Bayleaf
Stone Gossard's first solo album proves that Eddie Vedder isn't the only  talent inPearl Jam. If you think  that by picking up this 10-song CD you'll be getting another dose of grunge,  however, you're in for a big surprise. Gossard's uncanny wit and melodic music  are showcased here. While he wears his wide influences on his sleeve, at some  point he imbues these songs with imagination and a raw, authentic sound. "Bore  Me" is muscular psychedelia that recalls the Small Faces circaOgden's Nut Gone Flake.  Gossard jumps into even deeper waters with "Pigeon," a misogynistic take on a  relationship in decline that would makeMick Jaggerproud ("I'm  outta here/ I'm not through sleeping around"). Gossard flirts with the dark side  in "Fits," as he slips comfortably into a vocal that recallsJim Morrisonor a  midcareerIggy Popand  pulls off anxious guitar licks that degenerate into pure fuzz as the ghostly  chorus fades. The title track owes too great a debt toNeil Young, what with its  extended guitar play and atonal vocals. ButBayleafis a strong sampler  of Stone Gossard's range and interests, and a delicious portent of what's ahead.--Jaan Uhelszki