Sure, there are plenty of self-help books on the market to tell us what to do when bad things happen to good people. But how come there's not a word about how to cope when nothing at all happens to great albums?

Both of these fine records have been out for months and have thus far fared poorly out in the cold, cruel musical marketplace. It's the marketplace's loss. Pat McLaughlin is a tasty, rootsy gem. Produced with warmth and soul by Mitchell Froom (Crowded House), Pat McLaughlin is the major-label debut of an admirably unfaddish performer who blends country, rock and soul into a compelling brew. In a better world, "Heartbeat from Havin' Fun" and "Is That My Heart Breakin'" would have already taken their rightful place at the top of the charts. Pat McLaughlin is, to invoke the name of the album's best song, the "Real Thing."

Mitchell Froom also produced some of Salty Tears, the noteworthy debut of Semi-Twang, a Milwaukee band that is a promising new entry in the American Rock Sweepstakes. Leader John Sieger writes intelligent songs that match down-home spirit with some irresistible rock hooks – if you like the BoDeans, chances are you'll find yourself twangin' along with these fellas.

So go out and do the right thing – buy these albums before they get lost in the cutout bins. (RS 537)

DAVID WILD