Soundsystem  (Audio CD) 
by 311

When "Down" shot up the singles charts in 1996, it was the culmination of eight years of hard work for Nebraska-bred, Los Angeles-based 311. Soundsystem ups the ante on the quintet's good-time, never-forced amalgam of hip-hop, rock, funk, and reggae. "Come Original" features Nick Hexum's identifiable talk-singing style, and the tune's lilting dancehall and reggae overtones make it perfect for convertible cruising. From the odd but compelling rhythms in "Freeze Time," to the Santana-influenced stylings and Tim Mahoney's intricate guitar work in "Life's Not a Race," to the almost metallic riffing of "Evolution," 311 have constructed a diverse yet cohesive collection. The band's crisp, edgy sound, well showcased by producer Hugh Padgam (XTC, the Police), is especially winning on the irresistible and rollicking "Mindspin" and the aggro closing cut, "Livin' & Rockin'." It's a good bet that this Soundsystem will find its way onto the sound systems of fans old and new. --Katherine Turman