While they wait for frontman Johnny Rzeznik to get over his writer' block, US rock trio the Goo Goo Dolls released this remix album that looks back on a nearly 15-year career and revisits both their classic and lesser-known songs. Of course the question arises: Do we really need a retrospective on a career that has for all intents and purposes never risen above the mediocre? A side-by-side comparison with the original versions may point up some differences between the earlier mix and the new remix here of hits like "Name," but why not call a spade a spade and simply title this a greatest hits album? Rockers take note: remix albums are best left to the dance world.


TONINO BALIARDO / Essences
(Epic)

With Spain's international supergroup the Gipsy Kings due in for engagements at the Tokyo International Forum and NHK Hall this week, the timing couldn't have been better for the release of this first solo album by Kings guitarist Tonino Baliardo. Compared to the Kings' chest-thumping Latin brio, Baliardo offers up a more contemplative, personal take on the gypsy-flamenco fusion that has propelled the Kings' career. "Redemption" is a soul-searching ballad, while "Bossa Nueva" has a bright, sunny feeling tinted with hints of jazz. "Cynthia" is an even mellower love ballad, and "Caravan" evokes the nomadic gypsy lifestyle with haunting voices whispering like the wind. Only on "Recuerdo Apasionado" does Baliardo let loose a fusillade of the virtuoso guitar fireworks typical of his work with the Kings.


Bran Van 3000 / Discosis
(Grand Royal)