SOUND CHECK.

Tim McGraw/``A Place in the Sun'' (Curb)

It can be hard to resist McGraw's insidiously well-crafted new disc, which recently sprinted to the top of the pop albums list for a week in the sun. Unless, of course, you prefer music that isn't designed as a lifestyle accessory. The sometimes engaging blend of rock and slick balladry found on the Nashville singer's fifth album often seems freeze-dried, processed so the drums and vocals are so upfront in the mix they're almost shrill. But, then, the aim is to score a hit, and in order to do that you've got to target pop radio dead on. Mission accomplished.

While the award-winning McGraw doesn't write, he attracts the cream of Music Row, as evidenced by the hit single ``Please Remember Me,'' penned by Will Jennings and Rodney Crowell, and that's the standout tune here. The rest could easily be the latest from Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson or George Strait. Generic sounds for generic times. Two stars

- Fred Shuster

Diana Ross/``Every Day Is a New Day'' (Motown)

She's a star, dahling, and if you don't believe it, check out the hysterical diva poses in the booklet accompanying Ross' first album in five years. Actually, thanks to a host of top producers and some spectacular hairstyling, ``Every Day Is a New Day'' isn't as unbearable as you'd expect. The best thing here is the techno-dance ditty ``Got to Be Free,'' played and produced by r&b hitmaker Malik Pendleton.

The second-best reason to pluck this disc from the rack for a moment is the photo of Ross in a sheer black dress splayed out on the back of a horse, which is wearing a ``she's gotta be kidding'' expression on its face. We know the feeling. One and one half stars

- F.S.

Afro Celt Sound System/``Vol. 2: Release'' (Real World)

Afro Celt Sound System leader Simon Emmerson's fusion of African drums, Irish pipes, flutes, accordions and Gaelic voices has gotten him labeled barking mad in his native Britain. But there's much to enjoy on the second album from this imaginative and quirky outfit, which is a perennial favorite on the European summer festival circuit.

Among the album's memorable moments is the opening cut ``Release,'' featuring a furious rhythm section and vocals from Sinead O'Connor. The tune is later reprised as an instrumental at the end of this fully enchanting disc. Three stars

- David Bloom 

Dwight Yoakam/``Last Chance for a Thousand Years'' (Reprise)

The original Mr. Hat dredges up previously released stuff from the '90s, plus a few newly recorded tracks like the pointless cover of Queen's ``Crazy Little Thing Called Love'' that's all over country radio now. The best songs, including the bittersweet ballad ``The Heart That You Own,'' come from Yoakam's 1990 career peak, ``If There Was a Way.'' That's the album to get. Two stars

- F.S.

Monty Alexander/``Stir It Up'' (Telarc)

Jamaican jazz pianist Alexander goes home with this rewarding tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley. Using a six-piece Jamaican rhythm section as well as his own four-piece jazz combo, Alexander creates 13 songs that flow nicely between reggae and jazz grooves. The results should please fans of both camps.

Trombonist Steve Turre memorably solos on ``Running Away'' and ``I Shot the Sheriff,'' while Alexander nicely embellishes classic Marley melodies on standards like ``Could You Be Loved'' and ``Jammin'.'' The pianist's imaginative playing (with wide-spanning references that include George Gershwin and the Beatles) makes this album more than a rote tribute. Three stars

- Glenn Whipp

Various/``Cuba Si!: Pure Cuban Flavor'' (Rhino)

Mambo and cha-cha from Havana filled the world's dance floors 40 years ago. Here's a top-notch compilation of Afro-Cuban treats from our least-favored neighbor nation, which has maintained a vibrant and influential music scene despite economic and political woes.

Featured are stalwarts such as Jesus Alemany's Cubanismo!, the great Los Van Van and the always marvelous Cachao, but it also spotlights more obscure offerings from up-and-comers in both Cuba and the U.S. Excellent liner notes give a solid context for the music, which never stops simmering. ``Cuba Si!'' indeed. Three and one half stars

- D.B.

Insane Clown Posse/``The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' (Island)

Like pro wrestling, Marilyn Manson and the Jerky Boys, Detroit's horror-rap duo Insane Clown Posse offer an empty, violent show built for undiscriminating 12-year-olds.

On this ridiculous record, which naturally is selling like hot cakes, the brothers under the big top spew all the usual foul rap cliches while fellow entertainment geniuses Snoop Dogg and the Jerky Boys join the good times. ``The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' is so insipid it makes fellow Fun City native Eminem sound like ``Sketches of Spain.'' One star

- F.S.

Kruder and Dorfmeister/``The K&D Sessions'' (Stud!o K7)

The German mixing and production team of Kruder and Dorfmeister know how to spin an implacably cool groove and make it stretch compellingly over two fat discs. A highlight of this slinky remix collection, culled from an offbeat array of ambient, techno, rap and other sources, is a spooky remake of Depeche Mode's ``Useless.'' This is all-night move and groove stuff - smooth, silky and sexy with a dangerous edge. Highly recommended. Three and one half stars

- D.B.

Robert Cray Band/``Take Your Shoes Off'' (Rykodisc)

On his 11th album, urbane Bay Area bluesman Cray again tips his hat to the revered Hi/Stax branch of Southern soul. The Al Green-style ``Love Gone to Waste,'' boasting a sizzling Willie Mitchell horn arrangement, is the favorite, while ``24-7 Man'' and ``It's All Gone'' replicate the formula down to a visit from the Memphis Horns. Vocally, though, while Cray's heart is in the right place, he's no O.V. Wright. Two and one half stars

- F.S.

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8 Photos

Photo: (1) no caption (Tim McGraw)

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