SLEATER-KINNEY: The Hot Rock

Their musicianship and songwriting continue to grow, and although the music has moved further into the pop realm, they haven't forgot- ten their punk roots. Roger Mountenot [known for his work with Yo La Tengo and Lou Reed] and Kip Beelman recorded this bad boy at Avast [in Seattle]. The sound is dy-no-mite, and the rock is most definitely hot. (Kill Rock Stars, 120 NE State #418, Olympia, WA 98501)