Women Like Us-Lesbian Favorite
No less a suspect pop-culture authority than Howard Stern has repeatedly proclaimed that "everyone loves lesbians!" But what do lesbians love? Rhino Records boldly claims to know the musical answer to that question on this richly eclectic collection of female artists compiled for a lesbian audience. And if that's a bold--if readily transparent--marketing move, it shouldn't distract one from the charms of this cross-genre compilation. The songs here run the gamut from acoustic angst (Ani DiFranco) to pop (Wendy and Lisa,Jill Sobule), MOR (Taylor Dayne), folk (Two Nice Girls), and dance (Fem 2 Fem). k.d. lang contributes "Just Keep Me Moving," while cult favePhrancgivesHerman's Hermitshoary  "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" a new slant. The emotions range from intense eroticism (particularlyJanis Ian's sultry "Ride Me Like a Wave") to the steely pragmatism ofSandra Bernhard's remake of Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."-Jerry McCulley