Why is that when I listen to the radio I never hear bands like this? Has all of radio gone gutless and brain-dead?With the CD “A Lot To Live” the band Rookie proves they are way ready for radio - at least the radio all punk-pop rockers wish existed.

Rookie’s “A Lot To Live” breaks out immediately with insistent, driving guitars and forceful drums in “Rap Star.” Doug Kreitzer’s voice matches the intensity without a hint of indecision or self-indulgence.

The sound is consistent throughout the CD, except for the fourth track, “Heartbreaker,” which mixes peppy little acoustic guitars with a bleak little song. It was grating, but fortunately short. Otherwise, the band puts out tight sounds, tight vocals and harmony that kicks in to boost the lyrics without intruding on Kreitzer’s lead.

Eleven great songs from a 12 track CD? That’s freakin’ unheard of in today’s “music industry.”

I loved Track 2, “OK Love.” It’s a love song for a young millennium, but it shines brightest when it shifts into the sound of the early Psychedelic Furs. (Interesting, since I’ve heard some of the members might not be fans of ’80s music.) Well, it sits great with me and doesn’t come off as an obvious imitation.

What would I find to criticize on this CD? Definitely that it’s too short. It’s strange, the songs feel fully realized, but the CD is over before you know it. No big deal though, just listen to it again. It’s worth your time.

Rookie is: Doug Kreitzer - vocals and rhythm guitar; Tommy Cappel - guitar and vocals; Steve Sherman - bass; Jay Baskette - drums.

Pick up the CD at www.rookierocks.com.

I’m so naive. I think I can write a fair review for any type of music they throw my way. Ray Jozwiak’s “Critic’s Choice” almost cleared away that delusion.

The first song, “Albert,” struck fear in my heart. I like to go with my first impressions of a song and let the artist build upon that. So what was I hearing? It sounded like an out-of-tune, jazz version of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I couldn’t erase the mental image of Snoopy dancing on top the piano.

No matter - I plugged on. These were the days I wouldn’t do a review unless I listened to the entire CD. The next two songs had me thinking this Ray Jozwiak was the love child of Linus and Mary Lou Retton. I could visualize the tumbling runs as Linus pounds out the goofy dance beats the athletes must writhe to …

It wasn’t until track four, “Money,” that I finally got it. Ray brought in some funky bass that changed the cold striking of the keys into smooth, honey-fingered piano jazz. The rest of the CD was an effortless listen.

Jozwiak is talented and needs to be heard. I didn’t find a Web site or e-mail address for “Critic’s Choice.” Go to your local music store and demand it.

P.S. Ray, if you have a way to access your work online, please drop me a line.