Poison the Hit Parade * by Ike Reilly

Personnel: Ike Reilly (vocals, guitar); Ed Tinley (guitar, piano, organ); Phil Karnatza (guitar); Tommy O'Donnell (bass guitar); Dave Gottini (drums). Ike Reilly's new album isn't really new at all, although the music is new, at least as it's being presented here. The two discs comprise a CD that includes five demos and alternate versions of old album tracks, a half-dozen song initially intended for, but not included on past albums, and a pair of previously unreleased numbers, alongside a second disc, a DVD containing three videos. The demos/alternates are a fascinating group, with three -- "Hip Hop Thighs #16," "Duty Free," and "Cash Is King" all brighter and more upbeat than the ones Reilly utilized on album. In contrast, "Fish Plant Rebellion" is much more downtempo and stripped back musically, while "It's Alright to Die" is totally transformed, far removed from the rockin' R&B track that featured on Sparkle in the Finish. All are worth hearing, but fans will be far more interested in the batch of nev...