Beatin' the Heat

.Label: Surf Dog.Published: 2000/W/E. COSTELLO/R.L. JONES/TOM WAITS/BETTE MIDLER...

In his song about alien abduction, "Hell, I'd Go," Dan Hicks proclaims, "I'm travelin' light; my attitude's right." Attitude combined with swing is what has made Hicks the sui generis artist he is. Attitude and swing are in abundance on Beatin' the Heat, and both attributes are shared by special guests: Brian Setzer, Rickie Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Tom Waits, and Elvis Costello. Those seeking a working definition of cool should listen to the Hicks-Waits duet on the laid-back shuffle "I'll Tell You Why That Is." Only the essential genius of violinist Sid Page returns from the original Hot Licks, but the band's unique vocal and instrumental sound is still amply present, tastefully updated by producers Gary Hoey and Dave Kaplan--what could be more appropriate than a remake of "I Scare Myself" over a trance groove? Intentionally or not, Hicks has steered clear of the swing revival movement, opting to continue making his own brilliant brand of eclectic, jazz-inflected pop music. --Michael Ross