Rock Tracks

HOLE Be A Man (3:18)
PRODUCERS: Michael Beinhorn, Hole
WRITERS: C. Love, E. Erlandson, B. Corgan
PUBLISHERS: Mother May I/Echo Echo Tunes, BMI
Warner Sunset/Atlantic 9166 (CD promo)
No Fleetwood Mac redux here. Courtney Love and company offer up a slice of femcore with the first single from the soundtrack to "Any Given Sunday," Oliver Stone's pro football epic. In glorious voice, Love caterwauls with her old sense of irony, both drawn to and repelled by the machismo of super-celebrity, power-play athletics. She mixes it up with a grungy guitar track, co-written by bandmate Eric Erlandson and head Smashing Pumpkin Billy Corgan and produced to perfection by Michael Beinhorn.

THE EXIES Baby's Got A Revolution (3:03)
PRODUCER: Steven Haigler
WRITER: not listed
PUBLISHER: not listed
Ultimatum Music (album cut)
There's no way anyone would guess that this mainstream rock foursome is not coming to American shores from the U.K., given its melodic British Invasion signature. But there's definitely the influence of its Los Angeles roots, too, thanks to a massive wall of guitars that sets the background for "Baby's Got A Revolution." It's an intriguing blend of genres that comes off sounding modern, even cutting edge at times. Lead vocalist/guitarist Scott Stevens, lead guitarist David Walsh, bassist Freddy Herrera, and drummer Thom Sullivan all appear masters of their respective duties, while their debut self-titled album shows the promise of a band ready to break. Worth a serious spin. Contact 310-558-0555.

DEATHRAY Happy New Year (2:38)
PRODUCER: Eric Valentine
WRITER: G. Brown
PUBLISHER: not listed
Capricorn Records 314 546 367 (CD promo)
Unfortunately, it may be a little late in the game, but this kitschy midtempo rock offering from gritty outfit Deathray is an embracing little number that encourages us to give up the past and embrace a world waiting: "Happy new year, it's a cold one/Won't you let go of the old one/It's justified, it's a brand new year." It couldn't be more simple, with a chorus, guitar solo, chorus, guitar solo, and fade. But what a neat spitfire for rock radio to remind listeners that a new era has arrived, all in just over 21ƒ2 minutes. Try it, you'll like it.

RATT Live For Today (4:09)
PRODUCER: Richie Zito
WRITERS: B. Blotzer, S. Pearcy, W. De Martini, J. Russell
PUBLISHERS: Blotz Brothers Music/Sep Muzik/Tubba-Licious Music, BMI; Jack Russell Music, ASCAP
Portrait/Columbia 42970 (CD promo)
Hmm . . . Sure enough, we're talking about the group that electrified heavy-metal heads with the 1984 MTV staple "Round And Round" (remember the ironic role played by Milton Berle?). But unlike that fond guitar-blasting recollection, this midtempo ballad reveals little of the band's splashy hard-rock roots. That's not to say that "Live For Today" isn't without its charms. A couple of spins reveals a hooky melody, with an immediately captivating guitar hook, courtesy of guitarist Warren De Martini. Aficionados of the band will also recognize the razor-blade vocals of singer Steve Pearcy. But without the edge to sledge, it's a long shot that mainstream rock stations will give this number serious consideration, leaving it hapless in the search for radio airplay. Regardless, fans of the resurging metal-rock genre may find this a welcome return. From the current Portrait release "Ratt."