Free Kitten are, of course, the trio of Julie Cafritz (ex-Pussy Galore), Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), and Mark Ibold (Pavement); Yoshimi of the Boredoms also lends a hand, as does Wire magazine favorite DJ Spooky. Don't think I've actually sat down and listened to an entire Free Kitten record in the past (they have amassed a small mountain of singles and full-length efforts), but this is surprisingly okay. While I haven't been terribly impressed with the output of Sonic Youth this decade, there are no shortage of lifts from Kim's full-time band which sound just 'dokey in this context. All told, the entire record hangs together just fine, and while I wouldn't put this in my desert island top 100 or anything, it's good fun. So, um, as far as Sonic Youth/ Pussy Galore offshoots go, I'll take this over Boss Hog or Male Slut any day.

-Bruce Tiffee