The Family Stand spearheaded the current classic-soul and funk revival way back in 1990 with their hot-buttered platter Chain. Their new Connected is just as archivally minded, featuring strings so silky, guitars so velvety and bass lines so greasy you can almost hear the crackle of well-used vinyl. The trio relies on age-old malefemale dynamics for material, including steamy desire ("Fienin'"), playful affection ("Butter") and frustrated recriminations ("Connected"). Problem is, their lyrics are as sappy as the unlistenable "contemporary R&B" of 112 and Ginuwine. With the exception of "What Must I Do Now," an empathetic take on Tupac Shakur's life, Connected is all love cheese and sex mush. The doctor orders a round of Call Me and Innervisions – still the best remedies for classically aspiring but lyrically lacking soul. (RS 781)

NATASHA STOVALL