Kelly Hogan loves to twist her plush, comforting voice into odd angles. Fronting the Atlanta band Jody Grind during the early '90s, she aspired to cabaret-style, post-punk pop with mixed results. But this collection is all accomplished strategy and dramatic flow, fleshed out by winning combinations of cornet, organ, cello and pedal steel guitar. Hogan casts her luscious phrasing against sinewy guitars that often jut out or distort, enriching the groove. The music rocks with the agility of mini-Morricone soundtracks.

In effortlessly tuneful songs mostly written with ex-Jody Grind member Bill Taft, Hogan depicts single white female bohemians debating their yuppie boyfriends ("Dirty vs. Clean"), swooning over brainy sensuality ("The Idea of You") and romanticizing personal freedom ("Lucky Nights"). She has an equally insightful way with the brilliant lyric slang of Vic Chesnutt's "Soft Picasso" and the soulful formality of Toussaint McCall's mid-'60s hit "Nothing Takes the Place of You." On The Whistle Only Dogs Can Hear, Hogan emerges as a confident, focused singer and songwriter deftly balancing young, restless energy and sweet, simple romance.

For information, write to Long Play Records, PO Box 55233, Atlanta, GA 30308. (RS 742)

JAMES HUNTER