Robert Christgau Word of the Day

su·i ge·ne·ris adj. Being the only example of its kind; unique.

pro·te·an adj. 1. Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings. 2. Exhibiting considerable variety or diversity. (dictionary.reference.com)

Half Japanese Music to Strip By [50 Skadillion Watts, 1987]

What was still authentic cacophony last time has evolved inexorably into avant-gardism, its jazz/r&b elements articulated by ever classier sidemen. All 22 cuts are entertaining at least, and the musicianship adds listenability, which has its uses even with a singer who models himself on a wise-ass nine-year-old--"Silver and Katherine" is almost "beautiful." But the crude, breakneck, sui generis primitivism has slipped away somehow, and for all his protean whatsis (he's definitely a maturing nine-year-old, a contradiction I come to praise not to bury), Jad Fair is less himself without it. As of now, anyway. B+ (www.robertchristgau.com)