Also this issue: Making Peace The Doves rise from the ashes. -Nicole Pensiero Trance Encounter Gaian Mind heads for the great outdoors. -Sean O’Neal thesuitespot -Peter Burwasser on Classical Short Cut How to succeed in DJing without really trying. -Sean O’Neal Earth -John Vettese Irish Music and Dance Festival -Mary Armstrong Lefty's Deceiver/Caterpillar -A.D. Amorosi (International) Noise Conspiracy -Chris Parker

September 12-18, 2002

musicpicks

Kay Hanley

When we last heard from Kay Hanley, her sugary sass was almost single-handedly to thank for the cartoon band brought to life in Josie & the Pussycats. Perfect for such SweeTart mouthfuls, her voice kept the soundtrack fresh long after the movie got stale. Cherry Marmalade (Zoe), Hanley's solo debut, has traces of that spunk, but she's trying too hard to prove she's all grown up. "Mean Streak" recaptures the Josie spirit, and "Satellite" successfully perks up its wistfulness. Even "This Dreadful Life," between boring verses, boasts a pretty and twisted chorus like "Here and Now," Hanley's biggest hit with Letters to Cleo. But elsewhere, there's no relief from dull melodies and explanatory lyrics. "There's no excuse at 29 to be so absurdly like a child," she sings, and if road life were as much of a drag as the six-minute "Galapagos," no one would ever tour. If Hanley really wants to move on, she should write fewer songs that look back. Her voice is strong enough to take her wherever she wants to go next.

Tue., Sept. 17, $7, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

—M.J. Fine