Ms. Karie's first true domestic release (last year's self-titled Minty Fresh album was a "best-of" for the American market) should be a source of joy for bubblegum pop fans everywhere -- unless, of course, you shelled out serious cash for the import (or are a record store that's still stuck with a copy). Despite the arresting, disorderly rock clamor of "One Thousand 20th Century Chairs," K.K.K.K.K. doesn't pack as many immediately catchy tracks as Karie's "debut" (for obvious reasons), but its overwhelming sultry-sweetness will win you over within a few listens. Everything hinges on your appreciation of Karie's breathy, sugary-squeaky vocal style; jaunty sing-alongs like "Kahimi Karie et Moi" and brisk jetset voguepop* tracks a la "Qu'est-Ce Que Tu Veux?" go down easily, but there are parts of K.K.K.K.K. during which your enjoyment will hinge upon a taste for all things cute and ultra-girly. Above and beyond her musical skill, Karie chooses her collaborators masterfully: Momus is omnipresent, from the politely pervy "What are You Wearing" to the deja vu diversion of "The Symphonies of Beethoven", and Splendid faves Stereo Total add their distinctively chaotic retro-garage-pop stamp to several tracks. Import buyers will be further peeved by the presence of four bonus remixes, including work by Buffalo Daughter and Add 'N' To (X). Ultimately, K.K.K.K.K. -- like the rest of Karie's work -- succeeds at being playfully erotic, and I can't think of too many people who don't like a bit of playful erotica now and then...George F. Will, perhaps, and really serious emo fans, but otherwise you've got no excuse.

* The term "voguepop" is © 1999 Heidi Anne-Noel, and is used by permission.