The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina • 77

The News and Observer, Raleigh, Oct. 24..1986 aren't. But the real dimensions are obscured by the odd wrong note and the occasional bad phrase. Nevertheless, perfect singing never did for a song what Ms. Nicholls does for "Bed of Seems," an up-tempo rocker with a Western inflection and lyrics like "Tonight we'll ride away Tomorrow I just can't say." Lead guitarist Gary White sings a couple of songs, backed by Ms.

Nicholls in an odd harmony. The songs "Greensburg" and "Flounder" carry a lot of punch, thanks to Marc Mueller's kinetic drumming and Danna Pentes' bass, and snag the listener with brief, supercharged choruses. The songs on "Bad Pumpkin" aren't as consistently strong as those on "Cabin Flounder." And there isn't any song to equal "Kitchen of Life," Ms. Nicholls' searing comment on domestic life from the debut record. One song on "Bad Pumpkin," a guitarheavy instrumental called "Chitty Chitty," does nothing for the album.

And while "Little Red Lines" resonates with dramatic tension, Past" crosses the line into -conscious melodrama. But as a -label introduction, "Bad Pumpkin" succeeds. Dixon has pulled off the feat of arranging Fetchin Bones songs and smoothing the band's rough edges without destroying the energy that is so essential to the Fetchin Bones sound. What comes through is a vibrant, challenging, exhilarating brand of music that yields more with every hearing and promises more from a band that should be listed as one of Charlotte's cultural treasures. Former Fabulous Knobs lead singer Debra DeMilo is considering a comeback.

Miss DeMilo, who twisted and shouted many a night at the Pier and other Triangle night spots, has stayed off the stage since the Knobs' breakup nearly two years ago. She has been doing accounting and promotions for an advertising firm owned by Record Bar. But Miss DeMilo said this week that she's talking to a new Raleigh band called Four Hard Men about signing up as lead singer. Four Hard Men, by the way, includes former Pressure Boy Steev Adams on bass, Tony Bowman on keyboards, John Custer on guitar and Chris Jepsen on drums. "I've missed performing," said Miss DeMilo, 30, who lives in Cary.

"I miss the audiences." Miss DeMilo also is engaged, to Brian Barnes, bassist for Chapel Hill rock band the Blazers. The wedding is set for June. Fetchin Bones SHONEYS ALL YOU CARE TO EAT BREAKFAST BAR OPENS 6:00 AM RALEIGH 3560 Maitland Dr. 2725 S. Wilmington St.

Hechinger Plaza 2235 Avent Ferry Rd. Stonehenge Mkt. 6305 Falls of Neuse Rd. at Creedmoor Rd. CARY 720 Buck Jones Rd.

Also in Durham Rocky Mount The Five Star the Best in Bed Breakfast Gracious accommodations in the Historic District for businessmen and travelers alike. 14 N. Seventh St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (919) 763-7581 $1.00 OFF The Best in Chinese Buffet Offer expires Lunch Dinner $4.95 All-U-Can Eat $7.95 All-U-Can Eat Choose from 12 Choose from 14 Selected Items Selected Items 85 14 847-1235 7335 Six Forks Rd. (Down From Papagayos) In Celebration of Six Forks Shopping Ctr.

M-F Hours: Lunch Sunday (Buffet) Dinner. Fri. -Sat. a Caboodles oodles oodles odes of treats. For costumed revelers, a free Kit from Caboodles, full of spooky goodies: Free hors d'oeuvres for all.

Such spirited fun at our Halloween Party, Friday, October 31, 4:30 until. Cabooooodles, at the Sheraton Imperial. they last. Caboodles 1-40 Exit 282 at Page Triangle Park TOP PRESENTS of the, TOWER. Sunday Call Reservations 832-0501 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Adults $7.95 Seniors over 60 $6.95 Children under 12 $3.95 Steamship Round of Beef Poached Salmon Shrimp Belgium Waffles Omelettes to Order Eggs Benedict An Array of Fresh Fruits Tantalizing Salad Bar and of course our Delicious Desserts Holiday Inn' State Capital 320 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 832-0501.