The Boston Globe from Boston, Massachusetts • 104

1 Mill!) HI II III IliM i Top doo-wopl Grade for The Cramps A gem in the rough EARTH, WIND FIRE HERITAGE Columbia Earth, Wind Fire, kings of sophisticated soul-pop in the '70s, and melody, are. down a notch, although this'is h6f to slag'iitheV "'God Damn Rock 'n' Roll," the best anti-Bob Seger-soul salvation or the pro-hellrais-ing song written "All Women Are Bad," which might serve as the Cramps' prime philosophical treatise. Of course, half the Cramps are female, singer Lux Interior is married to one of them, guitarist-producer Poison Ivy, and most everything played here is sincerely half-baked, tongue-in-cheek and, yet, down 'n' dirty-real. The problem is too much here plays generically and flatly. Jim Sullivan ELEVENTH DREAM DAY BEET Atlantic seal their return to form on this second album since their 1987 comeback.

The group reflects the updated sound of black contemporary the Dovells' "Bristol Stomp" are inexplicably missing, but otherwise these two albums are a representative, good-quality collection of doo-wop music. Doo-Wop, defined as a form of rhythm-and-blues harmony vocalizing using phonetic or nonsense syllables, had its heyday in the late '50s and early '60s, giving us classics such as "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. The Cadillacs' Early Carroll was 18 when he immortalized himself in "Speedo." Overall, the ballads group is the better of the two collections. For one thing the singers can't hide behind novelty arrangements. For two, the liner notes are somewhat more complete, although both glaringly omit credits for the backing singers and musicians.

The recordings are often excellent, with the anticipated hiss never interfering with the music, which is still a great deal of fun. Marc D. Allan THE CRAMPS STAY SICK Enigma it mi a i AFTER THE HURRICANE SONGS FOR MONTSERRAT Chrysalis The Caribbean island of Montserrat was devastated by Hurricane Hugo last Sept. 17; most of the 12,000 residents lost their homes. But the island's famous recording retreat, AIR Studios, owned by former Beatles producer George Martin, is fighting back with this highly listenable benefit album.

Featured performers are the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Luther Vandross, Dire Straits and many others who have recorded there. The Stones donate the salacious "Fancy Man Blues," from their "Steel Wheels" sessions last year. Other highlights: Police's "Invisible Sun," Elton's "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," with a harp solo from Stevie Wonder; Dire Straits' "Why Worry," Vandross' "So Amazing," Simply Red's "More," Midge Ure's "Dear God" and Arrow's "Hot Hot Hot." There are a couple of schmaltzy choices such as McCartney and Wonder's "Ebony Ivory," but otherwise this is a moving anthology. Best bet is the CD with four more songs. Steve Morse VARIOUS ARTISTS THE BEST OF DOO-WOP BALLADS THE BEST OF DOO-WOP UPTEMPO Rhino It's encouraging to see a major label take a chance on a raw, urgent, non-trendy rock 'n' roll band.

Eleventh Dream Day's debut is a rough gem, bringing memories of early Husker Du and X. This Chicago quartet sports killer songs, a toothsome guitar sound, and passion to spare; producer Gary Waleik of the Boston band Big Dipper gives them just enough polish. Country and folk influences appear between the lines. "Road that Never Winds" recalls Neil Young's wilder moments with Crazy Horse. "Testify" works wonders with three-chord garage rock.

Singer Rick Rizzo spins convincing tales of lost souls, ranging from young soldiers, to bowling-alley barflies, to a bum in a Tock club. There's some twisted wit in "Bomb the Mars Hotel," a slide-guitar boogie that slams the Grateful Dead. Acoustic guitars and female harmonies add a lighter touch. The CD has a bonus, the avant-surf instrumental "Seiche." Brett Milano music with beefier grooves, while retaining its trademark blend of sleek harmonies, horns and keyboards. Much like Quincy Jones on his new album, features guest rappers, with M.

C. Hammer on two songs and the Boys on the title track about cultural pride. But except for the passe "Daydreaming," with its forced chorus, the writing and musicianship are far more natural than on Jones' all-star album. Sly Stone surfaces here on the sassy, throbbing "Good Time," but the real stars are the members of led by singer-producer Maurice White (in photo). Philip Bailey's falsetto also takes the lead for the soaring romanticism of "I'm in Love," while slick musical interludes dot this fresh and funky outing.

Paul Robicheau It's tough to label any Cramps' effort as disappointing. They remain one of rock 'n' roll's nastiest, sexiest, psychotic bands and they take so long between records, but their latest album only dings the B-level. It dings it consistently, mind you, but where the Cramps once drove their trash-rock to hell, here they apply brakes. Both wit The Crew Cuts' "Sh-Boom" and WHAT DOES HAVE TO DO WITH OSTOM HARBOR? 99 CASSETTE How about a hit rock single that drives home the message about our polluted planet? AND provides funds to raise public awareness? "CRY our from the new album MISSION EARTH does just that! All net proceeds from this single are donated to the Friends of the United Nations for the printing and national distribution of the "PERSONAL ACTION a step by step booklet that tells people what they 11 99 co 3Sp3flgB NOW ON SALE Special sale price exclusively at OS B3 can do to clean up their environment! Go to your local Strawberries store and get "CRY OUT'! performed by Edgar Winter a JQ a Based on the bestsetfing Science Fiction series MISSION EARTH by L. RON HUBBARD Single $2.95 RECORDS -TAPES -CDs -VIDEOS.