In “Sound Advice,” the first Thursday of every month, veteran NEWS entertainment writer Dale McGarrigle reviews new rock, pop, alternative, country, folk or blues albums. Different NEWS writers contribute reviews from other musical genres.

“Word of Mouth” (DreamWorks) — Mac McAnally

McAnally is one of those Renaissance men whose work is instantly recognizable, yet few in the listening public actually know who he is.

The Mississippi native is an esteemed producer and session musician. He’s also written hits for Jimmy Buffett, Alabama, Sawyer Brown, Sammy Kershaw and Nanci Griffith, among others.

Such behind-the-scenes roles rarely lead to any kind of visibility. And even though he’s been recording for nearly a quarter-century, McAnally has never enjoyed a big breakthrough, even though he’s had such hits as “It’s a Crazy World,” “Back Where I Come From,” “Live and Learn” and “Junk Cars.”

“Word of Mouth” should change that, although his whimsical versatility may be cursed by rigidly formatted radio. Maybe adult contemporary radio would have room for the rock of “The Ass and the Hole,” the swing of “Pop Top Hop,” the R&B of “Better Than the Good Old Days” and the soul of “Things to Do Today.”

In a music industry packed with vacuous, pretty young things of both genders, McAnally is one talented veteran whose songs deserve to be snatched up by the album-buying masses. “Word of Mouth” should create a little of the buzz he has already earned.

“Showoff” (Maverick) — Showoff

This debut disc by the Chicago quartet packs a punch, as it blends the sound of a young Elvis Costello (whom the group idolizes) and some serious punk energy.

The ghost of Elvis (the living one) looms large in this album, especially such cuts as “Ralphie” and “Falling Star.” But other cuts enjoy the propulsion of such quintessential punk as The Ramones and the Sex Pistols. It’s obvious the members of Showoff have absorbed and melded some of the best punk and pop of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Part of the fun of the self-titled disc is playing name that influence, but the foursome has also created an intriguing sound all their own.

Band members Chris Envy (singer, songwriter, rhythm guitar), Dave Envy (bass), Dan Castady (drums) and Graham Jordan (lead guitar) may all be in their late teens and early 20s, but these songs have a polish beyond their years. Probably producer John Feldmann of Goldfinger is largely to thank for that quality.

If Showoff can build on this auspicious debut, they can help to bring a classic sound to a generation badly in need of music that’s hooky and riveting, not just drony and self-absorbed.

“This Moment is Mine” (Silas/MCA) — Chante Moore

This up-and-coming soul songstress is one of those secret pleasures that people like to keep to themselves, so that others won’t know about them. It’s always fun to discover something before the bulk of the planet does.

Well, with her versatile third album, Moore isn’t likely to remain a secret much longer. Although she doesn’t overpower listeners with her fetching voice, she does deserve to cross over to the pop charts, alongside booming Whitney and window-shattering Mariah.

On “This Moment is Mine,” the San Francisco native has gathered an all-star collection of producers, even though Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis do the honors on over half the cuts. The result of this collaboration is a dozen memorable reflections on love, affection and commitment, 10 of which she helped to co-write.

Standout tunes include “I See You in a Different Light” (sung with JoJo Hailey of K-Ci & JoJo), the single “Chante’s Got a Man,” her cover of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “I’ve Got the Love” and “Love and the Woman.”

The urban music field is a crowded one, but Moore stands out as a soul sister who deserves to be heard by the listening public. “This Moment is Mine” aptly proves that now is her time.

“Ablum” (Glow Ball Music) — Reach

On this debut album (note the spelling, guys), this Hancock County-based quartet, with the current lineup together for only a couple of years, come off like seasoned pros.

Reach is Geoff Neal (lead guitar, vocals), Schooner Rhodes (rhythm guitar, vocals), Isaac Robbins (bass) and Ted Yoder (drums, vocals). Former bassist Burt Leach also appears on six tracks.

For more than a year, the foursome toiled in Blue Hill’s Unintentional Music studios, working with co-producer John Dyer. The result was well worth the wait.

Reach skillfully blends psychedelic rock, pop and jazz into a heady sonic blend, similar in style to the best of today’s jam bands. Standout cuts include “Land of Me,” “Pigeon,” “You Might Miss Me” and “Roots Hotel.”

“Ablum” reveals what the band’s fans have already discovered: Reach is an up-and-coming group that’s well worth seeking out. (“Ablum” is available at The Grasshopper Shop in Ellsworth or by mail for $12 at P.O. Box 1401, Blue Hill, 04614 or at Ike@downeast.net.)