*** moe.

TIN CANS AND CAR TIRES

(550 Music)

Some bands are not designed to be recorded in the studio, but that doesn't mean their CDs have to suck. moe., who have won their audience through a relentless touring schedule, prove the point on this pumped-up and eclectic set, their second for Sony's 550 label. Blending screwiness with serious chops and complex compositions with pop sensibilities, Tin Cans and Car Tires veers toward country here and funk there but remains just good old rock and roll throughout. Built on twin electric guitars, bass, and drums, the disc sets aside the band's 45-minute jams in favor of a dozen tunes of more moderate proportions. High spirits and a sense of adventure prevail, with moe. taking it all only as seriously as necessary. Older folks might remember Little Feat and NRBQ had some of these same qualities, though it would be a futile exercise to try to pick apart the tangle of all things jamming, from the Allmans to Zappa, in the mix here.

-- Bill Kisliu