Steadfast rock weirdo Webb Wilder emerged in 1987 with It Came From Nashville, an indie release that was jokey and had an assortment of hard-rock and pop-rock tunes that were undeniable even to those who didn't appreciate the humor. The laughs and the riffs continue to come fast and furious on Hybrid Vigor, Webb Wilder's long overdue major-label debut.

With Wilder and guitarist Donny Roberts leading the way, the ten tunes on Hybrid Vigor retain jocularity (the biggest laugh is probably "Human Cannonball") but rock harder than the debut. On tightly focused tracks like "Hittin' Where It Hurts" and "Do You Know Something," guitar lines careen all over the place. Angular compositions like "Cold Front" and "Skeleton Crew" are ideal opportunities for guitars to wail and Wilder to alternate deadpan couplets with emotive singing. Webb Wilder is funny, but he's no joke. (RS 562)

JIMMY GUTERMAN