** Ugly Americans

BOOM BOOM BABY

(Capricorn)

Austin-based H.O.R.D.E. Tour alums Ugly Americans bring frat-funk stylings to a sophomore effort liberally sprinkled with hedonistic spices, but they still don't fall far from the jam-band tree. The nine-piece (three juicy horn players recently joined) outfit's attempts to branch out don't seem as calculated as they do curious -- nothing wrong with white dudes celebrating bawdiness; and there's plenty here for rootsy neo-traditionalists who dig Hammond organs, clean electric guitars, and that wholesome, nonconfrontational boogie vibe. But attempts at diversity can be disastrous in the wrong hands, and "Fastest Man Alive" -- a two-minute tumult incorporating feeble DJ scratches -- is so wrong. The proficient Uglies hit closer to the mark with the soul-funk flavors of "Big Ole Head," the Phish-dissing (despite some crossover in the respective bands' fan bases) "Hippietown," and "Chilly at the Crib," but they're clearly coziest and most competent with the smooth and mellow (the terrific "Texas Isn't Big Enough," the affecting "One & a Rainbow") and the "Ramblin' Man" ethos ("Orlando"). The watery "Spacesuit" bogs down in misguided prog tendencies, but the Dr. John nods on "The Wrong Direction" are sensuous and heartfelt.

-- Mark Woodlief