From her early days as a Christian vocalist (known then as Leslie Phillips) to the bubblegum pop and teenage heartbreak sounds of her debut as Sam Phillips, The Indescribable Wow, to her more recent Beatle- drenched pop (Cruel Inventions and Martinis & Bikinis), change is practically what Sam Phillips is all about. And she's not done evolving. Omnipop (It's Only A Flesh Wound Lambchop) finds Phillips moving into a darker realm of weird romance and technological backdrops.

The opening track is the type of story song longtime Sam Phillips fans will be familiar with. "Entertainmen" is several women's stories about doing everything they can possibly do to make their men happy, and getting screwed over in the end anyway. "Animals On Wheels," has a spooky circusy sound and brilliant lyrics ("Am I your pussycat? / I know what's new"), while "Help Yourself" makes itself the creepiest track with haunting music and harrowing visuals ("I laid down on the table / You pulled up a chair / You're going to help yourself/ To me").

The record sounds interesting for a few listens, and comes away with a couple of really good tracks, including a co-write with R.E.M. called "Slapstick Heart." After a couple of times through, though, the album becomes a little tired. Though, Omnipop is a strong release, you might still be better off with 1993's amazing Martinis & Bikinis for repeated listens.

-Ryan Schreiber