*** Momus

STARS FOREVER

(Le Grand Magistery)

On this charming, lascivious two-disc set, Nick "Momus" Currie revives the system that kept old masters like Rembrandt and Velázquez in business -- patronage. He offered to pen pop portraits for the bargain rate of $1000 apiece, and 30 friends and fans -- from fellow popsmiths Keigo "Cornelius" Oyamada and Minus 5's Scott McCaughey to indie establishments like Minty Fresh Records and the Girlie Action publicity firm -- were happy to oblige. The result is a collection of new-wavish novelty numbers that rely on Momus's command of melody, his fondness for quirky synth shadings, and his witty way with words to keep his general listenership amused while he delivers the goods to the insiders who paid to be immortalized on Stars Forever.

-- Mark Woodlief