Black Oak Arkansas is a band historically given to wretched excess, but this album features smooth harmonies, clear guitar tones and any number of crisp, concise rockers. It is highlighted by a captivating rendition of the Beatles' "Taxman," an actual melodic ballad, "Love Can Be Found," and "Cryin' Shame," which is bright, bouncy and difficult to resist.

Difficult, but not impossible. Fanatic BOA followers may rest assured that the group's obnoxious elements still predominate. "Back Door Man" rubs fresh assault into feminist wounds, but it is so inane that it boils down to macho dude about nothing.

Jim Dandy Mangrum's hokey hoodoo posturings place him in the Offensively Mannered Vocal Irritant Hall of Fame, which features such luminaries as David Clayton-Thomas, Leon Russell and Buddy Miles. His vocals still make Black Oak unlistenable for all but the most dedicated. Although producer Richard Podolor has concocted a clean and classy instrumental sound, the old adage about silk purses still holds. (RS 192)

KEN BARNES