COUNTRY CROSSROADS OF WYNETTE AND CERVENKA DOESN'T SATISFY.

It sure sounded like an inspired idea, but the group billing at the House of Blues of L.A. punk rock priestess Exene Cervenka, alt-country band the Stone Foxes, and country music queen Tammy Wynette proved to be somewhat of a fizzle at showtime.

First, Exene joined the Foxes for only a few songs, including a lackluster version of Wynette's ``Something to Brag About,'' which wasn't. That left the Foxes, an all-femme foursome who plan to tour in August with Exene's rock band Auntie Christ, to carry an hourlong show, and their decidedly low-key, pokey style wasn't holding anyone's attention (they caught fire only on a raucous version of Neil Diamond's ``Cherry, Cherry.'').

The Foxes clearly take their name to heart and seem to think that their theatrically trashy costumes are reason enough for folks to want to ogle them, but some tighter musicianship would help, too.

As for Wynette - the trad-country hit machine who's touring again after a long illness - she gave a show that seemed designed lick for lick for the by-the-book venues in places like Vegas or Branson, Mo. In other words, it was dull.

Sure, the hipster crowd heaped adoration on the diva, who's been through a world of illness and trouble and looked somewhat frail but bravely professional in a tailored peach pantsuit and subdued blond hairstyle. But the ``veteran artist,'' as she called herself, made no concessions to the younger generation or the artistic freedom that the off-the-country-circuit venue could have offered her.

We love traditional country stylings when the arrangements are tasty, the musicians crack and the solos inspired. But Wynette's six-man backup (plus two female vocalists) merely lumbered through the numbers, conservative to the hilt. Some had been with her more than 20 years - and played like they dare not change a thing.

As for the vocals, Wynette's no belter anymore and was overpowered by the band for most of the first half. After the mike was adjusted, she shone through on numbers like ``D-I-V-O-R-C-E'' and ``Stand by Your Man'' that were notable more for their venerable history than for any magic that night.

The point of the gig, according to House of Blues talent buyer John Pantle, was to pull together the burgeoning alt-country audience that buys records by Wilco, Son Volt and the Old '97s with the straight country crowd.

``We thought we'd put together an event and get both audiences in here,'' said Pantle. Great idea. Next time, get Johnny Cash.

Among the crowd who turned out for the Sunset Strip gig were Arkansas-bred filmmaker Billy Bob Thornton and actress Laura Dern, sharing a table with rocker Melissa Etheridge.