If you live in New York, then chances are good that either you or someone you know has once been the Golden Palominos' singer.

With Pure it was Lori Carson's turn, and she was just what this occasionally brilliant but frequently unfocused band needed.

This is probably the Palominos' first great album (unless you count the group's brilliantly abrasive debut).

What's the difference this time? Easy: focus, cogency, and discipline.

Also funky, up-to-the-minute beats percolating under Carson's diaphanous vocals and supporting her intelligent (if sometimes overly precious) lyrics.

Notice how her unbelievably sexy whisper on "Heaven" rubs up against Bill Laswell's ironclad bass; try not to notice the lyrics on "No Skin" ("This dark and secret crime/Cruelty masked as something kind"), and instead luxuriate in the dark and lovely atmospherics.

Very, very nice.

That's Bootsy Collins playing rhythm guitar, by the way.