SOUND CHECK.

KANYE WEST: ``Late Registration'' (Roc-A-Fella) - Three and one half stars

The sophomore album from what Time mag just dubbed rap's classiest act deserves its parental advisory for declasse language, but West's ``Late Registration'' is still the most accomplished hip-hop effort since his '04 ``College Dropout'' debut. Working here with the eclectic Aimee Mann/Fiona Apple producer Jon Brion, West furthers the art of taking unexpected samples from the likes of Shirley Bassey, Ray Charles, Otis Redding and Gil Scott-Heron, combining them with rare break beats, hooky strings and horns, and laying on lyrics that go deeper than the familiar misogyny and revenge fantasies.

Best of a rare batch are three tracks with a political bent. On ``Diamonds From Sierra Leone,'' Jay-Z cameos for an exploration of the link between gems trading and civil war; ``Crack Music'' finds West joined by the Game to show how drug addiction has helped cripple black militancy; and ``Roses'' takes on the health-care system. Despite such topics, each is highly melodic and imaginatively crafted.

West remains at the head of the class.

- Fred Shuster

TIERNEY SUTTON: ``I'm with the Band'' (Telarc) - Three stars

Sutton's career has evolved slowly since her debut seven years ago, and this live disc, recorded earlier this year at New York's Birdland, shows her at peak form, free from the conservatism that mired early efforts. The live setting undoubtedly helps, as does her ensemble-oriented approach, which is evident both from the album's title and all-inclusive cover photo. Working with her band, top-flight L.A. session men one and all - bassists Kevin Axt and Trey Henry, pianist Christian Jacob and drummer Ray Brinker - Sutton swings effortlessly and then gets out of the way and lets the boys shine. And shine they do, particularly on the up-tempo numbers like ``The Lady Is a Tramp'' and ``What a Little Moonlight Will Do.''

- Glenn Whipp

MARTY STUART: ``Soul's Chapel'' (Superlatone/Universal South) - Three stars

Country traditionalist Stuart fell off the wagon when he heard ex father-in-law Johnny Cash died, got himself busted and, upon release, was handed Pop Staples' guitar by the soul legend's daughter, Mavis. This all seemed like some kind of sign, of course. The result is Stuart's first album of spirituals. It's all in a style that the Mississippian refers to as Delta gospel, but sounds a mighty lot like classic, electric guitar r&b to me. This is church music you can dance to - dirty dance, even. Ms. Mavis lends her voice to a cover of Pop's great ``Move Along Train.''

- Bob Strauss

BEN TAYLOR: ``Another Run Around the Sun'' (Iris/Red) - Three stars

He's no James Taylor, but there's something of his father's understated singing style in this set of introspective, acoustic-driven songs like ``Nothing I Can Do,'' ``Someday Soon'' and ``Surround Me.'' Writerly reflection would've been hard to avoid given Taylor's background. Ben grew up listening and mimicking the songs of his dad, with whom he often toured. From his mother, Carly Simon, he learned how to write lyrics rich in color. The lessons certainly paid off. Here, Taylor spreads his warm, velvety Paul Simon-esque voice over crackling melodies about love and loss, including the standout ``Think a Man Would Know,'' featuring vocals by his mom who, like his father, must be very proud.

- Sandra Barrera

JAMIE OLDAKER: ``Mad Dogs & Okies'' (Concord) - Three and one half stars

This superb set of soulful country, rock and blues performed by artists linked to the Tulsa scene is so good it could've come from one of those British indies that do U.S. regional music comps better than anyone. Put together by drummer Oldaker, who was part of Eric Clapton's Oklahoma Pocket band of the '70s, the cleverly titled ``Mad Dogs & Okies'' has A-listers Tony Joe White, J.J. Cale, Vince Gill, Clapton and others hitting a gospel-rock groove. But the whole show is nearly stolen by Bonnie Bramlett (formerly of Delaney & Bonnie), whose ``Make Your Move'' is so rocking that Oldaker revisits the session at the end of the record.

- F.S.

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Photo:

(1) no caption (Kanye West)

Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

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