The Rusty Ps collaborated with Milwaukee�s finest producers, emcees, DJs, and bands for their latest release, the ironically-titled Rusty Ps Versus Milwaukee. The group, composed of emcees Phantom Channel and Count Classic, producer S. Watson, and DJ Madhatter, have been actively recording and performing in Milwaukee since 1998. Most recently known for the international releases "Professional," One, and "Quickness," their new album takes a different approach - combining their unique style with sounds provided by other Milwaukee musicians. The album is a solid release for the Rusty Ps, and a significant release for the Milwaukee music scene as a whole.

Rusty Ps Versus Milwaukee features 15 distinct tracks, providing something for all listeners� musical tastes. Featuring original group members Dana Coppa and One Self, S. Watson-produced �The Return� starts the album off with the heavy drum pattern the Ps have become best known for. J. Todd makes a handful of contributions to the project, providing production for the appropriately-titled stomper �Funk�d Up,� as well as vocals and co-production (with Old Man Malcolm) of �This World.� Milwaukee icons Black Elephant collaborate with the Ps on the smoothed-out seasonal groove �Summertime.� Local DJ J-Slim makes a long-awaited reappearance to produce the stand out track �One Man,� a hard-pounding remix with the vocals of Count Classic cleverly arranged through the scratches. While not out playing tunes 8 nights a week, Kid Cut Up found time to produce one: the up-tempo party cut �Gather Around.� On �Emancipation,� the Rusty Ps shift gears altogether, creating a self-reflective, down-tempo journey with the rock band The Silence. The album also features work by Chocolate Gamma, Adebisi, Cash Bishop, Kid Millions, Recycled Future, Lunaversol 9, Minus After, The Mistreaters, and D-On.

The Rusty Ps will be performing alongside Boston-based hip hop trio The Perceptionists Saturday, September 24th, at Onopa Brewing Co. (735 E. Center St., Milwaukee, WI). Rusty Ps Versus Milwaukee will be available at the show and can also be purchased at Atomic Records (1813 E. Locust St., Milwaukee, WI), Lotus Land Records (801 E. Center St., Milwaukee, WI) and through their website www.RustyPs.com. Listen to audio and find out more @ www.MySpace.com/RustyPs.   (Steve Marx)

The Pulltops - As Seen on TV

This album reminds me a lot of the post-Candy Apple Grey, pre-Nevermind period, when some college rock/indie bands were given tentative contracts with the majors, and those that weren't often bent their vision towards the mainstream to increase chances for airplay. Wait, nothing has really changed since then�but I digress. The Pulltops deliver competent, safe rock music that marketing groups would call "alternative." I recall the late 80s, specifically the IRS group the Alarm. Outside of occasionally bad drum sounds and some gimmicky, distracting panning of the vocals, the album features solid, pop-driven production. It also has beautiful packaging for an all-local effort.   www.ThePullTops.com

Dragenfly - In the Beginning

Back to the 80s�80s-style metal, straight out of Kenosha. Lyrically, themes focus on D&D, dirty love, and insanity - just like the best of Maiden, Crue, and Ozzy. Musically, Dragenfly leans towards the hair side of 80s metal, with thinned-out drums leaving plenty of room for midrange-y guitars (solos heavy on the pinched harmonics, natch). The band delivers the goods if you need this sort of fix, but the vocalist provides the best argument for Auto-Tune abuse I've ever heard.   www.Dragenfly.net

The Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate - Wrong Way Charlie's Safari Adventure

This is well-arranged swing music that sounds best when the horns are full-on and the vocalist is playing a character. In the title track, a 20s-style private investigator lays out a humorous tale laced with double entendres, ala Kip Adotta's "Wet Dream." There's even mention of the Shadow to keep you in that part of history (although technically that would put you into the 30s�). But when those beautiful-sounding horns quiet down and the vocalist starts using his real voice, look out - you're headed into bad high school show choir territory.   www.LuckySwings.com

Lou DiBello - The Axeman Cometh

You get exactly what you'd expect from this rather unoriginally-titled CD: a heavy dose of shredder-style electric guitar instrumentals obviously influenced by Vai, Satriani, and Malmsteen. It's technically accomplished, but devoid of memorable songs. The obligatory "I understand musical styles outside of rock because I wrote a song around a rhythm preset built into my $75 keyboard" instrumental appears in the form of "Caribbean Cruise" - a calypso/reggae/I-don't-really-know-because-I'm-too-white abortion. "Tribute 2005" is a neo-classical shred fest, leaving no doubt that the tributee is Malmsteen - a shredder who I actually like�   www.LouDiBello.com

(G.E. Pedretti)