DATE: Friday, October 3, 1997               TAG: 9710020250

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E13  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Review 

                                            LENGTH:  131 lines

CD REVIEWS

R&B

MARIAH CAREY

``Butterfly''

(Columbia)

Mariah Carey has split herself in half: one side is soft, gentle; the other has muscled up. On ``Butterfly,'' the follow-up to the phenomenally successful ``Daydream,'' the pop diva shows off both sides - with mixed results.

Working with longtime collaborator Walter Afanasieff, Carey delivers several of the lush pop ballads that have become her trademark. Such tunes as ``My All'' and ``Fourth of July'' are tailor-made for movie themes.

On the flip side, Carey goes hip-hop - kinda-sorta - on a few tracks. Last time, she worked with the Wu-Tang Clan's Ole' Dirty Bastard. Here, she taps, among others, red-hot producer Sean ``Puffy'' Combs.

The results are less successful than the pop offerings, where Carey is nothing short of shimmering. Opting for a more delicate sound, she brings to them a breathless delicacy and sweeping grandeur.

She's less sure-footed on the hip-hop tunes, sometimes giving ground to her guest artists. The funky ``Honey,'' which has shot up the charts, seems as much a showcase for rappers Mase & The Lox as it does for Carey.

Still, Carey is to be applauded for reaching. It's nice to hear her add some muscle. But it's a sheer joy to hear her golden voice on the ballads.

- Marvin Lake, The Pilot

POP/ROCK

MEXICO 70

``Imperial Comet Hour''

(Big Pop/Red Ant)

Ah, the sweet sound of power-pop done right.

It's not easy. There must be a balance between rock's power dynamics, pop's catchy melodies and fine-turned phrases. The Who did it. So did Big Country, briefly. For a time, Aztec Camera perfected it.

Now comes Mexico 70, the English quartet named after the World Cup tournament held in Mexico 27 years ago. Led by singer/songwriter Mick Bund, the band effectively walks the power-pop tightrope.

The opening ``Every Hour'' is a fine example. It kicks in the gut, has a memorable melody and lyrics like, ``I remember when you wore me like a new tattoo.'' The others, all powered by clean punk energy, have hit potential.

Bund's vocals are sometimes cloying and precious and other times playful, with touches of falsetto thrown in for effect. A wonderful reading of Tim Hardin's ``It'll Never Happen Again'' features breathy vocals and a soft, faux-jazz arrangement.

- Eric Feber, The Pilot

In concert: Mexico 70, 9 p.m. Oct. 12 at Hot Tuna Bar & Grill, 2817 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. Call 481-2888.

THE CRAMPS

``Big Beat From Badsville''

(Epitaph)

Ordinary music, this is not. If you're the June Cleaver-type, ``Big Beat'' could lead to a sudden tightness in the stomach. That's when you'll know The Cramps are back.

``The doctor pulled me out and smacked me in the can / Wiped me off, took a look and said, `It's a man!' '' The lyrics from ``It Thing Hard-On'' are typical of sleazy, deep-throated vocalist Lux Interior. He'll never change.

Musically, the new album is purely an American classic. Poison Ivy's tangled, twangy guitar vibrates with a simple, 1950s rock 'n' roll simplicity. She'll never change, either.

In fact, The Cramps pretty much sound the same album after album. That's OK. They are a disgustingly rare exception. ``Devil Behind That Bush'' and ``Like a Bad Girl Should'' burn like whiskey and cigarettes. Fans will love all 14 of these gut-busters.

As for the June Cleavers, let down your hair and do the ``Cramp Stomp.''

- Jeff Maisey, The Pilot

CAR 44

``Car 44''

(Chaud Records)

Revving their RPMs with all the power of a `73 Plymouth at a demolition derby, Virginia Beach's Car 44 does a bang-up job on its self-titled release.

The thrill ride hits high gear on the hard-hitting ``Iris.'' Guitarist John Conkle presses down on the distortion pedal and scratches his way through ``Cardboard.'' Rob Devinne (bass) and Brian Malbone (drums) keep all cylinders pumping on the chord-wrenching ``Tears.''

The driving force behind Car 44 are the passionate vocals of Dahna Rowe. Her exceptional performance throughout the disc should win a few points in the standings for Best Female Rock Vocals of the Year. She's smashing.

On ``Time'' she sings, ``We're searching for a reason for living.'' They've got it.

- Jeff Maisey, The Pilot

In concert: Combine with Car 44, ?? tonight at Friar Tuck's, 4408 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk. Cover: $??. Call 440-9464.

COUNTRY

SUZY BOGGUSS

``Give Me Some Wheels''

(Capitol)

In 1994, Suzy Bogguss teamed with Nashville institution Chet Atkins and came up with the lauded ``Simpatico.'' ``Give Me Some Wheels,'' the result of her return trip to the studio, blows hot and cold.

On the minus side, there are too many arrangements best described as Nashville standard.

On the plus, there's the anything-but-standard ``No Way Out,'' a mix of imagination and fascination about Mom and Dad ``stuck'' in a no-love marriage. It should hit home with a high percentage of the listening public, and not just because of its fine instrumental breaks, excellent arrangement and Bogguss' singing.

``Saying Goodbye to a Friend'' also offers a good story.

Too bad other songs suffer from mediocre arrangements. At least you can enjoy Bogguss' lovely, country-flavored voice.

- Frank Roberts, The Pilot

In concert: Suzy Bogguss with Wildfire, 5 to 10 p.m. next Friday, Town Point Park, Norfolk. Free. Call 441-2345

TAMMY GRAHAM

``Tammy Graham''

(Career)

A friend suggested listening to Tammy Graham's debut.

Thank you. She is a talent at least equal to, and often better than, some of today's biggies. Maybe you never heard of her, either. But they know her out West. Graham boasts the longest continuous run of any Vegas performer.

Her background is country typical - church to clubs, rock to her first love. Her voice is sultry and joyous. All of the songs are first-rate.

``More About Love,'' was penned by Bill Anderson, who says, ``there are a lot of manufactured artists these days, but there's none of that with this girl. She's the real deal.'' Agreed.

``Cool Water'' and ``A Dozen Red Roses'' are outstanding musically and lyrically. Graham handles both beautifully.

Elvis-ites will enjoy ``Dancin' With Elvis.'' Everyone will enjoy Tammy Graham. Her label is Career. Here's hoping she has a healthy one.

- Frank Roberts, The Pilot ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]

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