SOUND CHECK.

CARLY SIMON: ``Into White'' (Sony) - Three stars

Simon has covered standards before. But in this soothing 14-song collection, she puts her low, intimate voice toward pop faves and heartfelt covers for kids and adults alike. Along with the Cat Stevens-penned title track, Simon impresses with understated readings of Paul McCartney's ``Blackbird,'' and numbers associated with Judy Garland, the Everly Brothers and others. Delicate arrangements using acoustic and slide guitar, strings and piano shift the spotlight to Simon's fine vocals throughout this gentle gem. One of many highlights come with the addition of Simon's own children, Ben and Sally Taylor, in their dad James Taylor's pretty lullaby, ``You Can Close Your Eyes.''

-- Fred Shuster

GRAYSON CAPPS: ``Wail & Ride'' (Hyena) - Three stars

Displaced New Orleans resident Capps has a true molasses drawl, is mighty comfortable with funk and swampy cajun rhythms and has written one of the best songs about post-Katrina hope and skepticism, ``New Orleans Waltz.'' But the Alabama-born singer-songwriter sounds just as comfortable growling out Hank Williams-quality honky tonk and ornery Southern rock. Now if he could only find a place to live.

-- Bob Strauss

LYNNE ARRIALE TRIO: ``Live'' (Motema) - Four stars

Pianist Arriale's latest is one of the best deals around. In addition to the CD of an excellent 2005 concert, you get a beautifully shot DVD of the same show that also includes a 25-minute PBS profile and a 15-minute interview. It's a great way to get to know one of jazz's most innovative pianists -- her funky cover of the Beatles' ``Come Together'' could stay on repeat for a day and not get old. This is an artist who can take pop, classical and jazz and meld them into something very special.

-- Glenn Whipp

VARIOUS: ``SpongeBob SquarePants: The Best Day Ever'' (Nick/Sony) - Three stars

SpongeBob's got sole power. Presented as an underwater radio show on Bikini Bottom's WH2O, this porpoiseful set from the crew offers a clever mix of items like the Beach Boys-influenced title track, the Rolling Stones-inspired ``Under My Rock,'' and the Tom Waits-like ``Fishin' for Money.'' Created and written by Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, and veteran pop producer Andy Paley -- with cameos from the likes of Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone and Flaco Jimenez -- kids will love the puns and general silliness. Adults may find the radio-station format a bit tiresome after a dozen or so spins, but nobody can carp about the positive messages embedded in ``Employee of the Month'' and other catchy tunas.

-- Fred Shuster

VARIOUS: ``Children of Men (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'' (Varese Sarabande) Three and one half stars

VARIOUS: ``Children of Men'' (Hip-O Records) - Three and one half stars

John Tavener composed much of the original music for the Alfonso Cuaron film about a future dystopian society. The centerpiece is the beautiful, 15-plus-minute ``Fragments of a Prayer.'' The English composer's music might be called (and this is not to be meant as a disparagement) mood pieces. Usually with religious themes, Taverner's works are often spare, relying on dynamics and tension to create an emotional and meditative space. The album, which also includes works by Handel and Malher, is a perfect companion to the eclectic collection of pop songs that make up a second disc. John Lennon's raucous ``Bring on the Lucie (Freda Peeple)'' and Pulp's Jarvis Cocker's ``Running the World,'' with its rather explicit lyrics, are heard on the closing credits. Sprinkled among Tavener's music during the film are oldies like ``The Court of the Crimson'' by King Crimson, and lively hip-hop numbers like ``Witness (1 Hope)'' by British-Jamaican rapper Roots Manuva. What would have made this experience truly as good as the film -- one of the best of the year -- would have been mixing the soundtracks together.

-- Rob Lowman

CAPTION(S):

7 photos

Photo:

(1) no caption (Carly Simon)

(2 -- 7) no caption (CD covers)