctuates each track with a vengeance.

It's edgy, it's thumping, it's Primus.

Sounds like: This is the beauty of Primus; the group sounds like no one, and that's what contemporary music needs more of.

Bands like them: See above.

÷ Andrew Salvati

OK, admittedly this is a little bit more 104.1 than I'd usually listen to. You know the kind, that alternative, kitschy rock that might be included somewhere on the "Friends" soundtrack. For a guy whose favorite bands include Zep, Buffet, and John Lee Hooker, this sort of thing isn't exactly my forte. However, I was mildly impressed with a few of the album's tracks.

Songs like "Risen," "Right on Time" and "Mr. Moon" (not to mention half of the other tracks on the disc) are feel-good, romantic and poppy tunes that for me hold no sort of musical value other than that they cater to a specific group of listeners. And there's nothing wrong with that.

But that's just on the surface.

I was impressed with the timbre and texture of the songs. The chord progressions and riffs are no doubt intriguing, and the band's musical abilities and talent should not be called into question; musicians they are.

Specifically, the bass line in "Revisited" is pretty tight, and the light but purposeful strumming on songs like "Coalminer" are particularly pleasing.

I'd have to call into question the lyrics, however ÷ especially how the lyrics are connected to the instrumental ÷ for reasons obvious to presumably different musical tastes.

Sounds Like: Something that will be played constantly on 104.1

See also: Dave Matthews Band, The Wallflowers, Sister Hazel and Hootie and the Blowfish (By the way, whatever happened to them?)

÷ Andrew Salvati