New York City's 'singing cop' records patriotic CD

"The Spirit of America" (Manhattan Records, $14.99) -- Daniel Rodriguez

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, New York policeman Daniel Rodriguez has become the "singing cop," performing at the World Series, the lighting of Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree, the opening of Carnegie Hall's season and the opening ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Olympics.

His newfound celebrity has landed him a record deal, and his debut is "The Spirit of America." It includes his now-famous rendition of "God Bless America" and other patriotic fare, plus traditional songs such as "You'll Never Walk Alone," "Danny Boy," "Ave Maria" and "Shenandoah."

Although there is a little too much reverb, Rodriguez shows promise -- he has a sweet tenor voice and a nice Broadway-type style, both in soft and loud passages.

In March, he is to take a leave of absence from the New York Police Department and enroll for three months in the Washington Opera's Vilar-Domingo Young Artists Program. He asked Placido Domingo for an audition when they met at a Yankee Stadium prayer service.

Ronald Blum

Associated Press Writer

"Always Got Tonight" (Reprise, $18.98) -- Chris Isaak

Poor Chris Isaak.

Just listen to the coifed crooner beg for gentle breakup on his latest album, "Always Got Tonight."

"Please just let me down easy/Can't you hear my heart is calling/You don't know how far I've fallen for you," Isaak begs on the song "Let Me Down Easy."

Seems like the ladies just don't go for the buff, guitar-wielding, golden-throated surfer types anymore. At least that's the gospel according to Isaak on "Always Got Tonight."

"Life Will Go On" is a beautiful blend of echoing guitar strains against a slow shuffle of drum taps. "Broken sky, heartaches that flowers won't mend/Say goodbye knowing that this is the end," Isaak sings about relationships turned dark and destined for ruin.

Sounds like rote, sad stuff, but the song typifies Isaak's classic hold on the subject of love. Look hard enough and you'll find hope in the darkest hours of the heart.

The casual Isaak fan will likely find this album too similar to his earlier material. His career audience, however, will welcome the solid new songs, including "Notice the Ring," a spunky offering with hints of Luscious Jackson's hip-swiveling pace.

Isaak's work later in his career has been invigorated by the addition of guitarist Herschel Yatovitz to his band. Yatovitz adds deft twists of vibrant guitar riffs that few in the business can match lick for lick.

-- Ron Harris

Associated Press Writer

"Relentless Beats Vol. 2" (Moonshine, $16.98) -- Misstress Barbara

Drummer turned disc jockey Misstress Barbara gives techno fans a solid CD with "Relentless Beats Vol. 2," more than an hour of high-energy dance mix.

Listeners know they're in for a knowing touch of old and new when Misstress Barbara kicks off the set with a low-fi loop of a lyric from the Barkays' "Do It."

There's something for rave revelers and house music fans alike on Misstress Barbara's mix. If it has a name on the dance music circuit, whether jungle or breakbeat, she's likely to have tapped it for this enjoyable album.

Much of the music has that grainy buzz found on acid house collections, but Misstress Barbara has a good feel for the blend. Late in the album there's deep house-sounding tunes that make the listener want to get up and dance.

-- Ron Harris

AP Writer

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"Highway Song" (PSB Records, $13.98) -- Tim Flannery

Fifteen years ago, nearing the end of his career as a fringe major-league baseball player, Tim Flannery hit .228 with no home runs in 106 games.

"Highway Song" is a little better than that.

Flannery writes and sings mostly ballads that reflect his Kentucky roots. The 13-song disc has an appealing mix of acoustic and steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and other instruments, nicely blending the sounds of bluegrass, folk, gospel and Celtic music.

But Flannery has yet to blossom as a songwriter, and on this subdued set, his words and melodies rarely stick. Best is "The Baseball Song," Flannery's take on the sorry state of the national pastime. The song overcomes the plodding line "History is being pushed aside by corporate entities."

Otherwise, the best tunes are covers, among them: Gillian Welch's "One More Dollar" and Kieran Kane's "Dirty Little Town." Flannery doesn't strike out on "Highway Song," but he doesn't hit a homer either.

-- Steven Wine

AP Writer