*** Ratsy

THE SUBWAY SONGSTRESS YEARS

(Ratsy Records)

It might seem audacious to release a compilation of earlier recordings when you have only one original CD to your credit, but Ratsy is nothing if not bold. The Boston-based singer/songwriter styles herself as a "songstress girl/superstar" and writes funny songs insisting that John Gorka is secretly in love with her and demanding utter devotion from her listeners.

What saves her from succumbing to the status of novelty act is her deft way with a melody, her insinuating vocals, and her sharp satirical wit. The 11 solo acoustic numbers here were originally released on cassette in 1988 and 1992, when she was a subway busker. Fans will undoubtedly cheer the opportunity to own CD versions of favorites from her live act, including her "trilogy of stupid boy songs," which is really a quartet, as well as a few covers that showcase her vocal talents, including a glistening version of Leonard Cohen's "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong" and the folk standard "The Water Is Wide."

-- Seth Rogovoy