By CHUCK CAMPBELL, Scripps Howard News Service

"PHRAZES FOR THE YOUNG," Julian Casablancas (Cult Records/RCA)

When The Strokes emerged earlier this decade some talked as though the New York City garage band would save rock music -- a ridiculous notion since rock wasn't dying and even if it were, one band certainly wouldn't save it.

"SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS," Pink Martini (Heinz)

Pink Martini is talented enough to deliver a fine classical album yet much too twisted to do anything so straightforward.

The 12-piece act from Portland, Ore., hops into a time/travel machine for "Splendor in the Grass," its fourth release since 1997, and drops in on at least four different continents and a half dozen decades.

"HEARTBREAK ON VINYL," Blake Lewis (Tommy Boy)

Rather than attempt to be everything to everyone, like so many other "American Idol" contenders try to do, Blake Lewis is honing in on a specific sound.

"SCARS," Basement Jaxx (Ultra/XL)

After a decade of everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink house music, Basement Jaxx has settled into a more reflective mode on the new "Scars."

"SCARY FRAGILE," Butterfly Boucher (Nettwerk)

A half-dozen years after the release of her debut "Flutterby," Butterfly Boucher is still looking for her niche.

"VAGABOND," Spencer Day (Concord Jazz)

Spencer Day is wholly derivative -- think Harry Connick Jr. meets John Mayer -- yet somehow he sounds fresh. Perhaps it's just an illusion, the way his teen-like appearance belies the fact he's in his early 30s. However it's more likely that his appeal is maximized by his discretion.

"I LOOK TO YOU," Whitney Houston (RCA)

At first glance, Whitney Houston appears confident and serene in the photo on the cover of her new album, "I Look to You." But after hearing the release, a second look at the picture reveals something off about her ambivalent, Mona Lisa smile, something uncertain in her eyes.

Something like reluctance.

"ELLIPSE," Imogen Heap (RCA)

Freak du jour Imogen Heap will likely hold on to her scenester cred with her new "Ellipse."

"SHAKA ROCK," Jet (Real Horrorshow Records)

Jet tumbles in its own turbulence on its new "Shaka Rock" and nearly comes crashing down.

"HOT MESS," Cobra Starship (Decaydence/Fueled By Ramen)

Cobra Starship takes much of what has been over the top about rock, dance, pop and urban music in the past decade or so and bashes it into one over-stimulated, but catchy, package.