"SCHIZOPHRENIC"

"SCHIZOPHRENIC"
JC Chasez
(Jive)
ss "Schizophrenic," the solo debut from *NSync's JC Chasez, seeks to establish the singer as someone other than just the second-cutest guy from *NSync. Like his bandmate Justin Timberlake -- who produced a critically acclaimed, multiplatinum solo effort with "Justified" -- Chasez wants to be taken seriously as an artist (he co-wrote all but one of the disc's 16 songs).
Of course, it's a difficult task for a former Mouseketeer whose claim to fame is the bubble-gum pop that *NSync produced. And Chasez doesn't help his case on "Schizophrenic" with major missteps. He tries so hard to shed his clean-cut image with over-the-top, repeated sexual references in his lyrics that it's almost laughable, making him sound like a horny teenager rather than a sexually confident adult.
And unlike Timberlake, who mainly ripped off Michael Jackson for his solo debut, Chasez borrows too heavily from too many sources, from Jackson to Prince to George Michael and even Donna Summer, leaving him without a sound of his own.
"Schizophrenic," like its title suggests, is a mishmash of ideas, from the techno, throbbing dance beats on "All Day Long I Dream About Sex" to the tender, lush ballad "Lose Myself," to the acoustic guitar-driven ditty, "Something Special." Sometimes those ideas flop, like on "If You Were My Girl," an '80s-sounding rock song. But there are a few bright spots, such as "Some Girls (Dance With Women)," a hypnotic, sensual dance groove that recalls a tropical feel, and "She Got Me," which shows Timberlake isn't the only *NSync member who can do an expert Jackson impression. And "Dear Goodbye" is a lovely, beautifully arranged break-up ballad.
At its core, there is engaging material to be found in "Schizophrenic," but it takes a determined listener to stay with it long enough to find it.
"TOUGH LUV"
Young Gunz
(Roc-A-Fella)
ss The first album from the Young Gunz is a bland collection of hip-hop that will elicit yawns from even the most rabid Roc-A-Fella fans.
Rapping about girls, parties and street life over programmed drum tracks, Chris and Neef are so boring on "Tough Luv" that it's difficult to believe they are labelmates with Kanye West, whose imaginative debut was released earlier in February.
The Young Gunz can't muster the substance or vocal presence needed to distinguish themselves as anything more than inexperienced rappers with a strong guest list. Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel and Cam'Ron all drop in to add uninspired verses that nonetheless overshadow every lyrical effort from the Young Gunz.
Timeworn samples are the only bright spots: Run-D.M.C.'s "Peter Piper" makes "Friday Night" acceptable; singer Rell's version of a Luther Vandross hook gives the single "No Better Love" some life; and "$$$ Girlz" includes a catchy chorus from "Rich Girl," made famous by Hall & amp; Oates.
At least the Young Gunz know where they stand. In what seems to be a prescient (if inaptly named) first song, one member of the duo rhymes on "Future of the Roc" that if they mess up the album, their first shot at stardom, "fans won't give us a second."
"IN ROCK"
The Minus Five
(Yep Roc)
ssss The Minus Five head number Scott McCaughey has pop prowess for miles and miles, masterminding "In Rock," a collection of melodic snarling that's a fresh take on pop rock.
"In Rock" is a combination of eight remastered songs recorded by the group in 2000 and four new tunes done last year.
McCaughey, a veteran of '80s Seattle group Young Fresh Fellows, leads a band of notables here including R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and industrial rock journeyman William Rieflin. Guests include singer/songwriter John Wesley Harding and Kurt Bloch of the Fastbacks.
The group mix together some styles from bygone eras in an original way, making an energetic type of pop rock. "Dear My Inspiration" matches a slithering '60s electric organ and crunching guitars with McCaughey's melodic and mocking vocals. "The Forgotten Fridays" echoes the agitated crooning of '70s pop punks The Jam in its frenetic chorus.
The Minus Five know when enough's enough, never allowing these songs to drag on too long. The album's 12 tracks average three minutes each -- the magic pop number.
"In Rock" shows a group at the top of their game, making music with plenty of tune and teeth.
"BACK IN THE CIRCUS"
Jonatha Brooke
(Bad Dog)
sss Jonatha Brooke's music can't be contained in one category, as her latest release, "Back in the Circus," proves. In her three solo albums since leaving folk duo the Story, Brooke has moved from folk rock to engaging acoustic to pop perfection with ease. This time, there's a little bit of everything.
The title track's a bit of a waltzy tune in which Brooke rediscovers herself, while techno beats set off the song "Less Than Love Is Nothing" before it veers off into a ballad. In many of the songs, Brooke once again reflects on relationships and love lost, but she's not as bitter about it as she once was; as a result, there is a more subdued mood.
Brooke takes a brave step setting these new songs next to the well-known "Fire and Rain" from James Taylor, the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" and the Alan Parsons Project's "Eye in the Sky." She gives each her own flair but falls flat with "Fire and Rain," adding little to Taylor's well-crafted classic.
However, Brooke scores with a sweet, almost-acoustic version of "God Only Knows."
"CARRY IT ON"
Peter, Paul and Mary
(Rhino)
sss There's more to Peter, Paul and Mary than "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Blowin' in the Wind" -- and the box set "Carry It On" proves it.
Not that there are many revelations or surprises in the four discs. Peter, Paul and Mary know what works and have pretty much stuck to the same formula over their 40-plus year career.
There's something to be said for that longevity and dedication. They have never diverged from their political activism, as more recent songs about apartheid and the homeless prove.
But their best and most memorable work remains that from the 1960s and early 1970s, which is covered well on the first two discs.
"If I Had a Hammer," "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "500 Miles" are just some of the songs that defined not only the Peter, Paul and Mary sound, but to many, also the folk music revival.
Though five hours of Peter, Paul and Mary music may be a bit much for the more casual fan, there are enough quality tunes to engage listeners of any age.