Bewitched

On its second Elektra album, Bewitched, Luna lost the silly tiny "squared" symbol after its name and gained a second guitarist: Sean Eden joins former Galaxie 500 leader Dean Wareham, Chills bassist Justin Harwood, and Feelies drummer Stanley Demeski. This time, the result is less the tentative, slightly disjointed work of an (ahem) alternative supergroup than the product of a tasteful psychedelic rock band specializing in stylish restraint and a distinctive, clean, and crisp guitar and drum sound. Luna doesn't deny its influences: Demeski brings the Feelies' trademark crazy rhythm to any project he joins, and while Wareham used to squirm whenever he was asked about Galaxie 500's obvious debt to the Velvet Underground, he now underlines the connection by inviting Sterling Morrison to guest on two tracks. --Jim DeRogatis