SOUND CHECK.

GILLIAN WELCH: ``Soul Journey'' (Acony) - Four stars

On her fourth album, the unlikely L.A.-bred keeper of Appalachian authenticity both strips down and amps up to equally captivating effect. Strong blues influences, expanded string combos, judicious organ flourishes and even a bit of Dylan/Band-style electric jamming enrich the general, do-it-yourself sound that Welch and partner David Rawlings have trademarked over the years. Yet the spare, stranded loneliness of Welch's voice and basic musical philosophy remains as droningly mesmerizing as ever. And in case you need further proof that she hasn't sold out, there are three, totally disarming cuts of Welch just accompanying herself on guitar. In stores Tuesday.

- Bob Strauss

LISA GERMANO: ``Lullaby for Liquid Pig'' (Ineffable/iMusic) - Three stars

Audiences were first introduced to Germano through her graceful and gutsy violin work on John Mellencamp's ``Big Daddy'' and ``Lonesome Jubilee.'' Her solo work, however, is much darker and more atmospheric. Her sixth disc offers a stark, unflinchingly introspective account of an addictive personality (whether to alcohol or people) and related feelings of isolation as she makes her way through the emotional minefield of recovery. ``Nobody's Playing'' and ``Into the Night'' are standouts. Germano's melancholy melodies coupled with her longing, whispery vocals complement the raw lyrics.

- Phillip Zonkel

DR. LONNIE SMITH: ``Boogaloo to Beck: A Tribute'' (Scufflin') - Three and one half stars

Whoever came up with the idea of having this funkmaster organist tackle Beck's bluesy grooves should get a couple of rounds on the house. It's a perfect marriage of material, particularly on the cuts where Smith is joined by legendary tenor saxophonist David ``Fathead'' Newman. Most of the 11 tracks are from the ``Odelay'' album and, while the harmonic possibilities are somewhat limited, Smith, Newman, guitarist Doug Munro and drummer Lafrae Sci dig in and mine some rich melodic veins. Most importantly, the group nails the kind of soulful vibe that makes an album like this such a delight. Lord knows, it's a lot more fun than ``Sea Change.''

- Glenn Whipp

DAVE GAHAN: ``Paper Monsters'' (Mute/Reprise) - Three stars

For 22 years he's been the frontman of the dark-synth pop sensation Depeche Mode. It wasn't all glamour, as he reflects in ``Dirty Sticky Floors,'' the lead single off this solo debut, which recalls the singer's drug-addicted past over a heavy synth groove a la Depeche Mode. But the 10 tracks on ``Paper Monsters'' ponder many things, from self-destruction (``Bottle Living'') to love (``Bitter Apple'') to fatherhood, which finds Gahan quietly expressing awe at the birth of his daughter in ``Stay.'' In stores Tuesday.

- Sandra Barrera

EELS: ``Shootenanny!'' (DreamWorks) - Four stars

According to the official Eels Web site, a shootenanny is really no different than a hootenanny except its participants fire guns. OK, so it's really just a made-up word by Mark Oliver Everett, the singer-songwriter-producer simply known as E. He's the genius responsible for this 13-track set of wry gems like ``Dirty Girl,'' ``Restraining Order Blues,'' ``Lone Wolf'' and ``The Good Old Days,'' in which he ponders everyday doldrums with great profundity. ``Who's to say,'' he sings over the sweet acoustic guitar, ``these could be the good old days.'' Now here's a guy that doesn't take himself too seriously. In stores Tuesday.

- Sandra Barrera

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(1) GILLIAN WELCH

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