If your attention span is put to the test when you listen to an entire album by one artist or band, then give Mystery Road a try. From the countrified opener, "Ain't It Strange," through the folk-intoned "With the People," to the straight-out rocker "Syllables," drivin' n' cryin's third album displays a range that will have you checking the liner notes to make sure it's the same band.

Kevn Kinney is founder, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for this combo from Atlanta, and his voice can soothe you, as on "Peacemaker," without giving you any warning of the merciless snarling to come on "You Don't Know Me." Kinney's lyrics are occasionally naive, but somehow he avoids becoming clichéd. On the beautiful "Honeysuckle Blue," Kinney has written a lilting sing-along of escape from the mean streets of the city; "Straight to Hell" is a strangely comical character study of a young man coming of age. As eclectic as it is impressive, Mystery Road is no dead-end street. (RS 553)

LAUREN SPENCER