In a previous life as a member of Veruca Salt, Nina Gordon hit the "alternative" big time with a song called Seether that was a spot-on imitation of The Breeders. That band called it quits nearly a decade ago, not that anyone noticed. Nor did many take notice of Gordon's solo debut six years ago.

Her sophomore solo effort, Bleeding Heart Graffiti, is billed as a concept album about a relationship - you know, kinda like 96% of the pop albums in circulation. It could as easily be peddled as an album that documents a crisis of faith, or even a Christmas album (the song cycle begins and ends during the festive season).

But if this reviewer may offer a tip to the marketing wizards at Warner music, it is to overdub the occasional fiddle onto Bob Rock's pristine production and sell Bleeding Heart Graffiti to the young-country crowd.

It's not country, of course, but neither is it "alternative rock." And if there is to be any chance for these formulaic, utterly predictable, pedestrian ballads to find an audience, it is to change stylistic horses post-haste.

As a rock album, Bleeding Heart Graffiti is a snoozer; as a young country album, it ain't half bad.

Track Listing:

1. Bleeding Heart Graffiti
2. Christmas Lights
3. Kiss Me Til It Bleeds
4. Suffragette
5. This Was The YEar
6. Don't Let Me Down
7. Pure
8. Watercolors
9. Superstar
10. Turn On Your Radio
11. When You Don't Want Me Anymore
12. Bones And A Name
13. The Time Comes
14. The Crickets Sound Like Sleigh Bells
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