"THE SIMPSONS" (Adrenaline Music)
D'oh! An orchestral version of the familiar "Simpsons Theme" by Danny Elfman opens this amusing souvenir of the well-received big-screen version of the hit TV series. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer's diverse range of cues here calls forth the summer sounds of the '50s, orchestral choirs and conventional action/adventure music, while "Bart's Doodle" could've been borrowed from a Busby Berkeley musical. Quotes from the "Simpsons" theme arise elsewhere, too, while a the big choir-infused "Spider Pig" will immediately bring to mind very funny moments from the film. -- Fred Shuster

 "BRATZ" (Geffen)
In the sonic companion to the forthcoming feature based on a line of chic fashion dolls (who said Hollywood was running out of ideas?), well-known names and up 'n' comers join up after an open call asked for songs for the film. Some of the best moments here are the Bratz hits "Bratitude" and "Open Eyes" and slight but kid-friendly tunes from Ashlee Simpson, Black Eyed Peas and the Slumber Party Girls. We also liked "Heartburn" from the polished pop quartet NLT. In stores Tuesday. -- F.S.

THE PHIL WOODS QUINTET "American Songbook II" (Kind of Blue)
The sequel to last year's songbook set finds 75-year-old saxophone legend Woods leading his esteemed quintet - pianist Bill Charlap, trumpeter Brian Lynch, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin - through another lively makeover of songs you've heard a million times before, just rarely played this well. Readings of "Night and Day," "Come Rain or Come Shine" are an apt summation of the great Woods' consistency over the years, and he wrings every ounce of feeling from them here in yet another fine addition to his wondrous career. -- Glenn Whipp

CULTURE "Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition" (Shanachie)
One of reggae's most consistent and accessible roots harmony groups, Culture was fronted by the impassioned vocals of the late Joseph Hill on top of soaring harmonies from Albert Walker and Kenneth Daye. This deluxe edition of the group's landmark debut offers timeless classics including the mysterious title track (which refers to apocalyptic prophecies by Marcus Garvey that, thankfully, didn't come to pass) and the righteous "I'm Not Ashamed." The album's original 10 tracks are combined here with five bonus numbers that make for an enjoyable package. --F.S.

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC SONGBOOK VOL. 2 & 3" (Bloodshot)
This specially priced two-disc set, available Tuesday, continues the effort of Chicago's venerable academy to record and reinterpret just about every song you could imagine singing around a campfire. And a few that you may not; each 21-song disc gets padded out with a questionably folky chestnut like "Shine On, Harvest Moon" or "When the Saints Go Marching In." Nevertheless, this is a veritable treasure trove of blues, gospel, Stephen Foster, cowboy classics, sea chanteys, country favorites, work songs and other traditional staples. Recorded by an eclectic range of Americana acts and instructors from the school, a few cuts ring rather academic. But for the most part, these well-known songs are given refreshingly inventive and eccentric treatments. It's a great deal. -- Bob Strauss